UK Visas and Immigration Updates Sponsorship Management System (SMS) Guidance with New Multi-Factor Authentication Manual and Glossary Terms

What changed

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have finished their 2026 Migration, Justice, and Home Affairs Dialogue, confirming they will work more closely together on managing migration, justice matters, and serious organised crime. This meeting, held in London on 6 October 2026, builds on earlier agreements. It focuses on shared goals to effectively manage migration and strengthen border systems. Key outcomes include new programmes for checking visa applications, practical cooperation, and working together judicially to tackle organised immigration crime and help with returns. An expert legal meeting is also planned to discuss sentencing for organised immigration crime. This strategic alignment will affect government agencies, legal professionals, and anyone involved in migration between the two countries.

What changed

The UK Home Secretary has announced that, from 15 October 2026, Eritrean VIPs and government officials will no longer have fast-track access to UK visas. This action, along with new travel restrictions for Eritrean diplomats in the UK, is aimed at Eritrea because it is not cooperating with the return of its nationals who are in the UK without permission. The Home Secretary has also threatened a complete ban on visas for all Eritrean citizens if Eritrea does not quickly improve its cooperation on returns.

What changed

On 14 October 2026, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), published a proposed rule that would remove the requirement for immigration officers to give deference to certain previous eligibility approvals when deciding subsequent employment-related immigration petitions. The proposal targets 8 CFR 214.1(c)(5), a regulation introduced in December 2024 that generally instructs USCIS officers to defer to an earlier approval when a subsequent request involves the same parties and underlying facts, unless a specified exception applies.

What changed

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has updated its guidance concerning Secure English Language Test (SELT) centres, revising the lists of approved testing locations both inside and outside the United Kingdom. This update, effective from 12 October 2026, provides current information for individuals who need to demonstrate their English language proficiency for visa or citizenship applications. The changes primarily involve adjustments to the availability and details of authorised test centres, impacting all applicants required to take a SELT.