UK visa changes in October and November 2026: what you need to know

From October 2026, changes to UK visitor visa rules take effect, and from 30 November, changes for students. Financial requirements for students in London increase to £1,570 per month, and outside the city to £1,235. Some rules apply only to new applications, while previously submitted ones remain under the old conditions.

Visitor visas and business programmes

From 8 October, reliefs are introduced for certain business training activities. In specific cases, you will no longer need to prove that the training is unavailable in your home country. For artists and musicians, rehearsals become more clearly defined as a permitted activity.

New routes appear within training and learning programmes. However, it is important to remember: such visas are not equivalent to a general work visa. Only the activity specified in the immigration route is permitted. You cannot expand the types of work beyond what is set out.

Student visas: new financial requirements

From 30 November 2026, financial requirements for students increase. Those studying in London must have £1,570 per month. Outside London, the required amount is £1,235 per month. The calculation is usually based on a period of up to nine months.

This means that if you submit your application after 30 November and use the old financial figures, your balance may be insufficient. Even a shortfall of a few pounds can result in refusal. It is recommended to recalculate the required amount and ensure that your bank statement meets the new requirements.

Protection of previously submitted applications

An important principle of the transition period: new rules apply only to new applications. This applies to both students and other categories. Those who have already submitted an application before 30 November can expect consideration under the previous financial requirements.

However, there is a critical note for fee waivers: do not assume that future applications will automatically fall under the old rules simply because a fee waiver request was submitted earlier. A fee waiver request and the immigration application itself are different legal documents. This distinction is important when assessing your rights.

Criminal history and border control

If you have a conviction and plan to travel using an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), check the eligibility rules in advance. A criminal history may affect your ability to enter.

For family members joining under the EUSS system (European Union settled status), it is important to record the date of entry and the three-month residence rights period. This information will be needed for any future immigration procedures.

Checks before submitting your application

Before submitting your documents, make sure of the following: check when your current visa expires, whether there is still a fee waiver request in progress, which route it was submitted under. If you have received Skilled Worker sponsorship, before switching to another route, check your position in Section 3C or consult with an immigration lawyer.

Fee waiver approval provides 10 working days to use it. Do not miss this deadline. If your personal history includes issues with domestic violence, start gathering evidence now. Never hide information about immigration penalties, fee waiver requests or criminal convictions – such omissions lead to refusals.

Timing decides the outcome

Do not delay submitting your application until the last moment. In practice, immigration cases fail not only because of the law, but often due to problems with route selection, timeliness of submission or insufficient evidence. Taking the right action at the right time can dramatically change the outcome.