UK Spouse and Family Visa Updates – Immigration Rule Changes

The UK government has announced significant changes to the Immigration Rules in the Statement of Changes HC 997, most of which come into effect. While these changes mainly affect work and skilled visa routes, they form part of a wider shift in the UK’s immigration landscape that may indirectly impact those planning to join family members in the UK.

Key Updates Introduced Under HC 997:

The 2026 Statement of Changes (HC 997) introduces several significant updates, particularly focused on the Skilled Worker route and other work-based visas. While there are no direct changes to spouse visa rules in this statement, the broader policy environment means family visa applicants should stay informed.

Skilled Worker Route Changes:

The Skilled Worker visa route will be restricted to jobs classified at RQF Level 6 and above. RQF Level 6 is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree. Previously, certain roles at RQF Level 3 (A-level or equivalent) were also eligible.

This change removes around 180 lower-skilled roles from eligibility under the Skilled Worker visa. The government’s stated intention is to prioritise higher-skilled migration and reduce overall migration levels.

Increased Salary Thresholds:

• The general salary threshold for most graduate-level roles under the Skilled Worker visa rises to £41,700 per year (or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher).
• Lower thresholds may apply for:
  • PhD holders
  • New entrants (workers under 26, recent graduates, or those switching from student visas)
  • Specific public sector roles

The Home Office will continue to rely on the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data to determine occupation-specific salary rates. Only the first 48 hours per week of work will count towards meeting salary thresholds (as clarified in the Immigration Rules).

Check Also: Sponsorship Letter for UK Spouse Visa 2026 – Complete Guide

Why This Matters for Families?

If your partner is in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, these changes could affect:

• Their ability to extend their visa if their job is removed from the list of eligible occupations
• Their salary level, which might impact the financial requirement for spouse visas under Appendix FM

Example:
Sarah’s partner is a Senior Care Worker currently sponsored under the Skilled Worker route. From July 2026, this role will no longer be eligible. If Sarah’s partner loses sponsorship, they could fall below the income required for a spouse visa application, potentially jeopardising Sarah’s ability to join or remain in the UK.

For the official Skilled Occupations list, see the UK Government guidance: Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations – GOV.UK

Closure of Overseas Recruitment for Care Workers:

One of the most significant changes in HC 997 is the closure of new overseas recruitment for:

• Care workers (SOC code 6145)
• Senior care workers (SOC code 6146)

Employers in the UK can no longer sponsor new overseas care workers under the Skilled Worker route. This decision follows concerns around non-compliance and exploitation in the care sector (see HC 997, Paragraph XX.X).

Transitional Provisions:

Care workers already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa can:

• Remain with their current sponsor
• Switch into other eligible visa routes
• Apply for extensions up to July 2028, provided they have worked for their current sponsor for at least three months before applying.

This closure could significantly affect families relying on care sector roles for income eligibility under the spouse visa financial requirement.

Introduction of the Temporary Shortage List (TSL):

The government has announced a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) under HC 997. This list:

• Allows sponsorship of certain skilled roles facing temporary shortages
• Will run until at least December 2026
• Does not allow migrants on TSL visas to bring dependants to the UK
• Does not offer reduced salary thresholds or visa fees

Why This Matters:
While the TSL provides short-term work options, it offers no pathway for family reunification under dependent visas. For families considering alternative work routes, this is an important limitation.

Closure of ARAP and ACRS:

The government has announced the closure of new applications under:

• Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP)
• Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)

However, existing commitments under both schemes will continue to be honoured. New applicants seeking to come to the UK under these schemes will no longer be accepted after the dates specified in HC 997.

Why These Changes Matter?

While the spouse visa rules themselves have not been directly changed under HC 997, the government’s shift towards:

• Reducing lower-skilled migration
• Raising income thresholds
• Limiting dependants under certain work routes

…suggests future immigration policy may continue in a restrictive direction. It’s crucial for families to plan ahead, especially if relying on a partner’s income from work in the UK to meet spouse visa requirements.

Does This Directly Impact Spouse Visa Applicants?

Under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, spouse visa applicants must meet a financial requirement, usually:

• £29,000 per year from Spring 2026 (previously £18,600) — subject to further government announcements.

While the changes in HC 997 do not alter the rules for spouse visas directly, they indirectly affect families because:

• Some roles are no longer eligible for sponsorship
• Income levels may change
• Families relying on employment income to meet the spouse visa financial threshold could be impacted

Frequently Asked Questions: