On March 12, 2025, the UK government published a statement of changes in immigration rules (HC 733). An explanatory memorandum and a written parliamentary statement accompanied the statement of changes. Most of the changes take effect on April 9, 2025.
Key Changes and Information
- Introduction of a visit visa requirement on Trinidad and Tobago, this will come into effect at 15:00 GMT on March 12, 2025.
- Changes to the Ukraine scheme, this will come into effect on various dates from April 2, 2025, as detailed in the statement of changes.
- Changes relating to the EU settlement scheme (EUSS), this will come into effect on April 9, 2025.
- Changes relating to care workers in the skilled worker route, this will come into effect on April 9, 2025.
- Changes to the minimum salary for skilled worker visas, this will come into effect on April 9, 2025.
Exemptions for British Nationals (overseas)
- British nationals (overseas) are removed from the list of nationalities requiring an electronic travel authorization (ETA) for travel to the UK.
- All children aged 18 and under visiting the UK in organized French school groups are exempted from the ETA requirement.
Other Changes
- A genuine intention to study rule has been added to Appendix Short-term Student to the Immigration Rules. This will enable caseworkers to refuse applications where they are not satisfied the applicant on this route has a genuine intention to study the course listed on their application and to leave the UK at the end of their course.
- Minor changes are being made to the requirements for the Global Talent routes.
- On May 29, 2025, a new definition of “nominated guardian” will be added to the immigration rules, relevant to Appendix Child Student.
- New care and living arrangements requirements are being added to Appendix Child Student.
- The free out-of-country error correction team is going to be expanded to cover cases in-country where there is an error in the conditions or time period in a grant of permission.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.