Key takeaways
- Statement of Changes HC 584 was published on 3 September 2026. Most changes took effect on 8 October 2026.
- Student maintenance (living-cost) figures rise from 30 November 2026: £1,570 in London, up from £1,529, and £1,203 outside London, up from £1,171.
- Visitor rules were widened for some activities, and Long Residence applicants can vary to the family or private life routes.
- Most other changes are technical, such as biometrics on variation applications and EU Settlement Scheme rules.
The Home Office laid Statement of Changes HC 584 on 3 September 2026. Most of it took effect on 8 October 2026, with a few changes later in the year. Much of it is technical, so here is what matters for people applying from India.
Changes that matter for Indian students
From 30 November 2026 the maintenance amounts used in the Student route increase. In the rules, the London figure goes from £1,529 to £1,570, and the figure outside London from £1,171 to £1,203. If you are applying for a UK course, check which figure applies to your application date and your course location, and make sure your funds meet it.
Visitor route: wider permitted activities
- The rules for permitted meetings and rehearsals were broadened, and skills competitions are now covered.
- Entertainment staff can assist permitted activities.
- The condition that training must be unavailable in the visitor’s home country was removed.
- New Erasmus+ activities were added, including short traineeships and job shadowing.
Other changes in HC 584
- Biometrics are required for variation applications, and the way the application date is set after a fee waiver request was revised.
- A new suitability ground covers acting to frustrate immigration controls.
- Long Residence applicants can vary their application to the family or private life routes without a new application fee, but must pay the Immigration Health Charge.
- Skilled Worker: people with a positive Conclusive Grounds decision from the National Referral Mechanism can work for another employer.
- Hong Kong BN(O): five years of permission on a settlement route is required, unless the applicant is under 18.
- Start-up route: most of the provisions of this route, which closed in 2023, were deleted.
- EU Settlement Scheme rules were revised, with a further change to identity document requirements from 9 December 2026.
- Religious Worker and Minister of Religion rules change from 29 October 2026.
What is not in this statement
HC 584 does not contain the earned-settlement changes that have been discussed. If you are planning around the time it takes to settle in the UK, watch for later statements rather than assuming this one changed it.
Check your UK route
A quick check of your Skilled Worker eligibility, salary and points.
General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules, fees and deadlines change; we confirm what applies at your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What is HC 584?
When does the UK student maintenance amount increase?
Do the changes affect Skilled Worker salary thresholds?
Did the visitor rules change?
Are the earned-settlement changes in this statement?
Where can I read the rules?
Official sources
- GOV.UK — Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 584, 3 September 2026
- Hudson McKenzie — UK immigration rule changes, October 2026
- Legal 500 — Important UK immigration rule changes from autumn 2026
General information only, current at the date shown. It is not immigration advice for your circumstances. Information on this site is general guidance only and not legal, migration or investment advice. Rules, fees and occupation lists change frequently — always confirm current requirements with the relevant government authority before acting.
Found this useful? Share it
Who will assist you
Sumit Kumar
Chartered Accountant & Australian Registered Migration Agent · MARN 1803385
I migrated from India to Melbourne as a skilled migrant in 2005 and became an Australian citizen in 2010, so I know first-hand what it takes to rebuild a career and a life in a new country — the paperwork and the waiting, and also the job search, the loneliness and the pressure of starting over far from home. Since 2013 I have advised individuals, families and businesses on migration and cross-border moves, combining migration casework with a Chartered Accountant's view of tax, funds and business structure.
