UK Changes Visa and Settlement Policies from October 2026
The UK Government has published Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 584 on 3 September 2026, introducing a range of changes relating to visas, settlement and immigration procedures. Among the new measures, two changes are particularly relevant to Vietnamese nationals in the UK: the expansion of settlement eligibility for victims of domestic abuse and an increase in the financial maintenance requirement for international students.
Settlement Route Expanded for Victims of Domestic Abuse
One of the most notable changes under HC 584 concerns the settlement route for victims of domestic abuse. From 8 October 2026, the new rules will expand eligibility to include children aged 18 and over in certain circumstances.
Under the new rules, individuals aged 18 or over may be eligible if they currently hold, or previously held, permission to stay in the UK as a child under certain qualifying family visa routes, and their relationship with their parent or their parent’s partner has permanently broken down as a result of domestic abuse.
For example, a mother comes to the UK under a spouse visa and is accompanied by her 19-year-old daughter as a dependent child. If the mother’s relationship with her husband permanently breaks down due to domestic abuse, the daughter may also be considered for settlement under the victim of domestic abuse route.
However, applicants must still fall within the specific visa categories covered by the rules and meet all relevant requirements, including the requirement that the family relationship has permanently broken down as a result of domestic abuse.
International Students Face Higher Financial Maintenance Requirements from 30 November 2026
Another change of particular interest to international students is the increase in the amount of money they must demonstrate for living costs when applying for a UK Student visa.
From 30 November 2026, the minimum financial maintenance requirement will increase to:
- £1,570 per month for students studying in London.
- £1,203 per month for students studying outside London.
Importantly, Student visa applications submitted before 30 November 2026 will be considered under the Immigration Rules in force on 29 November 2026. Students who are currently preparing their applications should therefore pay close attention to the date they submit their application.
Changes to Visa and Immigration Procedures
In addition to the two key changes above, HC 584 introduces a number of technical amendments to the UK’s Immigration Rules. These include changes relating to fee waivers, how the application date is determined in certain circumstances, biometric procedures, the long residence route, the Visitor route, as well as certain provisions for workers and religious workers.
These changes will come into force on different dates. Anyone preparing a UK visa application should therefore check the effective date of the specific rule that applies to their visa route to ensure they are following the correct requirements.
Source: Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 584, 3 September 2026
Galaxy Travel & Holidays – Keeping You Updated on UK Visa and Immigration Policies
Changes to the UK’s Immigration Rules can directly affect plans for studying, family reunification, applying for a visa or settling in the UK. With many years of experience operating in the United Kingdom, Galaxy Travel & Holidays keeps up to date with the latest changes to visa, immigration and travel policies to support the Vietnamese community in the UK and international clients.
If you are planning to travel to the UK or would like to learn more about the latest visa and immigration requirements, contact Galaxy Travel & Holidays for detailed guidance and support.
Galaxy Travel & Holidays
- Hotline: +44 20 8694 6688
- Address: 210 Deptford High Street, London, SE8 3PR
- Website: www.thienha.co.uk
