Published: 03.09.2026
Changes to the UK Immigration Rules covering routes including the EU Settlement Scheme, Hong Kong BN(O), ministers of religion and victims of domestic abuse took effect on 8 October 2026. Applications for entry, permission to stay, electronic travel authorisation or administrative review submitted before that date are decided under the previous rules.
The changes affect several special immigration routes and have applied since 8 October 2026. The key practical point is the transition date: applications submitted before then are assessed under the rules in force on 7 October, so the filing date can determine which requirements apply. The amendments also specify a five-year continuous period on a settlement route for the Hong Kong BN(O) pathway and alter validity requirements for some applications. This is most relevant to BN(O) applicants, EU Settlement Scheme users, ministers of religion, victims of domestic abuse and people preparing an immigration review, according to the official source.