Here is a summary of the most significant immigration policy changes across key jurisdictions this month. This page is updated monthly. The legal team should verify all details against primary sources before publication.
United Kingdom: Major changes for employers and sponsors
The UK's sponsorship and Skilled Worker regime has undergone its most significant restructuring in recent years, with several changes now in effect.
From 22 July 2025, overseas recruitment of social care workers through the Skilled Worker route ended, and a revised list of eligible occupations came into force removing medium-skilled roles at RQF levels 3–5 unless specifically listed on the Temporary Shortage List.
From 8 January 2026, applicants for Skilled Worker Visa, Scale-up and High Potential Individual visas have needed B2 English proficiency — a higher standard than the previous B1 requirement.
From 8 April 2026, Skilled Worker salary requirements changed materially: sponsored workers must now be paid the correct salary within each pay period rather than as an average over a full year. UKVI can now intervene faster against sponsors suspected of underpayment without needing a full year of salary data.
A visa brake introduced from 26 March 2026 means Afghan nationals are no longer eligible for Skilled Worker route entry clearance. Nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan are also no longer permitted to apply for student visa entry clearance from that date.
From 3 August 2026, further Immigration Rules changes took effect: a child born in the UK during a parent's Graduate route permission can now apply as a dependant and receive permission in line with the parent. A new Diplomatic Visa Arrangement also provides a simplified visitor visa process for eligible Indian diplomatic passport holders nominated by the Indian government.
For UK employers holding a sponsor licence, the compliance expectations have been materially strengthened. The cumulative effect of updates to sponsor licence guidance over the past year is clear: the Home Office's enforcement approach has tightened, and compliance errors that may previously have resulted in a warning are now more likely to result in licence suspension or revocation. Employers should review their Sponsor Management System records, right-to-work documentation, and salary payment processes against current requirements (immigration compliance review). Hudson McKenzie advises UK employers on sponsor licence applications and ongoing compliance — contact our London office for guidance (updated sponsor licence guidance).
United Arab Emirates: Visa-on-arrival expansion and dependent visa changes
From 30 June 2026, nationals of Indonesia, Kenya, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam who hold valid residence permits from select countries including Australia, Canada, EU member states, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom or the United States are now eligible for a visa-on-arrival in the UAE.
The UAE has also raised the dependent visa salary threshold from AED 3,000 to AED 4,000 per month, affecting sponsors seeking to bring family members to the UAE under a dependent visa.
For individuals and businesses navigating UAE residency and visa requirements, Hudson McKenzie's Dubai team provides specialist advisory — contact our Dubai office or see our UAE Golden Visa guidance.
United States: Significant tightening of entry and visa rules
From 1 January 2026, the United States suspended entry and visa issuance, fully or partially, for nationals of 39 countries. On 21 January 2026, a further pause on immigrant visa issuance was introduced for nationals of 75 countries considered high-risk, though nonimmigrant categories including tourist, student, and work visas were spared.
In July 2026, the US Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule replacing admission for Duration of Status with fixed periods of stay for F, J, and I nonimmigrants — a significant structural change for international students and exchange visitors.
From July through December 2026, the US State Department is running a pilot expedited visa service at select embassies and consulates, allowing business and tourist visa applicants to secure an interview appointment within ten days for an additional fee of $750 on top of the standard application fee.
For individuals with EB-5 investment immigration interests, the August 2026 Visa Bulletin confirms that EB-2 India and EB-5 unreserved India remain unavailable. See our EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme page for further information.
Canada: Parents and Grandparents Programme update
Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has issued a pause update on sponsorship applications under the Parents and Grandparents Programme as of July 2026. Individuals affected by this pause should seek up-to-date advice on their options. Contact our team for guidance on Canadian residency and immigration alternatives including the Quebec Immigrant Investor Programme.
New Zealand: Skilled Migrant Category overhaul
From 24 August 2026, significant changes to New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category take effect, including new Trades and Technician and Skilled Work Experience residence pathways, revised qualification evidence requirements, and simplified wage threshold rules. Related changes also apply to Work to Residence, Care Workforce Work to Residence, and Transport Work to Residence visas.
China: Visa-free entry extended
China has extended its visa-free entry policy for citizens of more than 40 countries until 31 December 2026. The scheme covers major European nations, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Gulf countries including the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Eligible travellers can stay for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, or transit. Nationals of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom are not included in this scheme and continue to require a visa.
How Hudson McKenzie can help
If any of these changes affect your immigration status, your employees, or your business plans, our team is available to advise. Please contact us by email at londoninfo@hudsonmckenzie.com or by telephone on +44 (0) 20 3318 5794. You can also visit our offices page for details of our London, Dubai, and Riyadh teams.
Related services and guidance from Hudson McKenzie:
- UK Sponsor Licence — applications and compliance support for UK employers
- Skilled Worker Visa — sponsoring overseas workers to the UK
- Immigration Compliance — audit and compliance advisory for licensed sponsors
- UAE Golden Visa — long-term residency in the United Arab Emirates
- Residency by Investment Programmes — global residency options for investors and HNWIs
- EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme — US permanent residence by investment
The information provided in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently — always seek professional advice specific to your circumstances.
This page is updated monthly with the latest global immigration policy changes. Last updated: August 2026."
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