UK Immigration Rules Guide 2025

Section A: Overview of the UK Immigration Rules

The UK Immigration Rules are a comprehensive set of regulations that govern the entry, stay, and exit of foreign nationals in the United Kingdom. They form the framework through which the Home Office implements immigration policy and determine who can come to the UK, for how long, and under what conditions. They apply to those who are not British or Irish citizens and who do not hold settled status.

At over 1,100 pages, the Rules are long and highly detailed, and they are frequently amended, often several times a year. This constant change makes them challenging for both applicants and sponsors to interpret. While supplementary Home Office guidance exists to assist caseworkers in applying the Rules, this guidance can add further layers of information and can be difficult for applicants and employers to work through without professional advice.

The complexity of the Immigration Rules, combined with the strict approach taken by the Home Office, means that even small errors or omissions in an application can result in refusal. Professional guidance is often needed to ensure eligibility and procedural requirements are fully met.

In this guide, we provide an overview of the key provisions of the UK Immigration Rules and highlight the main practical requirements when making an immigration application.

1. Key Provisions of the UK Immigration Rules

The UK Immigration Rules begin with introductory provisions, covering transitional arrangements, provisions for Irish citizens, and definitions of key terms. Irish citizens do not require leave to enter or remain in the UK under the Immigration Rules, reflecting the UK’s commitments under the Common Travel Area.

The introduction is contained in paragraphs 1 to 6.2.(b) of the Rules, which also set out definitions such as “approved sponsor”, “sponsor licence”, and “certificate of sponsorship”.

The following Parts then apply:

Parts 2, 3, 4, 10 and 15 have been deleted. These previously dealt with transitional provisions relating to visitors, certain rules relating to students and au pairs, police registration and ATAS clearance. These requirements were either abolished or replaced elsewhere in the Rules. For example, the ATAS requirement is now covered by Appendix ATAS.

2. Recent Changes to the UK Immigration Rules

The UK Immigration Rules are regularly updated through formal Statements of Changes and broader policy documents such as White Papers. Employers and applicants must keep track of these, as eligibility, salary thresholds and dependant rights often shift without transitional protection.

Key recent changes include:

• UK Immigration White Paper, May 2025: Proposals to raise Skilled Worker thresholds, extend settlement from 5 to 10 years for many workers, tighten family visas, and close care worker dependant rights.
• Statement of Changes HC 733 (March 2025): Increased Skilled Worker salary minimum to £25,000, barred certain deductions from salaries, imposed new recruitment checks for care roles, and added visa restrictions for Trinidad and Tobago nationals.
• Statement of Changes HC 334 (November 2024): Introduced visa requirements for Colombians, created the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme, and clarified long residence rules.
• Statement of Changes HC 836 (June 2025): Made pre-settled to settled status upgrades automatic for EU Settlement Scheme holders, tightened asylum-related exclusions under Part 9, and expanded Appendix Private Life settlement options.
• Statement of Changes HC 997 (July 2025): From 22 July 2025, raised Skilled Worker salary thresholds again with ASHE data, removed RQF 3–5 roles outside a new Temporary Shortage List, closed overseas recruitment of care workers, and replaced the Shortage Occupation List with the Immigration Salary List.

3. Appendices for Work Routes under the UK Immigration Rules

The appendices to the Immigration Rules provide detailed provisions for each visa route. For work routes, some require sponsorship by an approved UK employer, while others allow unsponsored employment.

a. Appendix Skilled Worker

Under the provisions of Appendix Skilled Worker, the route requires a genuine job offer in an eligible occupation from a licensed sponsor and assignment of a valid Certificate of Sponsorship. From 22 July 2025 most roles must meet degree‑level skill at RQF 6 with salary thresholds aligned to 2024 ASHE data. Sub‑degree roles are limited to those on a time‑limited Temporary Shortage List at RQF 3–5. The Immigration Salary List replaces the Shortage Occupation List and can allow discounted salary benchmarks for specified roles. Eligibility is cross‑checked against Appendix Skilled Occupations. English language and maintenance must be met or certified by the sponsor where allowed. Permission is typically granted for up to 5 years at a time, extendable, with eligibility for settlement after 5 years where requirements are met.

b. Appendix Scale‑up

Applicants need a qualifying job offer from a Home Office approved Scale‑up sponsor meeting the route’s salary threshold and skill level. Sponsorship is required only for the first 6 months, after which permission becomes unsponsored for the balance of the grant. Applicants must meet English language and maintenance rules. Initial permission is usually granted for 2 years, then extendable in 3‑year blocks if earnings and other criteria are evidenced. Indefinite leave can follow after 5 years if settlement criteria are met.

c. Appendix Global Business Mobility (GBM)

GBM comprises sponsored routes for temporary assignments tied to an overseas business. The principal sub‑routes include:

• Senior or Specialist Worker – intra‑group transfers into senior or specialist roles. Higher salary and skill thresholds apply. Time on the route does not count to settlement.
• Graduate Trainee – structured graduate programmes with a training plan and lower salary threshold than Senior or Specialist Worker. No settlement.
• UK Expansion Worker – to establish a UK presence where the overseas business has no trading UK entity. Tighter caps, sponsor licensing via a provisional pathway, and no settlement.
• Service Supplier – contract‑based assignments under qualifying international trade commitments. No settlement.
• Secondment Worker – secondments tied to high‑value contracts between overseas and UK entities. No settlement.

All GBM sub‑routes require sponsorship, route‑specific eligibility, and compliance with general suitability and validity rules. Grants are time‑limited and generally do not lead to settlement on their own.

d. Appendix Graduate

An unsponsored post‑study route for those who successfully completed an eligible UK degree with a licensed higher education provider. English was satisfied in the prior Student application. No job offer is needed and work is broadly permitted except for some professional training. Permission is typically 2 years, or 3 years for PhD and other doctorates. Time on this route does not count towards settlement but switching to a settlement‑leading route such as Skilled Worker is possible if criteria are met.

e. Appendix Global Talent

An unsponsored route for leaders or potential leaders in science, engineering, humanities, social science, medicine, digital technology, or arts and culture. Most applicants need endorsement by an approved body, though certain prestigious prize holders can apply without endorsement. Work is flexible, self‑employment is permitted, and there is no specific salary threshold. Permission is commonly granted in blocks up to 5 years and is extendable. Settlement can be available after 3 or 5 years depending on the endorsement pathway and field.

f. Appendix High Potential Individual (HPI)

An unsponsored route for recent graduates of institutions on the Global Universities List who completed an eligible qualification equivalent to UK bachelor’s level or above. No job offer is required. Permission is typically 2 years for bachelor’s or master’s degree holders, and 3 years for PhD or other doctoral qualifications. The route does not lead to settlement but switching into a settlement‑leading work route is possible if requirements are met.

g. Appendix Temporary Work routes

Sponsored, short‑term routes designed to support specific sectors and purposes:

• Creative Worker – engagements in the creative sector with a genuine vacancy and, where relevant, codes of practice. Time‑limited, no settlement.
• Religious Worker – temporary religious roles that do not meet Minister of Religion criteria. Time‑limited, no settlement.
• Charity Worker – unpaid voluntary roles for a charitable organisation. Time‑limited, no settlement.
• Government Authorised Exchange – exchange schemes, research, and training with an approved scheme sponsor. Time‑limited, no settlement.
• International Agreement – contractual service suppliers, independent professionals and other categories under international law commitments. Time‑limited, no settlement.
• Seasonal Worker – short‑term roles in eligible sectors with strict caps and windows. Time‑limited, no settlement.

3. Official Guidance

Official Home Office guidance falls into two broad sets: public “caseworker” guidance that explains how to assess applications under each Appendix, and sponsor guidance that sets duties for licence holders. It sits under GOV.UK collections for workers and temporary workers, students and family, together with route-specific pages. For sponsors, the Workers and Temporary Workers sponsor guidance remains the main reference.

Caseworkers are trained to start with the Rule then use guidance to decide whether the submitted evidence satisfies it. Where the Rule is prescriptive, discretion is narrow. Where the Rule is broadly worded, guidance will often list acceptable proofs, risk indicators and examples. Decisions should be consistent with published guidance, but the Rule prevails if there is any conflict.

Version control matters. Guidance PDFs carry version numbers and dates. Save the exact versions used when preparing a file and cite them in your cover note or decision memo. If a change lands mid-preparation, pause to confirm whether new thresholds, lists or forms apply to your application date, not the job offer date.

Evidence standards are set out in guidance where the Rule is silent. Typical requirements include document translation rules, letter content, acceptable formats for bank statements, and when screenshots are acceptable. For sponsors, Appendix D spells out what to retain and for how long. Treat these as minimum standards, not targets.

Guidance also describes verification. UKVI may cross-check HMRC payroll data, Companies House records and education provider registers. Sponsors can face desk-based checks or site visits. Expect contact with employers or schools to verify offers, attendance and qualifications. Assume officials will spot inconsistencies across your forms, letters and uploaded documents.

Evidential flexibility exists in limited form. Caseworkers can sometimes ask for a missing document or a clearer copy within short timeframes. It is not a right and should not be relied upon. If a document is mandatory under the Rule or Appendix, the absence will usually lead to refusal rather than a request.

Use guidance proactively. Structure your submission to mirror the headings in the relevant Appendix and cite the matching guidance passages. Map each requirement to a specific document, explain any edge cases and pre-empt risk points the guidance flags, such as genuineness of vacancy, permitted deductions or supplementary work.

When guidance updates create uncertainty, record your approach. Note the Rule text relied on, the guidance version and the reasoning behind any interpretation. If a decision departs from guidance, consider administrative review where available or legal advice on whether the decision is challengeable.

Section B: UK Points-Based Immigration System

The UK operates a points-based immigration system (PBS) that applies to the majority of economic migration routes, including work and study visas. The PBS was introduced to create a unified framework following the end of EU free movement and has since evolved through successive Statements of Changes. It sits within the Immigration Rules and is structured through individual Appendices.

The PBS is designed to assess applicants objectively against mandatory and tradeable requirements. Core factors include whether the applicant has a job offer from an approved sponsor, the skill and salary level of that role, qualifications, English language ability and financial stability. Each route has its own eligibility criteria set out in its Appendix, but the system as a whole aims to balance labour market needs with immigration control.

The PBS is not exhaustive. Family, visitor, protection and bespoke schemes sit outside the points-based structure, although they are still governed by the Immigration Rules. The PBS routes are however the main channels for skilled workers, students, entrepreneurs, graduates and global talent.

Below is a detailed overview of the principal visa types, including both PBS and non-PBS categories.

1. Skilled Worker visa

The Skilled Worker route is the main work visa under the PBS. Applicants require a genuine job offer from a licensed UK sponsor, assignment of a Certificate of Sponsorship, and compliance with role-specific salary and skill thresholds. From 22 July 2025, most eligible roles are at degree-level skill (RQF 6) with salary minimums linked to 2024 ASHE data. Certain RQF 3–5 roles remain eligible only if listed on the Temporary Shortage List, which is time-limited and expires at the end of 2026. The Shortage Occupation List has been replaced by the Immigration Salary List. English language and financial maintenance must also be met unless exempt. Visas are granted for up to five years, extendable, and lead to indefinite leave to remain after five years if continuous residence and other settlement requirements are satisfied.

2. Scale-up visa

The Scale-up route combines elements of sponsorship with unsponsored work. Applicants need a job offer from an approved scale-up sponsor, meeting required salary and skill thresholds. Sponsorship applies for the first six months, after which the visa becomes unsponsored for the remainder of the grant. Initial permission is two years, with extensions of three years possible if minimum income thresholds are met. English language and financial requirements apply. The route provides flexibility and can lead to settlement after five years of continuous qualifying residence.

3. Global Business Mobility routes

The Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes are sponsored categories for temporary assignments by overseas businesses. They do not lead directly to settlement but provide pathways for multinationals and service suppliers. The sub-routes include:

• Senior or Specialist Worker – intra-group transfers into senior or specialist posts. Higher salary thresholds apply. No settlement route.
• Graduate Trainee – for participants in structured graduate training programmes with a training plan. Lower salary thresholds apply. No settlement route.
• UK Expansion Worker – for setting up a UK branch of an overseas business with no trading presence. Sponsorship required. No settlement route.
• Service Supplier – for overseas workers providing services under international trade agreements. No settlement route.
• Secondment Worker – for assignments linked to high-value contracts between overseas and UK entities. No settlement route.

4. Student visa

The Student route allows overseas nationals to pursue studies at licensed education providers. Applicants must hold an unconditional offer confirmed by a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), meet English language requirements, and prove sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs unless exempt. Permission is granted for the course duration plus a short additional period. Work is limited to part-time during term and full-time during vacations. The route does not lead directly to settlement but graduates may switch into Skilled Worker, Scale-up or Global Talent routes.

5. Graduate visa

The Graduate route is unsponsored and open to those who successfully completed an eligible UK bachelor’s degree, master’s or PhD with a licensed provider. No job offer is required and applicants may work in most roles. Permission is two years for undergraduate or master’s graduates and three years for doctoral graduates. The visa does not lead to settlement but is commonly used to transition into Skilled Worker or other settlement-eligible categories.

6. Global Talent visa

Global Talent is an unsponsored route for highly skilled individuals in science, academia, digital technology, or the arts. Applicants usually require endorsement by a designated endorsing body, unless exempt as a prize-holder. There are no sponsorship or salary thresholds. The visa provides wide work flexibility, including self-employment. It is typically granted for up to five years, extendable, and offers accelerated settlement in some fields after three years.

7. High Potential Individual visa

The High Potential Individual (HPI) route is unsponsored and open to recent graduates of institutions listed on the Global Universities List. Applicants must have completed an eligible qualification equivalent to UK bachelor’s level or higher. No job offer is required. Permission is two years for bachelor’s and master’s graduates, and three years for PhD holders. The visa does not lead to settlement, but switching into other routes is permitted.

8. Temporary Worker routes

The Temporary Worker routes facilitate short-term sponsored employment in specific sectors. Sub-routes include:

• Creative Worker – short-term creative sector engagements.
• Religious Worker – temporary non-ministerial religious roles.
• Charity Worker – unpaid voluntary work for charitable organisations.
• Government Authorised Exchange – training, work experience and research placements through approved schemes.
• International Agreement – roles covered by international trade obligations.
• Seasonal Worker – temporary roles in designated sectors such as agriculture and horticulture.

All Temporary Worker routes require sponsorship, are time-limited and do not lead to settlement.

9. Family visas

Family visas fall outside the PBS but remain a major immigration route. The spouse or partner visa under Appendix FM is the most common. Applicants must show a genuine relationship, meet the financial requirement (£29,000 annual income, or savings alternatives), and satisfy English language standards. Visas are normally granted for 30 months at a time and can lead to indefinite leave to remain after five or ten years, depending on the route taken. Other provisions exist for children, parents and adult dependent relatives.

10. Visitor visas

Visitor visas are short-term permissions, usually for up to six months, covering tourism, business, family visits or short study. Paid work is prohibited except for specific permitted activities. Applicants must show they are genuine visitors with the intention of leaving the UK at the end of their stay. The route does not permit switching and does not lead to settlement.

11. Humanitarian and protection routes

The Rules include asylum, refugee and humanitarian protection categories, found in Parts 11, 11A and 11B. These provide protection where there is a risk of persecution or serious harm. Bespoke schemes include the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme and the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy. Successful applicants are usually granted five years’ permission with the right to work, access public funds, and apply for settlement at the end of that period.

Section C: Applicant Requirements under the UK Immigration Rules

The Rules impose three sets of requirements: validity, suitability and eligibility.

1. Validity Requirements

Applications must be submitted on the correct form, with the fee and Immigration Health Surcharge paid where applicable, a valid passport or travel document provided, and biometrics enrolled.

2. Suitability Requirements

Applicants must not fall for refusal under Part 9. Some grounds, such as serious criminality or deception, are mandatory. Others, such as certain past breaches, are discretionary.

3. Eligibility Requirements

For work routes, eligibility usually requires a Certificate of Sponsorship, a qualifying role and salary, plus English language and financial maintenance.

Maintenance is normally £1,270 for the main applicant. Dependants must show £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for each further child, unless exempt or certified by the sponsor.

English language is assessed across reading, writing, speaking and listening, usually with a Secure English Language Test or degree taught in English, as specified in Appendix English Language.

Section D: Interpreting the Immigration Rules

The Immigration Rules are drafted in legal terms and are applied strictly by UKVI caseworkers. Each application is assessed against the exact requirements set out in the Rules. If a requirement is not met or supporting evidence is missing, refusal is likely.

To assist decision-makers, the Home Office publishes detailed internal guidance. This explains how to interpret the Rules in practice, including what documents are acceptable and when discretion may be applied. While guidance does not carry the same legal weight as the Rules, it heavily influences decisions and applicants should always refer to the most recent version.

Common errors include submitting outdated forms, assuming incomplete evidence will be accepted, or relying on rules as they stood at the time of a past application. Frequent updates mean even small changes can result in refusal if overlooked.

1. Practical Tips for Interpreting the Rules

a. Start with the relevant Appendix

Each visa route now has its own dedicated appendix, such as Skilled Worker or Student. Always check that every listed requirement is met.

b. Use the latest guidance

Caseworkers rely on published guidance to interpret the Rules. Applicants and sponsors should therefore use the most up-to-date documents from GOV.UK.

c. Follow evidence rules

Each route specifies acceptable documentation. Missing or inconsistent evidence is a common cause of refusal.

d. Do not assume consistency with past applications

The Rules are amended frequently. Requirements in place today may not match those from a year ago.

e. Separate suitability and eligibility

Eligibility focuses on skills, sponsorship or funds. Suitability relates to background, immigration history and compliance.

f. Take advice on discretionary grounds

Some refusals are mandatory, but others allow caseworker discretion. Expert advice can assess the risk of refusal and prepare arguments where discretion applies.

g. Sponsors have to maintain records

Home Office compliance checks often extend beyond individual applications. Sponsors must keep clear and accessible records in line with Appendix D record-keeping rules.

h. Monitor updates

Statements of Changes are published regularly. Always confirm whether new amendments affect an application before submission.

Section E: UK Visa Application Process

All applicants must follow the correct process when applying for a UK visa. Failing to meet procedural requirements can delay or undermine an application.

1. Application Process for UK Visas

Applicants must first determine the appropriate visa type. Once identified, the relevant eligibility requirements must be reviewed and supporting documents gathered. Applications are submitted online through GOV.UK, followed by payment of the fee and, in most cases, the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Applicants must attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometrics and may need to supply additional supporting evidence. UKVI then processes the application, with timescales varying by visa route and location. Approved applicants receive either an entry vignette or a digital eVisa.

2. Required Documents for Visa Application

While specific requirements depend on the visa type, common documents include:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Completed application form
• Proof of financial means, such as bank statements or payslips
• Proof of accommodation in the UK
• Travel itinerary
• Biometric information (fingerprints and photograph)
• Visa-compliant photographs
• Visa-type specific documents, such as job offer letters, Certificates of Sponsorship, or relationship evidence
• English language test results where required
• Tuberculosis test results for applicants from listed countries
• Criminal record certificates where required

3. Tips for a Successful Application

Applicants should start early, provide consistent and accurate information, double-check requirements, and submit all required documentation. Missing paperwork is one of the most common reasons for refusal. Attending biometric appointments on time, keeping copies of all documents, and preparing for interviews where required can all improve the chances of success.

Professional help may be beneficial for applicants with complex circumstances, particularly where discretionary grounds or multiple appendices may apply.

Section F: Post-Application Steps for UK Visas

After submission, further steps may be required depending on UKVI’s assessment. These include providing additional evidence, attending interviews, or responding to Home Office queries.

Applicants are notified of the outcome by email or through their Visa Application Centre. Successful applicants applying from overseas usually receive a vignette valid for 90 days to enter the UK, after which their digital eVisa becomes their proof of status. From 2025 onwards, the Home Office expects increasing use of the online “View and Prove” service.

1. Rejections vs Refusals

A rejection means the application was invalid and not considered, usually due to missing documents or unpaid fees. A refusal means the application was assessed but did not meet requirements. Applicants can often reapply, seek an administrative review, or in some cases appeal or pursue judicial review.

2. Common Reasons for Refusal

Applications are frequently refused due to insufficient financial evidence, incorrect or inconsistent information, weak supporting documentation, or a poor immigration history. Health and character checks may also lead to refusal. Past breaches of UK immigration law are heavily weighted against applicants.

3. Challenging a Refusal

Administrative reviews are available where an error in decision-making is alleged, and must be requested within 14 or 28 days depending on location. Family and human rights applications may carry full appeal rights to the Tribunal. Judicial review remains an option where no other remedy exists.

Reapplying with stronger evidence is often the quickest resolution, but legal advice should always be sought before pursuing reviews or appeals.

Section G: Summary

The UK Immigration Rules provide the legal framework that governs entry, stay and exit for foreign nationals. They are extensive, highly detailed and frequently amended. The Rules are divided into Parts and Appendices covering different immigration routes, while Home Office guidance supplements their application in practice.

Because of their length and complexity, the Rules are difficult for applicants and sponsors to interpret without expert assistance. Frequent changes increase the risk of misunderstanding requirements, missing documentary evidence or applying under the wrong category. These issues regularly result in refusals, enforcement action, or long-term immigration consequences.

Professional advice helps ensure that applications are both accurate and compliant with the latest requirements, giving applicants the best chance of success.

Section H: Need Assistance?

DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists. We advise individuals on visa and settlement applications, and employers on sponsorship and compliance. Our team ensures applications are prepared accurately, evidence is collated correctly, and risks of refusal or enforcement action are reduced.

For expert guidance on any aspect of the UK Immigration Rules, contact us.

Section I: Immigration Rules FAQs

What are the Immigration Rules?

The Immigration Rules are the legal framework laid before Parliament by the Home Secretary, setting out who can enter or remain in the UK and under what conditions.

Who decides the Immigration Rules?

The Home Secretary sets the Rules, which are then presented to Parliament. They are not primary legislation but are legally binding.

Where can I find the current Immigration Rules?

The most up-to-date version of the Rules is published on the GOV.UK website. They are organised into Parts and Appendices.

How often do the Rules change?

The Rules are updated frequently through Statements of Changes, which may alter eligibility, documentary requirements, or salary thresholds.

What is a Statement of Changes?

A Statement of Changes is the official instrument that amends the Immigration Rules. It sets out which provisions are changing and when those changes take effect.

Do the Rules apply to EU citizens?

Since the end of free movement, EU citizens are subject to the same Immigration Rules as non-EU nationals unless they hold status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Is Home Office guidance the same as the Immigration Rules?

No. Guidance explains how caseworkers apply the Rules but it does not have the same legal force. However, it is influential in decision-making.

Can I appeal a refusal under the Immigration Rules?

Some refusals carry full appeal rights, particularly family and human rights claims. Others can be challenged by administrative review or judicial review.

Do the Rules cover asylum?

Yes. Parts 11, 11A and 11B address asylum and humanitarian protection, though decisions are also informed by international conventions and case law.

Section J: Glossary

Section K: Additional Resources