UK Immigration Rules: Key Updates and Practical Guidance
- May 14
- 3 min read
Info Latinos, in collaboration with Duncan Lewis Solicitors, offers a monthly legal advice surgery providing personalised support for members of our community.
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In this blog you will find a summary of recent changes in immigration in the United Kingdom. The full information from the session is available in the PDF presentation. You can access the complete PDF here: Full presentation in PDF format
⚠️Important Note
UK immigration rules are complex and can change frequently. This blog provides a general overview of the information shared during the Info Latinos session with Duncan Lewis Solicitors and is not a substitute for legal advice.
On 13 May 2026, Info Latinos hosted an immigration information session in partnership with Duncan Lewis Solicitors, delivered by solicitors Tamana Aziz and Vicash Ramkissoon. The session provided an overview of important UK immigration routes, recent changes, and practical points for the Latin American community in the UK.
This blog offers a general summary of the topics covered. It is intended for information only and should not be treated as legal advice. Immigration rules can change, and each person’s situation is different, so it is important to seek professional advice when needed.
🧳Visitor Visas
Visitor visas are usually for short-term stays in the UK, such as tourism, visiting family, business activities, private medical treatment or certain permitted engagements. Most visitors can stay for up to six months.
Applicants normally need to show that they are genuine visitors, have enough money for their stay, and intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit. Common reasons for refusal include weak financial evidence, unclear purpose of visit, or lack of evidence showing strong ties to the country of residence.
Official guidance:
🏠EU Settlement Scheme
The EU Settlement Scheme allows eligible EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, and their family members, to continue living in the UK. People may have either settled status or pre-settled status, depending on their circumstances and length of residence.
Some family members may also be able to apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit to join an eligible family member in the UK.
Official guidance:
🛡️Asylum and Protection Claims
A person may claim asylum in the UK if they fear persecution in their home country because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a particular social group.
The asylum process usually includes a screening interview and a substantive asylum interview. Possible outcomes include refugee status, humanitarian protection, another form of leave, or refusal with a possible right of appeal.
People seeking asylum who are destitute may be able to apply for support, including accommodation and financial assistance.
Official guidance:
📜Nationality and Borders Act 2022
The session also referred to the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, which introduced changes affecting asylum, nationality, immigration enforcement, age assessments and modern slavery procedures.
Official legislation:
🎓Student Visas
The Student visa route is for people who have been offered a place on a course by a licensed sponsor. Applicants usually need to show that they have enough money to pay for their course and support themselves, and that they meet the English language requirement.
Students may be allowed to work, but there are restrictions depending on the course, term dates and visa conditions.
Official guidance:
📘Graduate Visa
The Graduate visa allows eligible international students to stay in the UK after successfully completing an eligible course. This route does not require employer sponsorship and allows people to work or look for work.
However, the Graduate visa does not lead directly to settlement and is not extendable. Some people may later switch to another route, such as the Skilled Worker route, if they meet the requirements.
Official guidance:
💼Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa is one of the main routes for people who have a job offer from an approved UK employer. Applicants usually need sponsorship, a job at the required skill level, a qualifying salary and English language ability.
The session highlighted recent changes to the route, including higher salary thresholds and changes to eligible occupations.
Official guidance:
🩺Health and Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker visa is part of the Skilled Worker route and applies to eligible health and care professionals with a job offer from an approved employer.
Recent changes have affected care workers and senior care workers, including restrictions on overseas recruitment and dependants in some circumstances.
Official guidance:
