Key 2026 updates to UK immigration fees, worker entitlements, and renting laws that employers and globally mobile employees need to know.
Visas and application fees rise:
Effective 8th April 2026, the home office has increased the costs for various kinds of visas and applications both inside and outside the UK.
- Skilled worker visa application now costs £819 for three years or less if the application is made outside the UK and £943 for three years or less if the application is made inside the UK.
- Global business mobility – senior or specialist worker for up to 3 years costs £819 if the application is made outside the UK and £943 if the application is made inside the UK
- ETA is now £20, up from £16
Minimum Salary Changes:
The national minimum wage has increased on the 1st of April 2026, and the changes are as follows:
- 21 and over: £12.71
- 18 to 20: £10.85
- Under 18: £8
- Apprentice: £8
Paternity and sick pay changes:
Since 6th April 2026, employees are eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from their first day of sickness absence rather than having to wait until the fourth day and the eligible for paternity leave and unpaid parental leave since day one.
New Renters Law:
The new renters' law is coming into effect on the 1st of May 2026.
- Landlords won't be able to evict tenants without any valid reasons.
- There are no fixed contracts and no end dates. It will roll on from month to month or week to week (depending on the arrangement), and the tenants can end them with two months’ notice.
- Rents can be raised only once a year, and the renters can challenge unfair hikes.
- Landlords must stick to no more than the advertised price, and this puts an end to bidding wars.
- Landlords cannot ask for more than one month's rent upfront.
- Landlords cannot refuse tenants based on them having kids or on benefits, as it has come under discrimination.
- Landlords must fairly consider requests from renters to live with a pet. More details on the pets can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/renting-out-your-property-guidance-for-landlords-and-letting-agents/if-a-tenant-wants-a-pet-to-live-with-them