What’s changed in 2026

If you are in the UK on the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, you can apply for a further 24 months. You can apply up to 90 days before your current permission ends, and any time you have left is added to the new grant.

Time on the Ukraine schemes, including UPE, does not count towards settlement in the UK.

• Check when your permission ends in your UKVI account
• Set a reminder 90 days before that date
• Call us if anything in the form is unclear

People who claimed asylum on or after 2 March 2026 and are granted protection now get 30 months, not five years. At the end of that time, their need for protection is reviewed.

Under this new ‘core protection’ model, the government says refugees will generally wait 20 years before they can apply for settlement, unless they move to another visa route. People who claimed asylum before 2 March 2026 stay under the old rules.

If you are granted refugee status, asylum support now usually ends 42 days (six weeks) after the decision. Your letter from the Home Office will give the exact date.

Six weeks goes quickly. Contact the council about housing and apply for Universal Credit straight away — we can help with both.

Since 7 April 2026, the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) has been part of a new government body, the Fair Work Agency. It protects workers’ rights and investigates exploitation.

You can report serious abuse or exploitation at work, or complain about pay and work rights, on GOV.UK. The Fair Work Agency’s phone number is 0345 161 6000.

The minimum you must be paid for each hour of work:

• Age 21 and over: £12.71 an hour
• Age 18 to 20: £10.85 an hour
• Under 18 and apprentices: £8.00 an hour
• If your employer gives you accommodation, they can count no more than £11.10 a day of it towards the minimum wage

Under the Immigration Rules, seasonal workers in horticulture and most poultry jobs must be paid at least £12.71 for each hour worked and receive at least 32 hours’ pay each week.

Since 6 April 2026, eligible employees get Statutory Sick Pay from their first day off sick instead of the fourth — however much they earn.

The Renters’ Rights Act changed private renting in England:

• Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions have ended — a landlord now needs a legal reason to evict you
• You can end your tenancy at any time with two months’ notice
• Landlords must not refuse you because you receive benefits or have children
• If you got a Section 21 notice before 1 May 2026, different rules may apply — talk to us

Physical documents like the BRP have been replaced by an eVisa — an online record of your status. You need a free UKVI account to see it and to give employers or landlords a share code.

• Creating the account and getting share codes is free — never pay anyone for it
• Keep your passport and contact details up to date in the account