Major updates to UK immigration rules took effect on November 11, 2025. Here is what this means for Nigerians in the UK—from students to sponsors and those on the family route.
A significant Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 1333) has brought several modifications impacting various immigration routes, especially the visa sponsorship system, student rules, and suitability assessments. It’s crucial for the Nigerian community in the UK to understand these changes to protect their status and plan effectively.
1. 💰 Major Financial Hit: Increased Costs for Sponsors and Students
A. Higher Maintenance Thresholds for Student Visas (Tier 4)
This is a critical change for both current and prospective Nigerian students in the UK.
- Increased Funds: Applicants must now show proof of significantly increased maintenance funds (money for living costs).
- London: Rises to £1,529 per month.
- Outside London: Rises to £1,171 per month.
- Implication: If you are applying for a Student Visa or an extension, you must ensure you have these higher amounts available for 9 months (plus any outstanding tuition fees). This increases the overall cost of moving to or staying in the UK for study.
B. Increased Fees for Sponsor Priority Services
For employers in the UK who hire skilled workers (and are often sought out by our community), the cost of fast-tracking applications has gone up:
- Pre-Licence Priority Service: Rises to £750.
- Priority Change of Circumstances Service: Rises to £350.
- Premium Service Closed: The old Premium Customer Service has been discontinued entirely. Sponsors must now rely on the standard or priority (costlier) routes.
- Implication for You: This may lead to employers taking longer to process applications or being less willing to pay the higher priority fees, potentially slowing down recruitment for sponsored roles.
2. 📝 New Framework: Suitability and Overstaying
Part 9 Replaced by Part Suitability
The old Part 9 of the rules, which covered refusal and cancellation grounds, has been completely replaced by Part Suitability.
- Centralised Rules: Grounds for application refusal and visa cancellation are now centralised in this new part, affecting almost all routes, including Family and Private Life applications (Appendix FM).
- Overstayer Disregard (Paragraph 39E): The exceptions that allow applicants to have past periods of overstaying disregarded are now moved into the new Part Suitability.
- Implication: If you have any past issues with overstaying, the rules for how that is treated in a new application are now formalised under this new, central framework. Always seek legal advice if you have overstayed.
3. 🧑🌾 Changes to Work Routes: Seasonal Workers
While most skilled Nigerian migrants use the Skilled Worker route, the Seasonal Worker Visa has also been modified:
- Stricter Time Limits: Permission is now limited to six months over any rolling ten-month period.
- Mandatory Break: You cannot apply if you have worked as a seasonal worker in the UK for the immediately preceding four months.
- Implication: This tightens restrictions on short-term cyclical labour, limiting the continuity of work in sectors like agriculture.
4. 👨👩👧 Family and Settlement Routes
A. EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- Pre-Settled to Settled Status: Holders of Pre-Settled Status can now be granted full Settled Status once they have resided in the UK for at least 30 months total during the most recent 60-month period.
- Cancellation on Entry: Rules for cancelling status upon entry (for late absences) are now more proportionate to in-country restrictions.
B. Family and Statelessness Routes
- Dependents: Dependents can now apply under Appendix Statelessness only if they were a family member before the principal applicant’s authorisation.
- Part Suitability: The common Part Suitability standards are now applied to Family, Private Life, ADR, and Settlement Family Life applications.
Our Viewpoint (Naija UK Connect)
These rule changes signal a shift toward a more expensive and potentially slower immigration process for both individuals and sponsoring employers.
- Preparation is Key: For students, save the higher required maintenance funds before starting your application. For those seeking sponsorship, be aware that employers may face higher costs and potential delays.
- Compliance: Sponsors must be extremely diligent with their systems (SMS) now that the direct Home Office contact channel (Premium Service) is gone.
- Proactive Planning: If you rely on time-sensitive processes (like switching employers or extending a visa), start your applications much earlier to account for possible backlogs and rising priority fees.
You can find the official document and its accompanying memorandum on the UK Government website.
Here is the direct link to the Statement of Changes:
Official Document Link: Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 1333, 14 October 2025
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
Stay updated on the latest UK news, including education, health, job openings, and more for those living in the UK!
Join here: Naija UK Channel
Also, follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and discussions:
- Twitter: @NaijaUKConnect
- Facebook: Naija UK Connect
- Instagram: @naijaukconnect
