Updates to the Immigration Rules
Appendix EU
Appendix EU contains the provisions governing applications under the EU Settlement
Scheme (EUSS), which allows eligible EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens and their family
members to obtain pre-settled or settled status in the UK. The changes introduced largely
consist of technical amendments designed to clarify the operation of the scheme and ensure
consistency across the Immigration Rules.
Appendix EU (Family Permit)
The changes require applicants to provide specified evidence relating to their sponsor when
making an application. In particular, applicants may need to provide the sponsor’s Unique
Application Number (UAN) from their EU Settlement Scheme application, along with
evidence confirming the family relationship. These amendments strengthen the evidential
requirements to ensure the Home Office can verify the status of the relevant EEA citizen and
the relationship relied upon in the application.
Appendix Visitor: Visa National List
This list identifies nationalities that must obtain a visitor visa before travelling to the UK.
Nicaragua and St Lucia, whose nationals were previously able to travel visa-free, have now
been added to the list of countries whose citizens must obtain a visitor visa before travelling
to the UK. Nationals of these countries must now apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
A temporary transitional provision applies to individuals who already held an Electronic
Travel Authorisation (ETA) and had confirmed travel bookings made before the rule change.
These travellers may enter the UK without a visa until 16/04/2026, provided their ETA was
granted before the change took effect.
Appendix Visitor: Permit Free Festival List
This appendix lists specific festivals that allow international performers and artists to come to
the UK as visitors without the need to obtain a work visa. The changes update the list of
recognised festivals to ensure it reflects current events and continues to support the UK’s
cultural and creative industries.
Appendix Visitor: Transit Without Visa Scheme
This scheme previously allowed certain travellers to transit through the UK without obtaining
a visa, provided they met specific eligibility requirements and were travelling to another
destination.
This appendix has been removed from the Immigration Rules, meaning travellers who
previously relied on these provisions may now need to obtain a Visitor in Transit visa or hold
appropriate permission, such as an ETA.
Appendix ETA National List
This appendix identifies nationalities required to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK
where they are otherwise visa-exempt. The changes remove Nicaragua and St Lucia from
this list, as nationals of these countries now require a visa instead of an ETA to travel to the
UK.
Appendix Seasonal Worker
This appendix sets out the requirements for workers coming to the UK temporarily to
undertake seasonal agricultural or horticultural work. From 08/04/2026, the reference date
used to calculate how long a seasonal worker has spent in the UK will change. Instead of
using the date of application, the calculation will now be based on the start date listed on the
worker’s Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Appendix Youth Mobility Scheme: Eligible Nationals
This appendix sets out the countries and territories whose nationals may apply under the
Youth Mobility Scheme, which allows young people to live and work in the UK for a limited
period. Updates have been made to the annual allocations of places available to
participating countries under the scheme. The allocations include:
Andorra – 100 places
Australia – 38,500 places
Canada – 10,000 places
Hong Kong – 1,000 places
Iceland – 1,000 places
India – 3,000 places
Japan – 6,000 places
Monaco – 1,000 places
New Zealand – 8,000 places
Republic of Korea – 5,000 places
San Marino – 1,000 places
Taiwan – 1,000 places
Uruguay – 500 places
By :Hanna Barzinji