Writing for TheHRDirector on 16 January, immigration lawyer Malini Skandachanmugarasan mapped the “pivotal year” ahead for global-mobility teams. Key milestones include the higher B2 English benchmark already in force, a 2 February deadline for industry evidence on the Temporary Shortage List, a 12 February cut-off for responses to the government’s Earned Settlement consultation, and the full enforcement of Electronic Travel Authorisations on 25 February.
For employers, the article emphasises three action points. First, audit recruitment pipelines to ensure candidates can meet B2 English in time for start dates; second, channel sector data to the Migration Advisory Committee to keep critical RQF 3-5 roles eligible for sponsorship; third, update travel policies so that visa-waiver visitors secure ETAs before booking UK trips.
![2026 immigration calendar: what UK employers must do now]()
The piece also flags the looming 17 February closure for Tier 1 (Investor) extensions, warning family offices to act swiftly if they wish to preserve residence rights under the discontinued route.
Taken together, the timetable illustrates how 2026 compresses multiple policy shifts into Q1, demanding cross-functional coordination between HR, mobility, travel and compliance teams to avoid business disruption. citeturn19view0
For employers, the article emphasises three action points. First, audit recruitment pipelines to ensure candidates can meet B2 English in time for start dates; second, channel sector data to the Migration Advisory Committee to keep critical RQF 3-5 roles eligible for sponsorship; third, update travel policies so that visa-waiver visitors secure ETAs before booking UK trips.
The piece also flags the looming 17 February closure for Tier 1 (Investor) extensions, warning family offices to act swiftly if they wish to preserve residence rights under the discontinued route.
Taken together, the timetable illustrates how 2026 compresses multiple policy shifts into Q1, demanding cross-functional coordination between HR, mobility, travel and compliance teams to avoid business disruption. citeturn19view0
Source: theHRDirector
