Suitability grounds for refusal and re-entry bans

Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis

The rules set out in the Immigration Rules, Part Suitability are a list of common grounds on which an application for entry clearance, permission to enter or permission to stay can be refused, which are in addition to any grounds for refusal included in the specific requirements set out in the Parts and Appendices of the Immigration Rules covering the relevant immigration route. Part Suitability also includes grounds for the cancellation of existing entry clearance or permission.

Part Suitability replaced the previous Part 9 of the Immigration Rules from 11 November 2025, from which point it has applied to most routes of the Immigration Rules, with only some limited exceptions. There are not extensive changes from the predecessor Part 9 which had been restructured and rewritten in ‘simplified’ form in Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 813 (which had come into force for applications decided on or after 1 December 2020). However, the extended application to Appendix FM, Appendix Private Life, Appendix Adult Dependent Relative and Appendix Settlement Family Life is a significant shift. These Appendices had previously had their own, in some cases

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Existing user? Sign-in TAKE A FREE TRIAL
Powered by Lexis+®
Latest Immigration News

Home Office reports record immigration enforcement raids with 77% increase

The Home Office has announced that illegal working raids and arrests have reached ‘the highest level in British history’, following intensified Immigration Enforcement activity. Between July 2024 and December 2025, raids increased by 77% and arrests by 83%, totalling over 17,400 raids and 12,300 arrests nationwide, including 1,320 raids and 649 arrests in Wales. This surge, supported by a £5m funding boost, targeted sectors such as nail bars, car washes, and construction sites, and is stated to form part of broader reforms to deter illegal migration, expand right-to-work checks, and introduce mandatory digital ID for employment verification.

Number of Home Office-approved sponsor employers, by visa route, as at 13 January 2026

The below data shows the number of Home Office-approved employer sponsors, according to visa route, as listed on the Home Office’s register of licenced sponsors on the specified date. As at 15 December 2025, Skilled Worker sponsors account for the majority of employers (over 85.52%). 7.26% of sponsors have a Global Business Mobility-Senior or Specialist Worker licence, and the remaining 15 work routes account for the remaining 7.15%.

Home Office confirms eVisas will replace all vignettes in 2026

The Home Office has updated its eVisa guidance to reflect that from 12 January 2026, most individuals granted visit visas and certain other visa types will receive both an eVisa and a vignette. Applicants who were issued a valid UK vignette before this date will be able to access their eVisa via their UK Visas and Immigration account. The guidance further states that later in 2026, the Home Office will phase out the issuance of vignettes entirely, with all successful applicants receiving only an eVisa.

Home Office allocates £600,000 to Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund

The Home Office has announced that £600,000 has been allocated for the second year of the three-year £1.5m Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund (WCASF), which was launched in April 2025. The funding is intended to provide dedicated advocacy support to individuals affected by the Windrush scandal, helping them navigate the compensation claims process. Community organisations interested in applying can attend virtual information sessions on 15 and 23 January 2026, with applications to be submitted via the Find and Apply Grant portal by 6 February 2026. The fund aims to assist claimants in articulating their experiences, gathering supporting evidence and accessing additional services through advocates who understand their cultural background.

View Immigration by content type :  
News
Practice notes
Precedents
Q&As

Popular documents

Retention of documents by the Home Office [Archived]

Retention of documents by the Home Office [Archived]Important note—Archived Practice Note: this Practice Note is no longer updated as it relates to the position prior to the introduction of simplified Immigration Rules and procedures at and before the end of the Brexit transition period. It has been

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companiesWhy does it matter?A company that is a member of a group and has incurred any of the types of losses available for surrender by way of group relief may, without any further rules, have more than one way in which to use the loss. There are a

Late payment penalties—inheritance tax

Late payment penalties—inheritance taxWhile interest often accrues on overdue tax, the late payment of certain taxes may also attract a penalty. For information on the interest accruing on overdue tax, see Practice Notes: IHT—payment deadlines on death—Interest on IHT and Interest on late paid

Strike out—making an application to strike out a statement of case

Strike out—making an application to strike out a statement of caseA strike out order can be made either following an application by the parties or on the court's own initiative. This Practice Note deals with the scenario of the order being made following a party's application.Making an application
Retention of documents by the Home Office [Archived]

Retention of documents by the Home Office [Archived]

Retention of documents by the Home Office [Archived]Important note—Archived Practice Note: this Practice Note is no longer updated as it relates to the position prior to the introduction of simplified Immigration Rules and procedures at and before the end of the Brexit transition period. It has been

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companiesWhy does it matter?A company that is a member of a group and has incurred any of the types of losses available for surrender by way of group relief may, without any further rules, have more than one way in which to use the loss. There are a

Late payment penalties—inheritance tax

Late payment penalties—inheritance tax

Late payment penalties—inheritance taxWhile interest often accrues on overdue tax, the late payment of certain taxes may also attract a penalty. For information on the interest accruing on overdue tax, see Practice Notes: IHT—payment deadlines on death—Interest on IHT and Interest on late paid

Strike out—making an application to strike out a statement of case

Strike out—making an application to strike out a statement of case

Strike out—making an application to strike out a statement of caseA strike out order can be made either following an application by the parties or on the court's own initiative. This Practice Note deals with the scenario of the order being made following a party's application.Making an application