On 3 September 2026, the Home Secretary (UK) announced several key changes to immigration rules, as set out in the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 584. These changes include, but are not limited to, the Part Suitability, student, visitor, work, study, and settlement routes. The amendment to SUI 11.4(e) took effect on 8 October 2026.

In this blog, we explain the changes introduced to the Part Suitability.

What has changed in Part Suitability? 

Part Suitability now includes a new paragraph, SUI 11.4(e), which takes effect from 8 October 2026. The new paragraph SUI 11.4(e) expands the definition of a previous breach of immigration laws to include conduct intended to frustrate immigration controls, as described in SUI 11.7. Depending on the circumstances, such conduct may result in mandatory or discretionary refusal of a future immigration application under paragraphs SUI 11.1 to SUI 11.3. This new paragraph inserted in the Part Suitability says that the Home Office may treat you as having breached immigration laws if you acted to frustrate immigration controls (it refers to the laws, rules and procedures used by the UK government to regulate who can enter, stay in or leave the UK) as set out in SUI 11.7.  This means certain behaviour intended to prevent, delay or undermine immigration control can be treated as an immigration breach.

What is paragraph SUI 11.7.?

Under paragraph SUI 11.7, certain conduct by an applicant aged 18 or over may be treated as an attempt to frustrate immigration controls and may affect the outcome of a future immigration application. It tells you that the Home Office will treat you as having acted to frustrate immigration controls if you are aged 18 or over, and you (for example):

1. failed to cooperate with the redocumentation (or failed to provide information about your identity or nationality), arrest or removal process; or

2. used a false identity, for example, you gave the Home Office a name that is not your real name or presented a passport containing false identity details; or

3. failed to go to a reporting appointment as required or absconded (this means deliberately disappearing or going missing to avoid the UK Home Office's immigration control or supervision) from immigration custody or bail; or

4. received state or public authority benefits, employment, tax credits, rented accommodation in the private sector or goods/services you were not entitled to; or

5. used multiple identities; or

6. got involved in immigration related crime.

The above is a non-exhaustive list.

Practical tips to avoid conduct that could fall under paragraph SUI 11.7 of Part Suitability 

You can use the following steps to keep a record of your immigration history and prepare for future applications.

• Cooperate with the Home Office’s lawful requests relating to identity documents, redocumentation, arrest and removal procedures. 

• Always provide your correct name, date of birth, nationality and other personal details to immigration authorities.

• Attend all required reporting appointments and comply with your immigration bail conditions.

• Obtain benefits or services only if you are legally entitled to claim public benefits, receive tax credits, work, rent private accommodation or access particular goods and services. 

• Use your genuine identity consistently in dealings with the Home Office and other authorities

• Ensure that all information and documents submitted in immigration applications are accurate, genuine and consistent, and disclose relevant facts where required.

The amendment to Part Suitability broadens the circumstances in which an individual's previous conduct may be treated as a breach of immigration laws. Applicants should be aware that actions intended to frustrate immigration controls may have consequences for future immigration applications, including mandatory or discretionary refusal, depending on the applicable rules and individual circumstances.