From 11 November 2025, the UK has completely changed how it decides who qualifies for a visa or permission to stay.
The old “Part 9: General Grounds for Refusal” is gone. In its place is a new section called “Part Suitability.”
This new framework, introduced in the Autumn 2025 Statement of Changes, is now in effect and applies to all visa decisions made on or after that date, even if your application was submitted earlier.
🧭 What Exactly Is “Part Suitability”?
Think of it as a character and honesty test that sits on top of your usual visa requirements.
Meeting all eligibility requirements doesn’t guarantee a visa approval; it can still be refused if you don’t comply with the suitability rules.
Under this new system:
- Some grounds are mandatory – the Home Office must refuse or cancel your visa.
- Others are discretionary – the officer may refuse depending on your situation.
It applies not only when you apply, but also when you cancel your permission after it is granted, such as at the airport or while you are in the UK.
If you already have settlement (ILR), the Home Office can only cancel it under section 76 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.
⚖️ How Part Suitability Can Affect You
Here’s what the Home Office will look at under the new rules 👇
1️⃣ Criminal Convictions
If you’ve ever had a custodial sentence of 12 months or more, your application will be automatically refused.
Even shorter or non-custodial sentences can still cause problems if the Home Office believes your presence isn’t in the public interest.
💥 Impact: You will need solid proof of rehabilitation, such as probation letters, character references, or community involvement, to have any chance under discretionary grounds.
2️⃣ Deception or False Information
Using fake documents, lying on your form, or hiding facts (even small ones) is a huge red flag.
Under SU 9.1, this now leads to a mandatory refusal or cancellation.
(Source: GOV.UK)
⚠️ Impact: Once you’re caught, your credibility takes a long-term hit.
If you’ve made past mistakes, be upfront and explain them honestly. Don’t hope they’ll go unnoticed.
3️⃣ Past Immigration Breaches
This includes:
- Overstaying your visa
- Entering the UK illegally
- Working or studying in breach of conditions
- Using deception in an earlier application
Some breaches come with automatic “refusal bans”, while others let officers use discretion.
The old paragraph 39E (grace period for justified overstaying) is now found in SU 13 of Part Suitability.
💡 Impact: You may face a temporary ban or need to prove a valid reason like medical emergencies or Home Office errors. Always back it up with evidence!
4️⃣ Behaviour “Not Conducive to the Public Good”
Even if you’ve never been convicted, the Home Office can refuse your application if your behaviour or associations raise serious concerns, for example, gang activity or extremist involvement.
⚖️ Impact: It’s discretionary, but you’ll need strong evidence (character letters, expert reports) to change the outcome.
5️⃣ Identity & Documents at the Border
If you can’t prove your identity and nationality when arriving in the UK, your visa can be cancelled or entry refused on the spot.
🛂 Impact: Always travel with the original passport and supporting documents you used for your application.
6️⃣ Ongoing Compliance (After You Get the Visa)
Part Suitability also applies after your visa is granted.
If your situation changes, say you lose your sponsored job, drop out of university, or your endorsing body withdraws — the Home Office can cancel your permission.
⚠️ Impact: Your status can be cut short. Keep your sponsor, job, or study details current and documented.
7️⃣ Human Rights & Settlement Cases
Even family and human rights routes fall under Part Suitability.
Officers must still consider the ECHR, but suitability remains a key factor.
If you already have ILR, cancellation is limited to section 76 NIAA 2002.
💬 Impact: More checks, fewer exceptions. Honesty and documentation are your best defence.
💥 Typical Outcomes Under Part Suitability
| Scenario | Outcome |
| 15-month prison sentence | Mandatory refusal |
| Minor conviction + bad conduct | Discretionary refusal |
| Worker quits sponsored job | Permission cancelled |
| Overstayed visa for months | Refusal period (“ban”) applies |
🧠 How to Reduce Risk
✅ Be honest. Declare all convictions, refusals, and overstays — hiding things only makes it worse.
✅ Show rehabilitation. Use proof like probation reports, employer or community references.
✅ Explain past breaches. If you overstayed, use the SU 13 exception (formerly 39E) and show evidence (medical, travel, or Home Office error).
✅ Stay compliant. Keep your sponsor informed, and make sure your job or course still meets the visa rules.
✅ Travel smart. Bring original IDs and supporting documents at the border.
✅ Prepare your case legally. Reference the exact SU paragraph and any relevant human-rights factors in your cover letter.
💬 Why This Matters
The move from Part 9 to Part Suitability is more than a policy change. It’s a shift in mindset.
The UK immigration system is now more consistent, but also stricter.
Eligibility alone isn’t enough anymore. You need to show integrity, compliance, and good conduct throughout your immigration journey.
For applicants and sponsors, this means:
- Greater focus on honesty and transparency.
- Deeper due diligence before applying.
- Constant compliance monitoring after your visa is granted.
✍️ Final Thoughts
At VisaSimple, we’re already helping clients navigate these new rules — preparing full disclosure statements, gathering supporting evidence, and building strong cases that meet both eligibility and suitability.
If you’re planning to apply, switch, or extend your visa after 11 November 2025, now’s the time to get your records and documentation in order.