Statement of Changes (CP 1373): Introduction of Appendix UK/European Applicant Transfer Scheme

On 5 August 2025, the UK Government introduced a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (CP 1373). This brought into effect a significant bilateral agreement with France aimed at tackling irregular migration across the Channel. At the centre of these amendments is the new Appendix UK/European Applicant Transfer Scheme.

The new rules come into force on 6 August 2025. This marks the beginning of a time-limited pilot scheme. As part of a wider Home Office strategy, the scheme aims to disrupt organised criminal networks. It also seeks to reduce dangerous crossings and establish a managed route for legal migrant transfers in select cases.

The explanatory memorandum accompanying the statement of changes sets out the Government’s rationale in clear terms:

5.1 One of the Government’s top priorities is to increase border security and dismantle Organised Crime Groups who facilitate dangerous small boat journeys across the Channel. To this end, the UK has signed a Treaty with the French Republic which provides for both readmission of those people crossing the channel to the UK in small boats back to France and a safe reciprocal mechanism for individuals in France with appropriate documentation to be transferred to the UK.

5.2 This is a temporary pilot which seeks to test innovative approaches to undermine the Organised Crime Group model that facilitates the irregular movements of migrants across Europe to the UK and to secure Europe’s external border. The pilot seeks to prevent small boat crossings and save lives of vulnerable migrants.

5.3 As part of this pilot, the UK is establishing the UK/European Applicant Transfer Scheme. Through this Scheme the Secretary of State will transfer a limited number of people from France to the UK. The total number of people to be transferred to the UK will match the number of people who are removed from the UK under the pilot arrangement.

5.4 Appendix UK/European Applicant Transfer Scheme is being added to the Rules. It sets out: who is eligible for this Scheme, how they must apply for it, and the requirements they must meet before their application may be granted. The Rules also set out the circumstances under which permission may be cancelled.

5.5 The Scheme will open for a time-limited application window and is restricted to those in France at the time. The Scheme allows for adults and family groups of parents and children from all nationalities (bar a national of an EEA Member State or to those who enjoy free movement rights as a family member of an EEA national) to express an interest in coming to the UK. Those whose application is approved and who meet security checks will be able to come to the UK for 3 months to consider how to regularise their stay in the UK.

5.6 The UK and France will jointly monitor the effectiveness of this pilot and adapt the processes in response throughout the duration to respond to changes in migrant behaviour and to test effectiveness.

The scheme allows for a matched transfer of individuals between the UK and France:

• The number of individuals transferred to the UK will be equal to the number removed from the UK under this pilot.
• Only a limited number of applicants will be accepted, and all must be present in France at the time of applying.

The process is bifurcated as follows:

Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest during a specified application window, which is determined at the discretion of the Secretary of State. Expression of Interest made outside these windows will be rejected.

• If selected, the Home Office itself will initiate the formal entry clearance application. This will be assessed against the requirements in the new Appendix.

Expression Of Interest applications not selected, or still pending at the time of pilot closure, will be rejected.

An Expression of Interest for the UK/European Applicant Transfer Scheme must meet all the following requirements:

• the applicant must be aged 18 or over on the date the Expression of Interest application is submitted unless they are applying as part of a family group with a parent who is aged 18 or over; and
• the applicant must not be an EEA national, or enjoy free movement rights as a family member of an EEA national; and
• the applicant must upload a copy of a passport or other document and a recent photograph which satisfactorily establishes their identity and nationality as part of their Expression of Interest application; and
• the applicant must have submitted their Expression of Interest application within an application window; and
• the applicant must not have been granted international protection by another country which, for this purpose, includes being officially recognised as stateless; and
• the applicant must not have immigration permission in France; and
• the applicant must not have declared any information on their Expression of Interest application form that could lead to a refusal under grounds for refusal.

An Expression of Interest application under the UK/European Applicant Transfer Scheme must meet all validity requirements. Applications that do not meet these requirements will be rejected as invalid and will not be considered.

All applicants will be subject to security checks, and expressions of interest will be prioritised based on criteria set out in Home Office guidance.

The Home Office retains significant discretion:

• It may pause or close the scheme once a return-transfer balance has been reached.
• There is no route through this scheme to apply for leave outside the Immigration Rules.

The introduction of the Appendix UK/European Applicant Transfer Scheme marks a constructive step in UK–France cooperation on irregular migration. The Home Office is formalising a structured and reciprocal process. It is also signalling its commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals. Furthermore, the scheme aims to disrupt criminal networks. In turn, it seeks to restore control to the UK’s borders through lawful and managed migration routes.

While the scheme remains a pilot, its careful design and bilateral oversight offer a promising foundation for future policy development. If proven effective, it could serve as a model for broader international collaboration. It shows that innovation, diplomacy, and the rule of law can work together. Together, they may deliver meaningful solutions to complex migration challenges.

With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Morgan Smith Immigration is your trusted partner for all your immigration needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with UK Visa Applications. For any enquiries or assistance, call us at 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].