In this new edition, all sections have been updated to reflect the various changes to the immigration rules since 2018, especially as a result of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. Most notable is the inclusion of the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 which made provision to end rights to free movement of people under EU law and to repeal other EU law relating to immigration. Three new Statutory Instruments set the transitional and saving provisions to which the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2016 are now subject. Four more new Statutory Instruments are also included: The Immigration (Guidance on Detention of Vulnerable Persons) Regulations 2018 and three relating to Brexit: The Immigration (European Economic Area Nationals)(EU Exit) Order 2019; Immigration (Citizens' Rights Appeals) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020; and The Citizens' Rights (Frontier Workers) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020.

The Immigration Rules have been subject to 22 statements of changes since the last edition, some of which are significant. This edition captures all changes in the Immigration Rules up to and including those coming into force in July 2021. The Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Immigration and Asylum) Rules 2014 and the Tribunal Procedure (Upper Tribunal) Rules 2008 all include amendments made in response to circumstances arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Procedure Rules and Practice Directions section has been expanded to include practice statements and brought up to date with the latest rules and guidelines. Finally, the European Materials section has been streamlined to include just the two most relevant, relating to free movement and workers' rights.

Coverage of recent new legislation sits alongside existing important legislation to maintain the strengths of the handbook as a reference tool whilst providing the reader with up-to-date access to all new developments in a single volume. Useful links to online materials are provided to guide readers towards supplementary information.