Home Office BRP Contact Number Guide
The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) was previously issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as a physical card used to confirm a person’s immigration status in the UK. BRPs have now, however, been phased out. The UK immigration system now uses digital eVisas as the standard method of confirming a person’s lawful stay. Despite the […]
ILR After 5 Years on 10-Year Route: Employer Guide
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a form of permanent residence in the UK, allowing individuals to live and work in the country without restriction and free from immigration control. For UK employers, ILR represents a critical milestone in an employee’s immigration journey, signalling long-term stability and continuity of work rights without the need for […]
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) 2026: Fees & Who Pays
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that most individuals must pay when applying for a UK visa that grants permission to stay in the country for more than six months. The charge is paid as part of the visa application process and allows the applicant to access the National Health Service (NHS) during […]
Immigration Health Surcharge Refund
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that most non-British nationals must pay when applying for a UK visa from overseas for more than six months or when applying from within the UK for any visa length beyond six months. The surcharge is intended to give visa holders access to NHS services on broadly […]
Homes for Ukraine: What Employers Should Know
The Homes for Ukraine scheme was launched by the UK government in March 2022 in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It provided a route for Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members to come to the UK and stay for up to three years from the date of visa grant. The scheme allowed […]
TLS Login Guide for UK Visa Applicants
When applying for a UK visa from outside the United Kingdom, most applicants are required to attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre. These centres are operated by commercial partners appointed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). TLScontact is one of these providers, with visa application centres across Europe, parts of Asia, Africa, […]
Skilled Worker Route: An Employers Guide
As UK employers continue to face talent shortages across a range of sectors, the Skilled Worker route remains a vital mechanism for hiring qualified overseas nationals. Introduced in 2020 as a replacement for the Tier 2 (General) visa, this route allows UK-based organisations to employ non-British and non-Irish workers in eligible roles, provided they meet […]