Brexit 10 Years On: How UK Immigration Changed
End of Free Movement Before Brexit, the UK effectively operated two immigration systems. EU citizens could generally live and work in the UK under free movement rights derived from European law. Employers could recruit workers from across the European Union without sponsor licences, immigration permission or ongoing Home Office compliance obligations. Non-EU nationals, […]
UK Service Supplier Visa: Requirements & Costs 2026
Section A: What is the UK Service Supplier Visa? The UK Service Supplier visa is one of five Global Business Mobility (GBM) immigration work routes introduced in 2022. The Service Supplier route allows employees of an overseas service provider (or contractual service suppliers) and self-employed people established outside the UK (or independent professionals) […]
Student to Skilled Worker Visa: Employer Guide 2026
Section A: International Graduate Recruitment UK employers are permitted to employ student visa holders within certain restrictions and where the individual’s visa conditions allow. For example, where the visa holder is still studying, they may carry out paid employment up to 20 hours per week during term time if studying at degree level […]
What Are Andy Burnham’s Views on Immigration?
UK Immigration Policy under a Burnham Government As Burnham has yet to publish a formal immigration manifesto as part of the Labour leadership contest, any assessment of his likely approach will be speculative, and provisional at best. So for now, the clearest indications come from recent interviews and public statements. His parliamentary record […]
eVisa UK: How to Access, Check & Use Your Status 2026
Section A: What is an eVisa in the UK? The UK eVisa is a secure digital record of an individual’s immigration status and the conditions attached to their permission to be in the UK. It records whether a person has the right to live, work or study in the UK, or rent in […]
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Cost & Rules 2026
Section A: What is the Immigration Health Surcharge? The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is an upfront charge paid as part of most UK visa and immigration applications for time-limited immigration permission, including most grants exceeding 6 months and in-country applications to extend or vary permission. It applies each time limited leave is granted, […]
UK Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups Launched (‘VFRS4SU’)
Government Launches Visa Fee Reimbursement Scheme for Scale-Ups The Government has launched a new funding scheme aimed at helping certain high-growth businesses reduce the cost of recruiting international talent. The Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale-Ups (VFRS4SU) allows eligible employers operating in the Clean Energy, Life Sciences and Digital and Technologies sectors to […]
Biometric Residence Permits & Proof of ILR 2026
Section A: How Do You Prove ILR After Your BRP Has Expired? The expiry of a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) does not mean that Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) has expired. Many people who previously relied on a BRP as evidence of their immigration status continue to hold valid ILR even though their […]
Reform UK: Migrant Labour Levy & Foreign Worker Tax Hike Proposals
Reform UK’s Foreign Worker Tax Hike Proposals Explained Reform UK has announced plans to increase the cost of employing foreign workers through a combination of tax measures designed to favour the recruitment of British citizens. Under proposals outlined by Treasury spokesperson Robert Jenrick, employers would pay lower National Insurance contributions for British workers […]
Immigration Compliance, Audits & Sponsor Licence Support
Sponsor Licence Compliance Support UKVI expects sponsors to maintain effective systems and controls, keep prescribed records, monitor sponsored workers and meet their reporting obligations. In practice, compliance risks rarely arise because an organisation deliberately ignores its responsibilities. More often, issues develop over time as businesses grow, staff change roles and compliance responsibilities become […]