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 […]
Home Office Extends Expired BRP Concession Until End of 2026
What has changed Updated Home Office guidance published on 8 June 2026 extends the period during which expired BRPs can continue to be used for certain transitional purposes. Previous guidance allowed use of an expired BRP for up to 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card. The revised guidance now […]
Which Immigration Costs Can Employers Recover? 2026 Rules
Section A: Recovering Immigration Costs from Workers Questions about recovering immigration-related costs arise regularly in the sponsorship context. Employers may fund visa application fees, Immigration Health Surcharge payments, relocation expenses, training costs and other expenditure associated with recruiting workers from overseas. Where significant costs have been incurred, attention often turns to whether those […]
Going on Holiday While on Sick Leave 2026: Rules, Pay & Risks
Section A: When can an employee legally go on holiday while on sick leave? For employers, the starting point should always be the legal position rather than assumptions about what sick leave should look like. UK employment law does not treat sickness absence as a period during which all other statutory rights are […]
Home Office Tightens Student Sponsor Compliance Rules for Universities
Home Office Raises the Compliance Bar for Student Sponsors The Home Office has announced significant changes to the Student sponsor compliance framework, introducing tougher performance thresholds and a new rating system for universities and higher education providers sponsoring international students. The reforms increase compliance expectations for licensed Student sponsors and create a more […]
10 Year Passport Rule Explained for UK Travellers
Section A: What Is the 10-Year Passport Rule? The 10-year passport rule has become a growing source of confusion for UK travellers heading to Europe. Despite the name, it is not a new passport policy introduced by the UK Government or a recently announced European measure. Instead, it reflects the passport validity requirements […]