UK Immigration Changes 2026: Employer Guide
8 January 2026: Higher English Language Threshold From 8 January 2026, the English language threshold for first time applicants under Skilled Worker, Scale up and High Potential Individual is expected to increase from B1 to B2. Transitional treatment generally turns on the date the application is submitted, so late submission can shift a […]
UK Visitor Visa Guide 2026
Section A: Standard Visitor Visa Under the UK Immigration Rules, the overarching category for short-term entry is the Visitor route, set out in Appendix V. Within this, the Standard Visitor visa is the main visa type covering most general visits to the UK, such as tourism, visiting family, business meetings, short study, and […]
UK Business Visitor Visa Guide 2026
If you are coming to the UK for the purposes of business, you’ll need to ensure you have the relevant permission. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Business Visitor visa, or you may require an ETA. The following guide for foreign nationals looking to come to the UK as business […]
Shortage Occupation List 2026
Section A: What is the UK’s Shortage Occupation List? Under the UK’s points-based immigration system, most non-UK resident workers are required to apply for a visa to come to the UK to work. The primary route is the Skilled Worker visa, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa. For employers looking to sponsor […]
SOC Codes with Salary 2026
Section A: SOC Codes and Salary Thresholds SOC codes form the foundation of the UK’s Skilled Worker visa system. Each code represents a distinct job type and is used by the Home Office to confirm that a role meets the skill and salary level required for sponsorship. The codes are listed in Appendix […]
DS-160 U.S. Visa Form 2026: What It Is & How to Complete It
The DS-160 is the official online application form required for most nonimmigrant visas to the United States. It collects detailed information about an applicant’s personal background, travel plans, and security-related history. US embassies and consulates use the DS-160 to assess eligibility and make decisions on whether to issue a visa. Submitting a properly completed DS-160 […]
Skilled Worker Visa Going Rates by Job 2026
One of the eligibility requirements under the Skilled Worker Visa route is that the role being recruited for pays the higher of the relevant minimum salary threshold or a specified percentage of the role’s official ‘going rate’. The going rate is the occupation-specific salary benchmark the Home Office assigns to every Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) […]
Tourist Visa UK Guide 2026
Section A: What is the Tourist Visa for the UK? The term “UK tourist visa” is widely used, but it is not legally recognised under UK immigration law. The correct category is the Standard Visitor Visa, which is the formal route that covers tourism, leisure travel, and visiting family or friends. It is […]
UK Tier 2 Sponsor List Explained 2026
Section A: What is the Tier 2 Sponsor List? A sponsor licence is the permission needed for UK organisations to hire foreign national workers under specific visa categories, such as the Skilled Worker visa (formerly the Tier 2 Visa). The Home Office maintains the list of sponsors to identify all employers that have […]
Immigration Salary List 2026
Section A: What is the UK Immigration Salary List? The Immigration Salary List (ISL), as set out in Appendix Immigration Salary List, specifies occupations that benefit from lower salary thresholds. The ISL replaced the Shortage Occupation List on 4 April 2024. Recent updates include HC 836 (24 June 2025) and HC 997 (1 […]