Appendix FM UK 2026: Spouse & Partner Visa Rules
Section A: What is Appendix FM? Appendix FM sets out the requirements for certain family members applying to join or remain with a relative in the UK who is a British citizen, a person with settled status, or certain other categories such as refugees, people with humanitarian protection or some individuals with status […]
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, sponsor fees and other expenditure associated with recruiting workers from overseas. Where significant costs have been incurred, attention often turns to […]
Going on Holiday While on Sick Leave 2026: Rules, Pay & Risks
Section A: Can an employee go on holiday while on sick leave? An employee can travel while on sick leave if the activity is compatible with the reason they are unfit for work. Sickness absence does not require an employee to remain at home, avoid leisure activity or convert the period into annual […]
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 […]
Immigration Fee Clawback Clause: What Are the Rules?
Section A: What is an immigration fee clawback clause? An immigration fee clawback clause is a contractual term under which a worker agrees to repay specified immigration or relocation expenditure paid by the employer if an agreed repayment event occurs. The provision may appear in the employment contract, an offer letter or a […]
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 […]
Home Office Compliance Visits & UKVI Compliance
Section A: What is UKVI Compliance? UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is the division of the Home Office responsible for managing the UK’s visa system, sponsor licensing and immigration compliance enforcement. A UKVI compliance inspection can be a cause of real concern for employers. The Home Office has powers to investigate organisations to […]
Sponsored Care Worker Awarded £30,000 After Receiving No Work
Mr S Shaji v Swan Care Solutions Ltd: Background to the Case Shaji v Swan Care Solutions Ltd concerned a sponsored care worker who relocated from India to the UK after being offered employment in the care sector. He later brought a claim for unpaid wages after alleging that he had remained ready […]
Temporary Work Visa UK Guide 2026
Section A: What is a Temporary Work Visa in the UK? A Temporary Work visa in the UK is a category of visa that enables foreign nationals to undertake short-term employment for a defined period under strict conditions set by the Home Office. These routes are designed for specific sectors and purposes such […]