Transitioning to an eVisa for UK BRP Holders
Currently, the UK visa system relies mostly on physical documents such as the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to manage and prove immigration status for large numbers of migrants. The BRP card holds visa details and acts as proof of the holder’s immigration status and rights when in the UK. However, as part of a wider Home Office […]
King’s Speech 2024: Immigration Reforms
At the State Opening of Parliament on 17 July 2024, marking the first session since the most recent UK general election, King Charles presented the new Government’s upcoming legislative agenda. In this update, we set out the main provisions relating to UK immigration. Section A: Business Immigration The speech referred to the introduction […]
Home Office Failure to Provide Digital Proof of Section 3C Leave Ruled Unlawful
In R (Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL) & Anor) v Secretary of State for the Home Department, the High Court determined that the Home Office has been acting unlawfully by failing to provide proof of status to thousands of migrants. The legal challenge was brought by the charity RAMFEL (Refugee […]
Care Home Sponsor Licence Revocation Overturned on Judicial Review
As the Home Office continues its heightened scrutiny of the health and social care sector, the recent Judicial Review case of New Hope Care Ltd v Secretary of State for the Home Department will be of interest to care providers – as well as sponsor licence holders in other industries – where procedural failings have […]
Government Responds to MAC Review into Graduate Route
The Home Office has issued a statement responding to the MAC’s rapid review into the UK Graduate Route, which recommended retaining the route, citing no evidence of misuse of this visa category. While the statement does not explicitly endorse the Graduate Route, the Home Office confirms that it will remain open, but would be kept under […]
Updated Absence Rule for EU Settled and Pre Settled Status Holders
The Immigration (Leave to Enter and Remain) (Amendment) Order 2024 (SI 2024/663) simplifies the rules for how long certain EU citizens can stay outside the UK without their immigration permission expiring. Updated Absence Rules for EUSS Under the new rules, from 21 May 2024, those with either pre-settled or settled status under the […]
Increase in Free UKVI Appointments
The number of free appointments available at Sopra Steria Centres has been increased. The change applies to all centres, except for premium centres. Update in Free Appointment Availability The updated booking calendar now shows 28 days of appointments, with both free and chargeable appointments. A new date is added each day. Free appointments […]
Updated Creative Worker Sponsor Guidance May 2024
The guidance for Creative Worker sponsors has been revised to align with the changes to the Immigration Rules effective from 16 May 2024, as outlined in Statement of Changes HC 590. Revisions to Sponsor Guidance Key updates include the removal of references to shortage occupations and resident labour market testing, as well as […]
MAC Publishes Report into UK Graduate Route
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) today published its much-anticipated rapid review of the Graduate Route. Also referred to as the ‘post-study work visa’, the Graduate Route allows international students who graduate from UK universities to stay and work for up to two years after completing their studies, or up to three years following a PhD […]
Further UK Visa Fee Increases Announced for 2024
Further increases to Home Office services have been confirmed by the Government. These increases follow the wide-ranging uplifts that took effect in October 2023, as well as the more recent increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge and the uplift in the minimum salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas. Increased UK visa & immigration fees […]