UK Visa Processing Times (Latest from UKVI)
The length of time it takes for your application to be processed can be an important factor in deciding when to apply and when to make travel arrangements. But UK visa processing times vary considerably, depending on factors such as the type of visa being applied for, the country or Embassy where the application is […]
Increase in Fees to Assign Certificates of Sponsorship
Among the latest increases in Home Office fees announced last week, the cost of assigning Certificates of Sponsorship will rise from 4 October 2023. The change impacts sponsor licence holders assigning all types of CoS to sponsored workers. Most notably, the cost of a Certificate of Sponsorship for a Skilled Worker is rising to £239 from […]
Working Offshore: UK Visa Guide
In this offshore working guide, we set out the visa options and immigration rules for foreign nationals arriving directly into UK waters for the purposes of working. What is offshore? Offshore work in the UK refers to employment on any oil, gas, wind and other installations wholly at sea and fixed to the sea […]
Home Office Statements of Changes July 2023
The Home Office has issued its latest Statements of Changes to the Immigration Rules, HC 1496 (17 July 2023) and HC 1715 (19 July 2023). We highlight the key changes relating to UK work visas, student visas and the EU settlement scheme. New roles added to UK Shortage occupation list The UK’s Shortage Occupation List has […]
UK Offshore Wind Workers’ Concession Expired
The UK’s offshore wind workers’ concession ended on 30 April 2023. Wind workers relying on the concession were required to leave the UK by 30 April 2023, and apply for entry clearance before returning to the UK for work. Offshore worker duty to notify the UK Home Office As of 12 April 2023, offshore […]
Priority Change of Circumstances for Sponsors
Under the Home Office’s Priority Change of Circumstance Service for Worker and Temporary Worker sponsors, A-rated sponsors are able to apply for faster consideration of certain types of change of circumstance requests by submitting an application via email. Importantly, the priority service relates only to the speed of processing and offers no guarantee that the […]
Home Office Warning to Sponsors for Inactive SMS
We’re aware that the Home Office’s Sponsor, Assurance and Investigations Team have contacted some sponsor licence holders by email to warn of inactivity on their Sponsorship Management System. Sponsor licence holders are required to keep their SMS records up to date, or risk enforcement action. This includes ensuring your key personnel details are up to […]