UK Immigration Statistics 2025
The Home Office has published the UK immigration statistics for the year ending June 2025. In broad terms, the UK saw a slowdown in new arrivals across most legal routes, particularly in work, study and family categories, but an increase in progression to settlement and citizenship. Sponsor licence numbers also reveal a marked change, with […]
Changes to Global Talent Application Process
The Global Talent route has undergone important procedural updates in August 2025, particularly for digital technology applicants. These changes follow a Home Office procurement process that confirmed Tech Nation as the endorsing body for the digital technology pathway for at least the next three years. Key Changes to the Global Talent Visa The […]
Major Changes to UK Visa Sponsorship Rules from 22 July 2025
From 22 July 2025, a number of key changes to the UK visa sponsorship rules take effect. The following is a general overview of these amendments. For advice on how these changes impact your organisation, contact our specialist UK immigration advisers. Skilled Worker Visa: higher skill bar From 22 July 2025, a job […]
Absence Rule Changes for EU Settlement Scheme
A new absence rule is being introduced to sit alongside the existing limits, making the EU Settlement Scheme’s continuous residence test significantly more generous for pre-settled status holders. From 16 July 2025, under the provisions of the Statement of Changes HC 836 (laid on 24 June 2025), Annex 1 of Appendix EU is amended, redefining […]
Reviews Launched into Skilled Worker Salary Thresholds & TSL
The Government continues its focus on UK immigration reform by commissioning two new official reviews: one into visa salary requirements and one into the new Temporary Shortage List (TSL). Both will be led by the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). The reviews are likely to have long-term implications for business planning and access to international […]
Care & Senior Care Worker Visa Route Closing 22 July 2025
As confirmed in the Government’s December 2024 policy statement, and formalised by Statement of Changes HC 997, overseas sponsorship of frontline care workers is being phased out. As set out in the government’s Immigration White Paper, the UK care worker immigration route is to come to an end from 22 July 2025. The impact on […]
Skill Level for Skilled Worker Visa Rising to RQF 6
Among the changes brought in under the Immigration Rules Statement of Changes HC 997, published on 1 July 2025, the skill level for Skilled Worker visas will be restored to the higher, degree-equivalent level of RQF 6. The change comes as the government implements reforms initially outlined in its Immigration White Paper. Higher Skill […]
Increases in Skilled Worker Visa Salary Thresholds from 22 July 2025
With effect from 22 July 2025, the salary thresholds for the Skilled Worker visa, along with Global Business Mobility and Scale up visas, are to be increased. The new levels were outlined in the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 997, published on 1 July 2025. Changes also include an uplift in the […]
Immigration Statement of Changes HC 997 July 2025
On 1 July 2025, the Home Office released Statement of Changes HC 997, accompanied by a press release, setting out the Government’s ambition to “restore order and control” to the immigration system. The 140-page instrument is wide-ranging, but in headline terms, it gives effect many of the skilled worker reforms outlined in the Immigration White […]
Immigration Statement of Changes HC 836 June 2025
The latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, HC 836, was laid before Parliament on 24 June 2025. The changes focus on the EU Settlement Scheme, restricted-leave cases, International Civilian Employees, the Private Life route, Appendix Continuous Residence and Appendix Long Residence, among others. The amendments take effect on staggered dates between 16 July […]