UK Tightens Short-Term Study Visa Rules
The UK government has announced tighter restrictions on the Short-Term Study visa route that will take effect from 9 April 2025. Education institutions and visa applicants are advised to stay informed of these new requirements, which are expected to result in higher numbers of short term study visa refusals. What is the Short Term […]
Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules March 2025
The latest update to the immigration rules (Statement of changes HC 733) has been released, along with an explanatory memorandum and a ministerial statement. Summary of Updates The changes take effect from today through to 13 August 2025, with the majority coming into force in April 2025: Care Worker Sponsorship Rule Change […]
European Visitors: UK ETA Scheme Now Open for Applications
Staring today, 5 March 2025, eligible European travellers can now apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they intend to visit the UK on or after 2 April 2025. While certain non-Europeans already need an ETA to visit the UK, from 2 April 2025, European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals will […]
Important 2025 Deadlines for Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Holders
A number of key deadlines impacting individuals holding Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visas in the UK are fast-approaching. If affected, you will need to take action in advance of the relevant deadline to safeguard your lawful status in the UK. Key deadlines for Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) migrants Eligible visa holders have until 5 April […]
Grace Period for eVisas Extended Until 1 June 2025
The UK government has extended the eVisa grace period for those relying on physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and EUSS Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) to prove their UK immigration status. Under the new rules, BRP and BRC holders can continue to use these expired physical documents for travel, employment and identification purposes until 1 June […]
UK Tightens Citizenship ‘Good Character’ Rules
The UK Home Office has implemented significant amendments to the British citizenship good character guidance. These changes, effective from 10 February 2025, have profound implications, particularly for refugees and individuals who entered the UK through irregular means. Overview of the good Character’ Requirement The ‘good character’ criterion is a statutory mandate under the […]
Automatic Conversion of Pre Settled to Settled Status
The Home Office has announced that it is implementing a new process to automatically convert eligible pre-settled status holders to full settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. The move follows a High Court ruling that the UK Home Office’s approach to pre-settled status was unlawful, and aims to simplify the transition for those who […]
Warning: Skilled Worker Visa Holders Face Higher Salary Bar for ILR
Current Skilled Worker visa holders in the UK may face challenges in securing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the future due to the increases in salary threshold requirements that took effect in 2024. Those who joined the Skilled Worker route before the 4th April 2024, and who are currently earning below the new thresholds, […]
ETA Exemption Introduced for Airside Transit
The Home Office has announced a change to the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme affecting certain travellers transiting through the UK. A temporary exemption to the ETA requirement has now been introduced, aimed at streamlining transit processes at key UK airports. Previous ETA rules for transit travellers Under the original ETA rules, […]
Home Office Fee Increases Proposed for 2025
The UK government has announced its intention to increase fees for various immigration and nationality-related products and services. These changes, part of a broader review, will impose higher costs on employers who rely on the UK’s immigration system for their workforce, on certain nationality applicants and on visitors coming to the UK under the Electronic […]