Care Worker Visa Route to Close
The UK Government has confirmed that care workers will be removed from the visa sponsorship regime, bringing an end to overseas recruitment of care workers. The announcement forms part of the May 2025 immigration white paper, Restoring Control Over the Immigration System, which outlines wide-ranging changes to work visa eligibility and skilled worker access as […]
Immigration White Paper 2025: Essential Guide
The UK Government has today published its immigration white paper, ‘Restoring Control Over the Immigration System’. The paper outlines a series of proposals intended to reduce net migration and reshape access to work routes, with a headline focus on raising skill thresholds and curbing lower-paid migration. The removal of care workers from sponsorship eligibility and […]
Graduate Route Reducing to 18 Months
The UK Government has confirmed plans to shorten the length of the post-study Graduate visa route from two years to 18 months, as set out in its May 2025 Immigration White Paper. The Graduate visa allows international students who complete an eligible course in the UK to stay and work (or look for work) without […]
Immigration Skills Charge Increasing by 32%
The Government has announced in its Immigration White Paper, published today, that the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) is set to increase by 32%. What is the Immigration Skills Charge? The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) is a fee that UK employers must pay when sponsoring skilled workers from overseas under specific visa routes, such […]
Update: Gig Economy Right to Work Checks
The government is introducing a new clause to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill that would widen the current right to work framework to include more flexible working arrangements. If implemented, the new rules will broaden the scope of the existing right to work regime to cover organisations using so-called gig economy workers. […]
UK–India Free Trade Agreement: Visa Implications
The United Kingdom and India have announced a new Free Trade Agreement, bringing three years of negotiations to an end. While much of the public attention has focused on tariffs and market access, the deal also introduces new provisions that will affect how UK employers recruit and engage skilled professionals from India. Among the most […]
Stage Left: The Real Cost of Visa Politics in the UK
A hardline approach to immigration is hitting the UK’s live entertainment industry – and it’s to the detriment of us all. That’s why we’re sponsoring Liverpool-based arts and culture organisation Writing on the Wall, and specifically their annual festival, WoWFEST: 25 Years of Radical Writing. Through our involvement, we’re openly advocating for better UK-bound mobility […]
UK-EU Explore Possible New ‘Youth Experience Scheme’
Read our updated guide to the Youth Experience Scheme here >> The United Kingdom and the European Union look to be progressing towards establishing a reciprocal youth mobility programme, termed the “Youth Experience Scheme”. The scheme would have the aim of enhancing post-Brexit relations by facilitating cultural and professional exchanges for young adults. For […]
International Recruitment Fund 2025/26: New Guidance
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued updated guidance for the £12.5 million International Recruitment Regional Fund for 2025–26, aimed at supporting migrant care workers affected by sponsor non-compliance or unethical practices. Key Objectives of the 2025–26 Fund The primary goals of the 2025–26 Fund for regional and sub-regional partnerships […]
Increase in UK Visa Fees from 9 April 2025
From today, 9 April 2025, the UK Home Office has increased most immigration and nationality fees, affecting visa applicants, employers and sponsors. Key changes include a 120% rise in the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee for Skilled Workers and Temporary Workers, and a 60% increase to Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costs. Most other application categories […]