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 […]
European Visitors Now Require ETA for UK
With effect from today, 2 April 2025, nationals of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland now require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK or to transit landside. The new requirement brings European travellers in line with other nationalities already subject to the UK’s new ETA permit system. The […]
New Right to Work Rules for UK Gig Employers
The UK home Office has announced a significant change to right to work rules, extending existing legal obligations to employers engaging individuals in the gig economy or on zero-hours contracts. Under the new requirements, organisations employing workers on flexible and zero-hours contracts must now verify their immigration status before hiring them. To comply, organisations will […]
Increase in Skilled Worker Visa Salary Floor April 2025
The UK government has announced an increase in the minimum salary threshold for certain Skilled Worker visa applicants, which will take effect on 9 April 2025. According to the Home Office, the increased rates are based on Office for National Statistics (ONS) data to align salaries with the latest UK workforce earnings. New Minimum […]
Care Worker Recruitment: New Sponsorship Rules from April 2025
The UK government has announced new rules for care providers recruiting international care workers, which will take effect from 9 April 2025. Under the revised sponsorship requirements, care providers in England must first try to recruit an international worker who is already in the UK and in need of sponsorship before hiring from overseas. […]
Trinidad & Tobago Visitors Now Need UK Visa
The UK government has announced that from 9 April 2025, nationals of Trinidad and Tobago will no longer be able to enter the UK visa-free for short visits. Instead, they will need to apply for a visa before travelling, whether for tourism, business, study or family visits. The new rule realigns Trinidad and Tobago with […]
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 […]