Employment Rights Bill Update October 2025
The Employment Rights Bill is in the final parliamentary exchanges between the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Agreement could be reached quickly, although further exchanges remain possible. Royal Assent follows only once both Houses settle the remaining points and commencement regulations are made. The Act will provide the framework. The operational rules […]
Graduate Route Reducing to 18 Months
The Graduate visa will be reduced to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027. If you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, the grant remains three years. Reform of the Graduate Route was first announced in the May 2025 Immigration White Paper and has since been confirmed in the October […]
Student Visa to Innovator Founder Visa: In-Country Switching Introduced
Under the updated UK Immigration Rules, Student visa holders who have completed their studies can apply to switch directly into the Innovator Founder route from within the UK from 25 November 2025. The change, confirmed in the October 2025 Statement of Changes (HC 1333), closes the previous gap that forced most student-entrepreneurs to leave the […]
Immigration Statement of Changes HC 1333 October 2025
The Home Office has published Statement of Changes HC 1333, laid before Parliament on 14 October 2025. The update delivers a wide package of reforms under the government’s Plan for Change. For employers, the key measures are the higher English language requirement for key work visa routes, a shorter Graduate route and structural rule changes […]
Stage 1 Report into Temporary Shortage List Published
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published its Stage 1 report on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL). Stage 1 sets out the proposed framework for how the TSL should work and lists 82 RQF 3–5 occupations that the MAC believes are potentially crucial to the Industrial Strategy or critical infrastructure. These roles will move to […]
Home Secretary Announces Tougher ILR Requirements
The Home Secretary has confirmed that the Government intends to tighten the rules for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The key changes under consideration include tougher English language standards, a requirement for a clean criminal record and a greater emphasis on economic contribution such as proof of employment and payment of National Insurance. Ministers are […]
Entry/Exit System (EES) Guide for UK Travellers
Section A: What Is the Entry/Exit System (EES)? The Entry/Exit System, commonly referred to as EES, is a new EU border management scheme that will replace the stamping of passports for travellers from outside the European Union and Schengen Area. Instead of relying on manual stamps, the system will electronically record when a […]
Govt Considers Reductions in UK Work Visa Fees
The Labour government is reported to be exploring a reduction in UK work visa fees. The news comes at a time when the United States has sharply increased H-1B visa charges, opening up an opportunity for the UK to present itself as a more competitive destination for global talent. The newly established Global Talent Taskforce […]
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 […]