Government Commissions ‘Rapid Review’ into UK Graduate Route
The UK Government has commissioned a ‘rapid review’ of the UK Graduate route to be conducted by the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). In a letter to the MAC Chair Professor Brian Bell, dated 11 March 2024, the Home Secretary James Cleverly has directed the body to consider five key areas: Whether there is any proof […]
MAC Recommends 21 Roles for UK Shortage Occupation List
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has now completed its rapid review into the UK’s Shortage Occupation List (SOL), publishing recommendations on roles to be included on the reformed Immigration Salary List (ISL). The MAC was commissioned by the Government earlier this year to carry out a fast-tracked review in advance of significant increases to the […]
Immigration Rules Changes 19 February 2024: Care Workers & Ukraine Visa Schemes
The Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 556 was published by the Home Office today, 19 February 2024, focusing primarily on care workers and the Ukraine visa schemes. Changes affecting care workers & care providers Following publication of its Five-Point Immigration Plan in December 2023, the Home Office has confirmed that the […]
New Visa Extension Scheme for Ukrainian Nationals in UK
The UK Government has announced an extension to its visa scheme for Ukrainian nationals seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict. This scheme, known as the Ukraine Extension Scheme, allows Ukrainians who arrived in the UK before 16 November 2023, to extend their stay for an additional two years. Since March 2022, the UK has opened […]
Updated Right to Work Guidance & Illegal Working Fines Increasing from 13 February 2024
The UK Government has implemented significant changes to the Right to Work regime which apply to verification checks conducted on or after 13 February 2024. These updates encompass both revised guidance for employers conducting checks as well as a significant increase in civil penalty fines for illegal working. Changes in Right to Work Guidance […]
Judicial Review Permitted into Government’s Treatment of Individuals with 3C Leave
The High Court has granted permission for a Judicial Review into the UK Government’s treatment of people with ‘3C leave’. Under Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971, individuals who make an in-time application to extend their lawful status in the UK are automatically granted a temporary right to stay in the UK which protects […]
Important Dates for UK Immigration Changes 2024
Implementation dates for a number of upcoming immigration changes in the UK have now been formally confirmed in a statement made by Tom Pursglove, the Minister of State for Legal Migration and the Border. These follow previous announcements, notably in relation to the government’s new 5-point immigration plan. The key dates are as follows: IHS […]
No Sponsor Licence Renewal Requirement From 6 April 2024
The requirement for UK sponsors to renew their sponsor licence every four years is being abolished from April 2024, under new Home Office rules confirmed today. UK sponsor licences due to expire on or after 6 April 2024 are now being automatically extended by 10 years. Licences that are automatically extended will not end unless […]
MAC Rapid Review into New UK Immigration Salary List
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has been commissioned by the Home Secretary to undertake an initial, ‘rapid review’ of the UK Shortage Occupation List (SOL), which is to be renamed the Immigration Salary List (ISL). The review follows a formal undertaking by the Government to overhaul the SOL in light of the MAC’s October 2023 report, […]
Immigration Health Surcharge Increase From 6 February 2024
The increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge will come into effect on Tuesday 6 February 2024. This follows Parliament’s approval of the Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order on 16 January. The surcharge is paid by most applicants when submitting their visa application form electronically. How much is the Immigration Health Surcharge in 2024? For […]