Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) 2026: Fees & Who Pays
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that most individuals must pay when applying for a UK visa that grants permission to stay in the country for more than six months. The charge is paid as part of the visa application process and allows the applicant to access the National Health Service (NHS) during […]
Immigration Health Surcharge Refund
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that most non-British nationals must pay when applying for a UK visa from overseas for more than six months or when applying from within the UK for any visa length beyond six months. The surcharge is intended to give visa holders access to NHS services on broadly […]
Homes for Ukraine: What Employers Should Know
The Homes for Ukraine scheme was launched by the UK government in March 2022 in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It provided a route for Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members to come to the UK and stay for up to three years from the date of visa grant. The scheme allowed […]
TLScontact Login UK Visas 2026: Access Portal & How to Use
When applying for a UK visa from outside the United Kingdom, most applicants are required to attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre. These centres are operated by commercial partners appointed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). TLScontact is one of these providers, with visa application centres across Europe, parts of Asia, Africa, […]
Skilled Worker Route: An Employer’s Guide
As UK employers continue to face talent shortages across a range of sectors, the Skilled Worker route remains a vital mechanism for hiring qualified overseas nationals. Introduced in 2020 as a replacement for the Tier 2 (General) visa, this route allows UK-based organisations to employ non-British and non-Irish workers in eligible roles, provided they meet […]
Switch to Skilled Worker Visa Guide
For individuals already in the UK on a different type of visa, switching to a Skilled Worker Visa can offer several benefits. Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa not only allows you to work in the UK in an eligible role, it can also be a significant step in advancing your career, paving the way […]
Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent Visa Guide
The Tier 2 dependant visa, now replaced by the Skilled Worker dependant visa under the points-based immigration system, is the primary route for families to join a family member that has secured a sponsored role in the UK. While the dependant visa offers holders a number of benefits, it also comes with certain restrictions. In […]
Long Term Visa Options for the UK
There are many reasons why you might want to apply for a long term UK visa, including to work, to do business, to do a course of study or to join your relatives. Under the UK’s Immigration Rules, there are various long-term visa options for those looking to live, work, study or join family members […]
Skilled Worker Change of Circumstances
One of the key requirements under the UK visa sponsorship rules is that the Home Office must be notified of certain changes of circumstances relating to skilled workers. If you are an employer of a sponsored migrant whose employment details have changed, or if you are working in the UK on a skilled worker visa […]
Skilled Worker Guidance for Sponsors
Sponsoring a worker under the Skilled Worker visa route requires that the employer understands and follows a range of immigration rules. While the visa sponsorship system is designed to allow UK businesses to fill genuine vacancies that meet the skill and salary requirements and comply with UK law, the process is complex and can quickly […]