Right to Work Check UK: Employer Steps & Compliance 2026
Section A: Right to Work Check Overview If you are hiring someone to work in the UK, of any nationality, you should work on the basis that a Right to Work check is needed before they can start employment with you. When employers carry out Right to Work checks in the correct manner, […]
Appendix Skilled Occupations: Guide 2026
Section A: What is Appendix Skilled Occupations? Appendix Skilled Occupations is an important reference point for occupation codes and going rates used across sponsored work routes, including Skilled Worker visa, Global Business Mobility and Scale Up routes. Each listed occupation is assigned a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, a going rate and skill […]
Migrants’ English Language Requirement Raised for UK Work Visas
Changes to Migrants’ English Language Requirement Under revised Immigration Rules, applicants seeking an initial grant of permission under the Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual (HPI) and Scale-up visa routes on or after 8 January 2026 are required to meet a higher English language standard of B2 under the Common European Framework of Reference […]
UK English Test for Citizenship: Applicant Guide 2026
Section A: English Language Requirement for British Citizenship The English language requirement for British citizenship is a statutory requirement in origin, but operationalised through regulations and guidance. It forms part of the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK framework. It applies to most applications for naturalisation and registration. The required English […]
SELT: UK Visa Applicant Guide 2026
Section A: What is SELT? A Secure English Language Test, usually shortened to SELT, is an English language test that UK Visas and Immigration recognises for certain immigration and nationality applications. A SELT is not a universal requirement across all routes. It is one permitted way of meeting an English language requirement where […]
UK Settled Status: Eligibility, Rights & How to Apply 2026
Section A: What is Settled Status? Settled status is a form of indefinite leave to remain (ILR) granted under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). It applies to eligible EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and certain family members, who were living in the UK by 11pm on 31 December 2020 and who can show […]
UK Immigration Changes 2026: Employer Guide
8 January 2026: Higher English Language Threshold From 8 January 2026, the English language threshold for first time applicants under Skilled Worker, Scale up and High Potential Individual is expected to increase from B1 to B2. Transitional treatment generally turns on the date the application is submitted, so late submission can shift a […]
UK Visitor Visa Guide 2026
Section A: Standard Visitor Visa Under the UK Immigration Rules, the overarching category for short-term entry is the Visitor route, set out in Appendix V. Within this, the Standard Visitor visa is the main visa type covering most general visits to the UK, such as tourism, visiting family, business meetings, short study, and […]
UK Business Visitor Visa Guide 2026
If you are coming to the UK for the purposes of business, you’ll need to ensure you have the relevant permission. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Business Visitor visa, or you may require an ETA. The following guide for foreign nationals looking to come to the UK as business […]
Shortage Occupation List 2026
Section A: What is the UK’s Shortage Occupation List? Under the UK’s points-based immigration system, most non-UK resident workers are required to apply for a visa to come to the UK to work. The primary route is the Skilled Worker visa, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa. For employers looking to sponsor […]