UK Visa Processing Time After Biometrics: A Guide
The length of time it takes for your application to be processed can be an important factor in deciding when to apply and when to make travel arrangements. But UK visa processing times vary considerably, depending on factors such as the type of visa being applied for, the country or Embassy where the application is […]
Warning: Skilled Worker Visa Holders Face Higher Salary Bar for ILR
Current Skilled Worker visa holders in the UK may face challenges in securing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the future due to the increases in salary threshold requirements that took effect in 2024. Those who joined the Skilled Worker route before the 4th April 2024, and who are currently earning below the new thresholds, […]
Changes to Sponsor Guidance January 2025
The Home Office has issued updated sponsor guidance, with a number of key changes to the visa sponsorship regime impacting UK organisations that hold, or are applying for, sponsor licences. Revised Rules on Recovering Sponsorship Costs Employers are no longer allowed to transfer or recover certain sponsorship-related expenses from sponsored employees. The prohibited […]
Home Office eVisa Transition Information for Employers & BRP Holders
The Home Office has issued much-needed information and resources about the ongoing transition from physical immigration documents to the eVisa digital system. With an expiry deadline of 31 December 2024 for physical documents, there remains considerable progress to be made over the coming months to ensure those affected by the changes do not fall foul […]
Figures Show Home Office Focus on Illegal Working & Immigration Offences
The Home Office has been increasing efforts to tackle illegal working across the UK, leading to a significant rise in enforcement action. Illegal working & immigration offences According to figures released by the Home Office on 2 December, Immigration Enforcement teams conducted 3,188 visits between 5 July and 31 October 2024, resulting in […]
New Sponsor UK System & Sponsor Guidance Updates
The latest updates to the UK’s sponsor guidance, effective from 24 October 2024, bring notable changes for sponsors in the Worker and Temporary Worker categories, particularly as the Home Office begins implementing its new ‘Sponsor UK’ IT system. This update outlines the key changes, the impact on sponsor licence holders and the steps to consider […]
Surge in Sponsor Licence Suspensions & Revocations
Sponsor licence suspensions and revocations have this year reached an unprecedented high compared to figures from previous years. According to recent Home Office data, there has been a 109% increase in suspensions and a 51% rise in revocations since 2023. Beyond sponsor-specific obligations, the Home Office is also clamping down on wider immigration and employment law […]
Immigration Implications of Employment Rights Bill
The newly-published Employment Rights Bill is set to bring significant reform of UK workplace rights. The details of the changes will start to emerge as the Bill passes through the legislative process. For employers, this insight cannot come soon enough, as efforts will need to be made to review the new rules, assess current organisational […]
King’s Speech 2024: Immigration Reforms
At the State Opening of Parliament on 17 July 2024, marking the first session since the most recent UK general election, King Charles presented the new Government’s upcoming legislative agenda. In this update, we set out the main provisions relating to UK immigration. Section A: Business Immigration The speech referred to the introduction […]
Care Home Sponsor Licence Revocation Overturned on Judicial Review
As the Home Office continues its heightened scrutiny of the health and social care sector, the recent Judicial Review case of New Hope Care Ltd v Secretary of State for the Home Department will be of interest to care providers – as well as sponsor licence holders in other industries – where procedural failings have […]