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 […]
Minimum Salary Increases from 4 April 2024
Following its announcement in December 2023, the UK Government is increasing the minimum salary thresholds for a number of UK work visas with effect from 4 April 2024. Skilled Worker Minimum Salary Increases The minimum salary thresholds for a UK Skilled Worker visa application will rise from 4 April 2024 as follows: […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Minimum Income for Spouse, Partner & Family Visas Revised to £29,000
The UK Home Office has revised plans announced earlier this month for raising the minimum income requirement for Spouse, Partner, and Family Visas. At the start of December, the Home Office announced a significant increase from the current £18,600 income threshold to £38,700. This was to take effect in Spring 2024. However, the announcement was […]
5 Point UK Immigration Plan Announced
On 21 December 2023, the Home Office issued a revised plan in relation to the salary threshold for family visas, superseding corresponding sections of the below announcement. Read our summary here for the latest on the new threshold for family applications. The UK government has announced a new 5-point immigration plan, with the aim of […]
Increase in UK Visa Fees from 4 October 2023
The Home Office has announced increases in UK visa, settlement and nationality fees that will take effect from 4 October 2023. The increases are affecting a wide range of applications, covering UK entry clearance, indefinite leave to enter, indefinite leave to remain as well as applications for leave to remain in the UK including many […]