SMS MFA login problems can arise when users confirm their identity using a one-time passcode to access the Sponsor Management System.
SMS MFA Login Problems: Updating Your Details and Managing OTP Issues – Part 2 Read More »
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an additional security step when accessing the Sponsor Management System (SMS). Once MFA is enabled, SMS users continue to enter their existing user ID and password. However, they must also enter a one-time passcode (OTP) before accessing the system.
SMS Multi-Factor Authentication: How to Log In Using an OTP – Part 1 Read More »
The Home Office’s planned use of Facial Age Estimation to estimate the ages of migrants has come under renewed scrutiny following reports questioning the technology’s accuracy.
Home Office Facial Age Estimation Plans Raise Accuracy Concerns for Child Migrants Read More »
UK immigration application fees have increased significantly over recent years. New scrutiny of Home Office income has now renewed questions about how immigration and citizenship fees are set. Recent reporting by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) examined the difference between application fees and their administrative costs. It reported that visa, citizenship and other immigration-related charges generated billions beyond their direct processing costs.
UK Immigration Fees Generate Billions as Questions Grow Over the Cost of Citizenship Read More »
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has backed calls for the Government to withdraw its proposed earned settlement reforms. At its annual Congress in Brighton, the TUC considered a composite motion concerning migrant workers and proposed changes to UK settlement rules.
TUC Calls for Withdrawal of Government’s Earned Settlement Proposals Read More »
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has signalled that further action could follow to address what the Government considers abuse of the UK Student visa route.
Home Secretary Signals Further Action on Student Visa Route Abuse and Asylum Claims Read More »
When a child applies as a dependant, the Home Office considers more than the child’s age and relationship with their parent. The immigration position and involvement of both parents can also affect the application.
UK Dependent Child Visa: Sole Responsibility, Parents and Settlement Read More »
Children can apply to come to or remain in the UK as dependants of their parents on a number of immigration routes. However, a dependent child application is not based on the family relationship alone.
UK Dependent Child Visa: Eligibility, Age and Requirements Read More »
For families in the UK, a child turning 18 can raise important questions about their immigration status. Does their dependant visa come to an end? Can they continue as a dependant? And what happens when they need to make their next application?
When a Dependant Child Turns 18: What Happens to Their UK Visa? Read More »
UK is preparing to associate with the Erasmus+ programme from 2027 and changes to the Immigration Rules have now been introduced to support people coming to the UK through the programme.
UK Rejoins Erasmus+: What the New Immigration Rules Mean for Participants Read More »
The number of international students applying for UK study visas has fallen, adding to concerns about the direction of overseas student recruitment ahead of the new academic year.
UK Study Visa Applications Fall 16% as International Student Recruitment Slows Read More »
Changes to the Right to Work Scheme from 1 October 2026 will make it important for businesses to look beyond their usual employee onboarding procedures.
Right to Work Checks from October 2026: What Employers Should Review Now Read More »
Skilled Workers who have been subjected to modern slavery will soon be able to leave an abusive employer without immediately losing their right to work in the UK. Changes announced by the Home Office will allow eligible workers to undertake almost any type of employment for the remainder of their existing Skilled Worker permission. The change will take effect on 8 October 2026 and is intended to prevent employers from using immigration sponsorship as a means of controlling vulnerable workers.
The cost of becoming a British citizen has risen considerably over the past 50 years. According to a recent House of Commons Library briefing, an adult applying for British citizenship by naturalisation in 2026 must pay £1,839, including the £130 citizenship ceremony fee.
Is It Worth Paying £1,839 to Obtain British Citizenship? Read More »
The Sponsorship Management System (SMS) is the Home Office’s online platform for organisations that hold a sponsor licence. It allows sponsors to manage their licence, assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), report changes involving sponsored workers and update information about their organisation.
What Is the Sponsorship Management System (SMS)? A Guide for UK Employers Read More »
UK Home Office has announced an increase in the financial maintenance requirement for international students applying under the Student visa route. From 30 November 2026, applicants studying in or outside London will need to show higher funds to cover their living costs in the UK. The new amounts were confirmed in the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules published on 3 September 2026.
UK Student Visa Maintenance Requirement to Increase from 30 November 2026 Read More »
UK Home Office published a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules on 3 September 2026. HC 584 introduces changes affecting several UK immigration routes and applicant groups. First, it provides new protections for Skilled Workers recognised as victims of modern slavery. It also addresses adult dependent children affected by domestic abuse and Hong Kong BN(O) families. Additionally, it changes provisions for EUSS applicants, students, visitors and Erasmus+ participants.
Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 584, 3 September 2026 Read More »
Obtaining an additional allocation of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) can be a demanding process for licensed sponsors. UK Home Office may examine the organisation’s recruitment plans, financial position and need for each proposed role before granting additional Certificates.
What Challenges Do Sponsors Face with CoS Allocation Requests? Read More »
Licensed sponsors should remain alert following an increase in phishing emails designed to gain unauthorised access to the Sponsor Management System (SMS). These emails may allow criminals to access sponsor accounts and fraudulently assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).
Phishing Emails Targeting Licensed Sponsors: How to Protect Your SMS Account Read More »
UK citizenship applications hit record high in 2026, as the number of people applying for British citizenship reached its highest level on record, according to new Home Office figures analysed by the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford.
UK universities face growing pressure as international student enrolment falls. Their financial concerns are serious, but money represents only part of the story.
International Students Bring Value That No Balance Sheet Can Measure Read More »
UK Home Office presents the eVisa as a safer and more convenient way to prove immigration status. More than 10 million people now use digital status. For many, the system works as intended. However, digitalisation has also placed a considerable practical burden on migrants.
Receiving a sponsor licence suspension notice can cause serious concern for an organisation and its sponsored workers. However, suspension does not automatically mean that the licence will be revoked.
What to Do If Your Sponsor Licence Is Suspended Read More »
A tuberculosis test is an important requirement for many people applying to enter the UK. Applicants seeking a broader explanation of the testing process, exemptions and requirements can read our Comprehensive Guide to Tuberculosis (TB) Testing for UK Visa Applicants. However, having completed a test does not necessarily mean that the immigration requirement has been met.
Tuberculosis Test for UK Visa Applications 2026: Certificate Validity and Expiry Rules Read More »
UK Home Office has announced that it will introduce mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all Sponsorship Management System (SMS) users. The phased rollout will begin on 3 September 2026 and is expected to cover all sponsor licence holders by November 2026. Once MFA is enabled, SMS users must enter a one-time passcode alongside their username and password whenever they access the system.
Mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Sponsorship Management System Users Read More »
Certain people are exempt from UK immigration control because of their official positions or functions. Their exemption applies only when the relevant legal requirements are satisfied. Exempt individuals are not subject to the Immigration Rules in the usual way. However, exemption must be established through the person’s position and purpose in the UK.
Who Is Exempt from UK Immigration Control? Read More »
In Part 1 of our guide to UK Immigration Exemption for Diplomats, we examined who may qualify for exemption from UK immigration control during a diplomatic posting, the position of eligible family members and the rights and limitations associated with exempt status. Part 2 focuses on the practical process of obtaining a digital record of
Digital Record of Exemption for Diplomats: Application, Documents and Costs Read More »
Foreign diplomats and certain diplomatic mission personnel posted to the United Kingdom are exempt from immigration control while carrying out their official duties. This allows them to enter, live in and travel from the UK without obtaining immigration permission for the duration of their posting.
UK Immigration Exemption for Diplomats: Eligibility, Rights and Family Members Read More »
International graduates approaching 2027 face an important decision about their Graduate visa timing. The application date could determine whether they receive two years or 18 months. However, applicants cannot simply apply early without meeting every legal requirement.
Graduate Visa Cut to 18 Months: Should You Apply Before 1 January 2027? Read More »
Reform UK has announced plans to prevent most foreign nationals from claiming welfare benefits as part of a wider programme intended to reduce annual government spending by £50 billion.
Reform UK Proposes Benefit Restrictions for Foreign Nationals in Major Welfare Overhaul Read More »
