UK Home Office has introduced new statement of changes, bringing significant amendments to multiple visa routes, including the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), Appendix Private Life and Appendix Long Residence. These updates, which come into force, aim to simplify requirements, address inconsistencies and provide greater clarity for applicants.
From 9 April 2025, the UK Home Office has introduced targeted scrutiny measures for sponsors assigning Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) under SOC codes 6135 (Care Workers and Home Carers) and 6136 (Senior Care Workers). Core Distinction: Switching vs. Changing Employers Requirements for Visa Switchers For sponsors assigning a CoS to someone switching to a care
UK Home Office Tightens Rules for Switching to Care Worker Visa Read More »
From 15 July 2025, the UK Home Office will commence a pivotal shift in how overseas visa applicants are granted permission to travel. In this significant UK immigration update, marking a step towards a fully digital immigration framework, vignettes (visa stickers) placed inside passports will be phased out for most applicants in favour of a secure, online eVisa system. This development highlights the government’s commitment to modernising immigration controls and enhancing user convenience through technology.
UK Immigration Update: eVisas to Replace Vignette Stickers from July 2025 Read More »
Care homes risk severe staff shortages unless the government invests billions to offset the impact of its immigration crackdown, warns Professor Brian Bell, chair of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). With the Home Office scrapping the care worker visa route to cut net migration, the sector faces a looming crisis unless wages rise to attract British workers.
UK Care Worker Visa Crackdown Could Cost Billions, Warns Migration Adviser Read More »
UK Government has pledged swift action against immigration abuse following revelations of corrupt advisers charging foreign nationals up to £22,000 to obtain skilled worker visas for the UK.
Corrupt Advisers Exploit UK Skilled Worker Visa System Read More »
UK immigration has undergone its most significant shift since Brexit, with the May 2025 White Paper, Restoring Control Over the Immigration System, introducing stringent new rules for UK employers. For businesses reliant on global talent, adapting to these changes is noy just advisable in fact it is critical to maintaining your ability to hire internationally. Here’s
New UK Employer Sponsorship Rules: A Compliance Guide for Businesses Read More »
If you are currently living in the UK on a visa or planning to settle here, a major proposed change to immigration rules could significantly impact your future. The UK Government has announced plans to extend the standard residency requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five years to ten years under a new “Earned Settlement” model.
New UK Immigration Rules: Residency Requirement for Settlement Doubles to 10 Years Read More »
The Government has announced plans to reform how immigration cases relying on ‘exceptional circumstances’ and Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights are considered. The changes, outlined in a new White Paper, aim to restore parliamentary control over immigration decisions by reducing reliance on judicial interpretations that have expanded “exceptional” claims beyond original legislative intent.
Government Plans to Tighten Rules on ‘Exceptional Circumstances’ Read More »
With just days remaining before the 1 June deadline, up to 700,000 migrants in the UK have yet to register for the eVisa, leaving them unable to prove their right to work, rent, or travel. The Home Office’s shift from physical documents to the eVisa digital system has been marred by technical failures, delays, and legal challenges, raising fears of a crisis.
Almost 700,000 Migrants at Risk as UK eVisa Deadline Approaches Read More »
UK government has unveiled its latest immigration white paper, Restoring Control Over the Immigration System, introducing sweeping reforms aimed at reducing net migration while reshaping how businesses recruit overseas talent. With stricter rules on visa sponsorship, higher salary thresholds, and sector-specific restrictions, employers across industries must reassess their hiring strategies to remain compliant and competitive.
UK Immigration White Paper: Key Changes Employers Must Prepare For Read More »
UK government has unveiled a comprehensive Immigration White Paper aimed at significantly reducing net migration. The proposed reforms within the Immigration White Paper seek to tighten visa rules, prioritise skilled workers and address public concerns over rising immigration levels. Below are the key measures outlined in the policy document.
Labour’s Immigration White Paper: Key Changes to UK Migration Policy Read More »
The UK government is cracking down on rogue immigration advisers. These individuals often exploit vulnerable migrants with false promises. Under the new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, regulators will gain stronger powers. They can now act faster against illegal operators.
Rogue Immigration Advisers Face Hefty £15k Fines Under New Legal Reforms Read More »
Over the past two years, the UK has witnessed a concerning rise in the exploitation of migrant workers, particularly in sectors like social care and agriculture. Workers lured by the promise of stable employment and a better future are often met instead with poor working conditions, withheld wages and in some cases psychological abuse. Now, legal experts and advocacy groups are urging the Home Secretary to act.
Migrant Workers Deserve Protection—But Why Are They Still Taking the Risk? Read More »
More than 60 Labour MPs and peers have urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to introduce a youth mobility visa scheme with the EU, calling it a vital step toward rebuilding economic and diplomatic ties with the bloc. The proposed scheme would allow 18- to 30-year-olds from the UK and EU to live and work abroad for a limited period, boosting cultural exchange and economic cooperation.
Labour MPs Push for Youth Mobility Scheme Amid Hopes of UK-EU Trade Reset Read More »
The Home Office has introduced an important update to the Immigration Rules affecting Skilled Worker sponsors. From 9 April 2025, the Immigration Rules were amended to introduce a new provision on permitted deductions from a sponsored worker’s salary. This applies to all Certificates of Sponsorship issued on or after that date.
Understanding the New Immigration Rule for Skilled Worker Sponsors Read More »
In a significant step to strengthen the UK’s Immigration Rules, the government has announced stringent new measures targeting illegal working and exploitative employers in the gig economy. The reforms, unveiled on 30 March 2025, aim to close existing loopholes in the Immigration Rules that have allowed some businesses to bypass employment checks, ensuring fairer competition and cracking
Strict Immigration Rules Hit the Gig Economy Read More »
The Life in the UK Test is a mandatory requirement for most applicants seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship. First introduced in 2005 for citizenship applications and extended to ILR applicants in 2007, the test assesses knowledge of British customs, traditions and laws. Candidates must book the test online at least three days in advance, with the current fee set at £50 per attempt.
Understanding the Life in the UK Test: A Comprehensive Guide Read More »
UK’s transition to an eVisa system, which officially began last year, was intended to modernise and streamline the immigration process. However, for many visa holders, the shift has been far from smooth. Despite the Home Office’s assurances of advanced tools and systems, countless individuals are facing significant challenges with the UK eVisa, from proving their immigration status to accessing basic rights such as work and travel.
UK eVisa: A Digital Nightmare for Immigrants in the UK Read More »
UK’s Skilled Worker visa route, introduced address labour shortages, has become a focal point of debate amid rising asylum claims and systemic oversights. A recent report by the National Audit Office (NAO) reveals significant gaps in the Home Office’s understanding of the visa system, leading to unintended consequences such as increased asylum claims and exploitation. As the government prepares to publish a White Paper to reform the immigration system, this article explores the challenges and its impacts.
UK Work Visa Reforms Face Criticism Ahead of Immigration Changes Read More »
UK Government has announced significant UK immigration changes 2025, introducing new visa rules for care workers and international students. These measures aim to reduce the country’s reliance on overseas recruitment and address record levels of immigration. Here’s a detailed look at the key updates and their implications.
UK Immigration Changes 2025: New Visa Rules for Care Workers and Students Announced Read More »
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system has been introduced to streamline the process for travellers visiting the United Kingdom. Designed to be user-friendly and efficient, the UK ETA allows eligible individuals to obtain authorisation quickly, ensuring a smooth entry into the UK. Whether you are planning a holiday, business trip, or short visit, here is
How to Apply for a UK ETA: A Comprehensive Guide Read More »
UK government has announced a significant update to its border control system, extending the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme to European visitors. From 2 April 2025, eligible European travellers will need to apply for an ETA before entering the UK. This move marks the final phase of the ETA rollout, following its successful implementation for non-European nationals last year.
UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) Now Open for Europeans Read More »
UK Government has come under fire for its recent amendment to Home Office guidance, which effectively blocks British citizenship applications from individuals who have entered the country illegally, regardless of how much time has passed since their arrival. This controversial update, which took effect on 10 February 2025, has sparked criticism from legal experts, refugee
A Privilege, Not a Right: UK Citizenship Ban for Illegal Entrants Stirs Controversy Read More »
Over 4 million UK visa holders have successfully switched to eVisas, according to newly released Home Office data. However, around 600,000 people are yet to transition from physical documents to the digital system.
Home Office Extends eVisa Deadline Again Read More »
The UK Spouse Visa allows married partners of British citizens or settled persons to join their spouses in the UK. In 2025, several significant changes have been introduced to the Spouse Visa requirements. This article, brought to you by Morgan Smith Immigration, provides a detailed overview of these changes, including the latest updates and their implementation dates.
Applying for a UK Spouse Visa in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide. Read More »
we understand the importance of meeting the English language requirements for your UK visa or citizenship application. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Secure English Language Test (SELT) requirements, approved test providers, and the process for booking and taking a test.
List of Approved English Language tests for UK Visas: A Comprehensive Guide to SELT Read More »
In recent years, the Home Office has made significant efforts to visit companies and educational institutions to prevent any abuse toward workers and international students. Over the last couple of years, the number of companies that lost their licence due to such abuses has exceeded expectations. Educational institutions are also under the scope of the
Home Office Sponsor Action Plan: Ensuring Compliance and Avoiding Downgrades Read More »
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an essential requirement for UK employers looking to sponsor foreign workers. It is a digital record that confirms the worker meets the eligibility criteria for their visa. Without a valid CoS, a migrant worker cannot apply for a sponsored visa to work in the UK.
UK Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Guide Read More »
Thousands of migrant single mothers working in the UK’s care sector have been denied visas for their children due to the UK’s restrictive immigration policies, particularly the sole responsibility requirement. A new report highlights the systemic discrimination and distress caused by these policies, urging the government to implement fairer immigration measures.
The UK Government has announced new measures aimed at reducing the financial burden of the migration and borders system on taxpayers. These proposed changes, laid before Parliament on 16 January 2025, outline fee adjustments across several immigration and nationality services.
UK Government Set to Increase Immigration Fee Read More »