A driving offence does not automatically prevent someone from obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. However, the consequences can depend on the nature of the offence, how it was dealt with and the sentence or penalty imposed. More serious offences, or a pattern of repeated offending, can engage the criminality provisions under Part Suitability of the Immigration Rules.
Can Driving Offences Affect an ILR Application? Read More »
The UK’s Global Talent visa now includes a dedicated endorsement pathway for professionals working in the design industry. The Design Industry pathway was added to the Global Talent route in July. Applications are assessed by the Design Business Association (DBA) on behalf of Arts Council England.
Global Talent Visa for Designers: New Design Industry Route Explained Read More »
Several employers and employees have contacted us because an eVisa share code will not generate. Here is what the Home Office data shows and what to do.
eVisa Share Code Not Working? What Employees and Employers Should Do Read More »
When completing a UK visa application, the information you provide matters. A false answer, an incorrect document or failing to disclose a relevant fact can have serious consequences for an application.
False Information and Deception in UK Visa Applications: What Applicants Should Know Read More »
88 sponsors are now B-rated, up from 21 in June and 17 a year ago. Our analysis of the Home Office sponsor register, with charts and what employers should do.
B-Rated Sponsors Quadruple Since June: October 2026 Sponsor Register Figures Read More »
From 8 October 2026, an important change to the UK’s Victim of Domestic Abuse route will allow certain adult dependent children to apply for settlement where domestic abuse has permanently broken down their family relationship. The change forms part of the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 584, published on 3 September 2026 and amends Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (Appendix VDA).
Victim of Domestic Abuse Route Extended to Adult Children from 8 October 2026 Read More »
The Home Office has published its immigration and nationality fees table for 8 October 2026. Every fee in it is the same as in the April 2026 table: no visa, sponsorship, settlement or citizenship fee goes up on 8 October. The new table is housekeeping. It lines up with the HC 584 rule changes that
Home Office Fees from 8 October 2026: No Increases, and Four New Services for Employers Read More »
Sponsor licence compliance has become an increasingly serious issue for UK employers. Much of the recent attention has focused on enforcement within the adult social care sector. Concerns about worker exploitation, underpayment and misuse of sponsorship have resulted in considerable scrutiny of care providers.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has indicated that the Government could reconsider elements of its proposed changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) following concerns about their impact on migrants already living and working in the UK.
Shabana Mahmood Signals Possible Changes to ILR Reforms After Fairness Concerns Read More »
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced the reopening of the UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) for new referrals, alongside plans to develop further safe and legal routes for refugees.
UK Resettlement Scheme Reopens as Government Expands Safe and Legal Refugee Routes Read More »
UK Government expects to set out its new earned settlement policy later this year. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the position during evidence before the Home Affairs Committee on 15 September 2026.
Earned Settlement Policy Expected Later This Year, Home Secretary Tells MPs Read More »
The UK’s move towards a fully digital immigration system has delivered significant progress. However, a new independent inspection makes clear that the transformation is far from complete.
UK’s Digital Border Shows Progress, but eVisa Reliability Remains Crucial Read More »
The Home Affairs Committee has launched a new inquiry into the UK’s approach to work-based immigration. Announced on 15 September 2026, the inquiry will examine how work migration policy supports the UK labour market. It will also consider its relationship with domestic recruitment, skills and workforce training.
Home Affairs Committee Launches Work-Based Immigration Inquiry Read More »
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 »
