UK government has announced it will consider suspending or restricting visas for countries that fail to cooperate on the return of individuals with no legal right to remain.
UK to Curb Visas for Countries Refusing Migrant Returns Read More »
On 4 September 2025, the Government introduced significant changes to the Immigration Rules through Statement of Changes HC 1298. Central to these reforms is the suspension of the refugee family reunion route. The move has been described in the accompanying explanatory memorandum as a “temporary pause” while the Home Office undertakes “a full review and reform of the current family rules to ensure we have a fair and properly balanced system”. No firm timescale has been given, though the Minister has indicated that a new family policy will be outlined before the end of the year.
Refugee Family Reunion Route Suspended Under Statement of Changes: HC 1298 Read More »
UK Home Office has announced a new campaign targeting international students who overstay their visas, warning tens of thousands that they risk removal from the United Kingdom. This comes against the backdrop of what the government has described as an “alarming” rise in the number of students legally entering the UK on study visas only to claim asylum when their leave to remain expires, even though we could assume they have successfully completed their degrees and are eligible to apply for a Graduate visa or seek a suitable job in the UK under the Skilled Worker route.
Why Apply for Asylum When Other Legal Routes Exist to Stay in the UK? Read More »
Changing employers on a Skilled Worker visa is possible, but the process is not automatic. Applicants must follow a defined set of steps to remain compliant with immigration rules. Following the significant amendments to the immigration system on 22 July 2025, understanding the requirements for changing employers on a Skilled Worker visa has become more
Changing Employers on a Skilled Worker Visa Read More »
Complaints play an important role in improving public services and the Home Office treats them as a formal way for individuals to raise concerns. Understanding what qualifies as a complaint, how it is handled and what to expect from the process can help applicants and the public understand the system with greater confidence.
UK Home Office Complaints Procedure Read More »
Reform UK has announced a radical immigration plan that promises to deport up to 600,000 migrants over five years if the party secures power at the next election. Party leader Nigel Farage insists that this is a “credible plan” to restore Border Control, an issue that has dominated political debate since before the Brexit referendum.
Can Farage’s Deportation Plan Really Help the UK Regain Border Control? Read More »
UK work visa statistics reveal striking changes in recent years, reflecting not only policy shifts but also evolving demands in the labour market. According to the latest Home Office figures, 182,553 visas were granted to main applicants across all work categories in the year ending June 2025. While this represents a 36% fall compared with the previous year, it remains 33% higher than 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Latest UK Work Visa Statistics Highlight Changing Migration Trends – June 2025 Read More »
The long residence route is one of the most established pathways under UK immigration law, offering settlement to individuals who have made the UK their home for a decade or more. This guide explains what the long residence route is, how the 10-year rule works, the requirements applicants must meet and the impact of recent changes in 2025.
Long Residence ILR 2025: Comprehensive Guide to the 10-Year Rule Read More »
When applying for a UK Spouse Visa, one of the most important requirements is to show that your relationship with your partner is both genuine and subsisting. In other words, the Home Office must be convinced that your relationship is real, ongoing and not formed simply for immigration purposes.
How to Prove Your Relationship to Home Office for a UK Spouse Visa Read More »
When assessing an application for entry clearance under the Skilled Worker visa, UK Home Office not only reviews the documentary evidence submitted but may also conduct an interview to test the applicant’s suitability and genuineness for the sponsored role. During these interviews, applicants are often asked key Home Office questions, which are crucial in determining whether the applicant meets the requirements under Appendix Skilled Worker of the Immigration Rules.
UK Skilled Worker Visa Interviews: Common Home Office Questions When Skills Are in Doubt Read More »
On 22 July 2025, significant reforms to the UK Skilled Worker visa route came into force under the Statement of Changes HC 997, following the Government’s Immigration White Paper Restoring Control over the Immigration System published on 12 May 2025. These reforms raised the skill and salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visa applicants, with most eligible roles now requiring RQF Level 6 or above.
Jobs on the UK Temporary Shortage List – Effective 22 July 2025 Read More »
Two high-profile e-petitions opposing government plans to lengthen the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will be debated in Westminster Hall on 8 September 2025. The debate, to be led by Ben Goldsborough MP, comes in response to proposals set out in the government’s May 2025 white paper, Restoring Control Over the Immigration System.
E-Petitions on Extending the Qualifying Period for Indefinite Leave to Remain Read More »
Post-Brexit Trends in the UK’s immigration system have fundamentally altered the profile of work-related migration. With free movement for EU citizens ending, the balance has shifted sharply towards non-EU migration, transforming the sectors, nationalities and visa types driving labour inflows.
Post-Brexit Trends in Work visas and migrant workers Read More »
The UK Government will introduce tougher university compliance standards through more stringent Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) measures for universities from September 2025, marking a significant shift in oversight of international student recruitment. The move, outlined in this year’s immigration white paper, comes amid mounting political and media attention on asylum claims made by individuals holding valid study visas.
UK to Enforce Tougher University Compliance Standards from September Read More »
Labour Government is considering imposing strict limits on the number of skilled foreign workers UK companies can hire, in a move designed to cut net migration and reduce dependency on overseas labour. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has tasked a newly established Labour Market Evidence Group (LMEG) with reviewing the current shortage occupation system and examining
Labour Plans Cap on Skilled Migrant Workers to Cut Net Migration Read More »
UK universities could soon face strict recruitment limits or even a foreign student ban if too many international graduates submit asylum claims after finishing their studies. UK Government is preparing to impose new performance thresholds for institutions that sponsor student visas, in a bid to tackle what ministers describe as “misuse” of the immigration system.
UK Universities Risk Foreign Student Ban Amid Rise in Asylum Claims Read More »
On 5 August 2025, UK Government introduced a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (CP 1373), bringing into effect a significant bilateral agreement with France aimed at tackling irregular migration across the Channel. At the centre of these amendments is the new Appendix UK/European Applicant Transfer Scheme.
The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has confirmed that the Government will introduce a major reform of the immigration and asylum appeals system in autumn 2025, with the intention of dramatically accelerating decision-making and increasing the number of returns.
UK Government Announces Major Reform of Immigration and Asylum Appeals Process Read More »
In a move that has left policymakers, employers, and immigration practitioners stunned, the Home Office has introduced far-reaching changes to the Skilled Worker visa regime without offering the most basic of policy tools: an impact assessment. As a result, the Home Office faces backlash for bypassing proper scrutiny and failing to assess the consequences of its reforms.
UK Spouse Visa is a crucial pathway for non-British partners of UK citizens or settled persons (those with Indefinite Leave to Remain) to live together in the UK. A key component of the application is proving financial stability, ensuring that the sponsoring partner can support their spouse without reliance on public funds.
UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirements in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide Read More »
From 22 July 2025, individuals already residing in the UK who wish to switch into a care roles under the Skilled Worker visa will be subject to a newly introduced eligibility condition: a minimum of three months lawful employment with their sponsor. This requirement reflects the Home Office’s broader strategy to tighten, protects and enhance
Switching into Care Roles: What the New 3-Month Rule Really Means Read More »
As mentioned in our previous article titled ‘Major UK Immigration Reforms Now in Effect’, the recent measures introduced by the UK Government mark only the beginning of a far-reaching recalibration of the country’s immigration framework. While adjustments to salary thresholds and sponsorship criteria are already in force, Home Office has confirmed that further significant reforms lie ahead, designed to reduce net migration and reshape the UK’s labour market.
UK Home Office has entered a formal agreement with Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats to intensify action against illegal working in the food delivery sector. The collaboration will see the government share key data such as the locations of asylum accommodation with the companies, enabling better identification of unauthorised account usage. Delivery riders found
UK Home Office and Delivery Giants Unite Against Illegal Working Read More »
An increasing number of Pakistani migrants are entering the United Kingdom through fraudulent visa applications, exploiting weaknesses in the Home Office’s verification system. Fake employment letters, CVs and bank statements are being used to support visa claims, often prepared by so-called immigration consultants who charge up to £50,000 for their services.
Despite being filled with grammatical errors and factual inconsistencies, many of these applications are being approved, allowing individuals to enter the UK legally under work or student visas.
Exposing the Visa Scam: How Fraudulent Applications Are Undermining UK Immigration Read More »
A new era for UK immigration began on 22 July 2025, with major UK immigration reforms coming into effect under the Government’s pivotal 2025 Immigration White Paper. With these reforms now live, employers and sponsors must take decisive steps to ensure compliance.
Major UK Immigration Reforms Now in Effect Read More »
As the United Kingdom’s new government seeks to tighten control over immigration while refocusing on domestic skill-building, its latest skilled worker visa update has triggered a debate. The updated shortage list sparks debate across political and public spheres, as a number of roles are set to lose eligibility under the revamped immigration rules. Yet, certain unconventional professions including diversity and inclusion specialists, poets and even bloggers have retained their route into Britain via the temporary shortage occupation list.
Britain’s Shortage List Sparks Debate Over Cultural and Inclusion Roles Read More »
On 1 July 2025, UK Government announced substantial amendments to the Immigration Rules, set to take effect from 22 July 2025. These upcoming changes will have wide-ranging implications for UK employers, visa applicants and migrant workers, with the social care sector particularly affected.
UK to End Overseas Recruitment of Care Workers from 22 July 2025 Read More »
As a sponsor licence holder, you are entrusted with sensitive data and critical access to the Home Office’s Sponsorship Management System (SMS). It is therefore essential to remain vigilant against phishing scams targeting these accounts. Recent alerts from the Home Office confirm a rise in fraudulent emails designed to mislead users into revealing their login
Protecting Your Sponsorship Management System (SMS) Account from Phishing Scams Read More »
UK has now moved another step closer to a fully digital border system by introducing eVisas for Pakistani students and workers travelling on study and employment routes. As of 15 July 2025, most main applicants no longer require a physical visa vignette (sticker) in their passport to enter the UK. What Is an eVisa? An
UK Introduces eVisas for Pakistani Students and Workers Read More »
UK Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) continues to be a critical financial consideration for employers sponsoring overseas talent. Since its introduction in 2017, the charge has grown not only in scope but in significance, especially with recent proposals for reform set out in the May 2025 immigration white paper. This guide provides a clear and detailed overview of when the charge applies, who qualifies for exemptions and when refunds may be available.
UK Immigration Skills Charge Guide 2025 Read More »