Understanding Remortgaging: What It Is and Why It Might Be Right for You

What is Remortgaging?

Put simply, remortgaging is replacing your current mortgage with a new one. This could be through a different lender (known as an external remortgage) or a new deal with your current lender (known as an internal remortgage). Many homeowners consider remortgaging when their fixed-rate mortgage term is ending—usually after two or five years.

It can be a smart financial move for several reasons, such as securing a better interest rate. However, like any major financial decision, it requires careful thought.

Common Reasons for Remortgaging

Homeowners may choose to remortgage for several reasons:

To Get a Better Interest Rate: When your fixed rate ends, you’re usually moved to your lender’s standard variable rate (SVR), which is often higher. Remortgaging can help you avoid this by securing a better deal.
To Release Money: If your property has increased in value, you may be able to borrow more money. This can be useful for home improvements, consolidating debts, or funding major life events.
To Change Terms: Some homeowners remortgage to shorten or extend the length of their mortgage term.
To Consolidate Debt: Although it is not always advisable, remortgaging to pay off other debts might reduce monthly payments. This approach carries risks and should be discussed with a financial expert.

Steps Involved in Remortgaging

Remortgaging is typically quicker and simpler than buying a home. Here’s what you can expect:

Review Your Current Deal: Find out if any early repayment charges or exit fees apply.
Compare New Deals: Compare interest rates, fees, and total costs of new mortgage deals.
Apply for the New Mortgage: This will typically include a property valuation and affordability checks.
Legal Work: A solicitor or conveyancer may be needed, especially if changing lenders.
Completion: Once approved, your old mortgage is paid off with the funds from the new one.

Things to Keep in Mind When Remortgaging

Fees: Some deals come with arrangement fees, valuation costs, and legal fees. Always check the overall cost, not just the interest rate.
Timing: Start looking for new deals 3–6 months before your current rate ends to avoid falling onto the SVR.
Eligibility: Your credit score and income will influence your eligibility.

Final Thoughts

Remortgaging can be a useful way to manage your finances, but it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons. Speaking to a qualified mortgage advisor or solicitor can help you make the best choice for your situation. Contact Lisa’s Law today.

Have questions? Get in touch today!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

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Tragic Legal Victory: Court Rules Spouse Visa Refusal Unlawful, But Justice Comes Too Late

A Jamaican man who was unlawfully denied a spouse visa to join his sick wife in the UK has finally won his legal battle — but heartbreakingly, the judgment came too late. His wife passed away in 2024, shortly after giving birth to their child, and he will now not be granted entry to the UK as a spouse.

The Court of Appeal’s ruling in R (Tomlinson) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2025] EWCA Civ is a tragic reminder of the human cost of delays and poor decision-making in the immigration system.

Background

Mr Tomlinson, a Jamaican national, came to the UK in 2000 and later overstayed his visa. In 2011, he was sentenced to five years in prison and deported in 2016.

In 2019, he married a British citizen in Jamaica. The couple lived in France, but his wife was receiving essential medical treatment in the UK. In 2020, Mr Tomlinson applied to join her in the UK, stating that his presence was critical to her care due to her deteriorating health.

The application was refused due to a deportation order. He appealed, and in 2022, the First-tier Tribunal ruled in his favour, finding that his removal breached their Article 8 right to family life under the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Home Office revoked the deportation order in 2023 but required Mr Tomlinson to make a fresh visa application.

Second Refusal and Legal Challenge

In July 2023, Mr Tomlinson applied for a spouse visa. The Home Office refused again in August 2023, citing his criminal record — the same reason for the original deportation. The refusal did not refer to the previous tribunal ruling.

He launched judicial review proceedings. Though initially dismissed by the Upper Tribunal, the Court of Appeal found in 2025 that the Home Office was legally bound by the previous tribunal’s findings — unless there had been a significant change in circumstances. There was none.

The court reaffirmed that legal determinations by a tribunal must stand, even if the type of decision changes — from a deportation order to a visa refusal. The Home Office’s refusal was therefore both unlawful and unreasonable.

A Hollow Victory

Although the legal outcome was in Mr Tomlinson’s favour, it came too late. His wife died in November 2024. As a result, he can no longer be granted entry as a spouse.

The Court expressed “considerable sympathy” but stated it had no power to grant entry clearance directly.

Conclusion

This case stands as a painful example of how delays and legal missteps can destroy families. The law was ultimately on Mr Tomlinson’s side — but justice, in his case, arrived too late to make a difference.

Have questions? Get in touch today!

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How Important is an Arbitration Clause? A Small Line with Big Consequences

In the rush of finalising commercial contracts, an arbitration clause can often be overlooked. They are treated as standard boilerplate and often barely negotiated and discussed. But that single paragraph could one day control how your dispute is heard and come as a surprise down the road.

It’s Not Just “Whether,” It’s “How”

Arbitration is a private, contract-based alternative to court litigation. Many businesses prefer it for its confidentiality, flexibility, and international enforceability. But these advantages come with trade-offs. In England, if you agree to arbitration, you are giving up almost all rights to appeal. Even if the arbitrator makes a factual or legal mistake, courts will not intervene unless there has been a serious procedural error or a fundamental problem with jurisdiction. That is not a theoretical risk. It is a practical reality that many only discover too late.

An arbitration clause does more than decide whether arbitration applies. It can dictate who hears your case, under what rules, in what country, and in what language. A tightly drafted clause might ensure disputes are heard in London under English law before an experienced panel. A vague one might send you to an unfamiliar tribunal in a foreign seat applying unfamiliar rules.

Scope of the arbitration clause is also critical. If a clause says that any dispute “arising out of or in connection with” the agreement must go to arbitration, the arbitration tribunal can interpret that broadly. You may find yourself arbitrating issues tied to other related contracts, even if those contracts had originally said nothing about arbitration. On the other hand, if the scope of a clause is too narrow, you might be pulled into litigation abroad, even when you expected the matter to be arbitrated.

In one case, parties may assume the arbitration clause covered all their dealings. Later they learned that it did not extend to a side agreement, which forced them into fragmented proceedings in different forums. In another, an arbitrator may rule on a claim arguably from outside the contract.

A Clause That Deserves Attention

The lesson is simple. Arbitration clauses are not standard. They are tools of risk management. Treating them as an afterthought is like signing an insurance policy without reading the exclusions, which could actually be some of the most crucial terms.

If your business operates internationally, arbitration clauses can offer great efficiency and protection, but only if drafted clearly and thoughtfully with legal guidance. It is not just about choosing a forum. It is about making sure the dispute process is fair, enforceable, and commercially sound. If something goes wrong, the dispute clause will be the first thing your lawyer reviews.

At Lisa’s Law, we help clients review and tailor contract clauses to ensure they align with your commercial needs, risk management, and long-term strategy. What may seem like boilerplate today could be the most important clause in the contract tomorrow. A well-drafted arbitration clause does not just resolve disputes but will provide certainty when it matters most.

Have questions? Get in touch today!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

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Guide to Buying a New Build Home

Many people like new build properties, as they are tailored to modern living, offering the latest energy-efficient features, customisable finishes, and warranties that provide peace of mind for years to come that are tailored to modern living. This article is written by Solicitor Cassandra Ngu to provide a general introduction to the process of buying a new build home and highlights common issues which are associated with such purchases to potential buyers.

The general process of buying a new build property

Finding your new home

Upon finding your new home, you will pay a reservation fee which ‘locks’ the property for a set period (normally 28 days). If contracts are not exchanged within this set period, you may lose the reservation and the fee you have paid. If you can, you should try to negotiate a longer period so that you have sufficient time.

Instruct a Solicitor

The developer will recommend a solicitor, but you do not have to use the one they have recommended

Developer Sends Contracts

This pack contains all documents in relation to the development, such as title deeds, planning permission, building regulations approval and 10-year new build warranty documents

Apply for a Mortgage

Depending on the estimated completed build date of the property, you may need to apply for a mortgage straight away. However, if the build complete date is more than 6 months, you may have to exchange contracts first since mortgage offers are only typically valid for 6 months

Exchange of Contracts

The exchange of contracts must take place within the reservation period set out in your reservation agreement.. The completion date can be either a fixed date or a notice period.

At the point when contracts are exchanged, a deposit of 10% is due. Depending on the Contract, there may be stage payments.

Build Completion

The developer will keep you updated about the build process. You may also be asked to do an inspection before the notice is served. Finally, our solicitor will also receive the notice to complete on behalf of you.

Completion day

This is when the balance of purchase price is sent to the developer. Once the developer receives this, they will then receive the keys. The completion day will also include the handover with the developer’s agent. This will include the likes of: meter readings, user manuals for appliances and heating systems.

Post-Completion

After you complete, it is important to ensure that service charge accounts (if any), utilities, council tax, and home insurance are all set up.

Other than that, enjoy your new home!

Common Issues in New Build Purchases

While new build properties may sound perfect on paper, it is important to consider whether they are the right choice for you when you are looking to buy a home. With that in mind, here are some of the most common issues when it comes to new build purchases.

Confusion Around Completion

Buyers are often unaware of the difference between fixed completion dates and “on notice” completion, which can cause uncertainty and planning issues. Without a long-stop date, the developer could delay completion indefinitely. We’ll ensure you understand when you’re expected to complete and can plan accordingly as part of our new build conveyancing service

Mortgage Offer Expiry

New build mortgage offers typically last 6 months. Remember to apply at an appropriate time, reducing the risk of offer expiry.

Deposit Not Properly Protected

If your deposit is held as the developer’s agent and they go bust, you could lose it. We’ll check how your deposit is held (stakeholder vs. agent) and ensure it’s protected by a warranty scheme, so your money is safe.

Inadequate or Unacceptable Warranty

Not all warranties are accepted by mortgage lenders. Check that a valid new home warranty is in place and whether it is acceptable to your lender

We Can Help You

Lisa’s Law is experienced in acting for new build buyers and will represent your best interest. If you need any assistance or have questions about your new build purchase, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can also view our residential conveyancing page for more information about our services.

Have questions? Get in touch today!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/contact/

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James Cook

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Gig economy employers forced to conduct right to work checks

As part of their desire to control immigration and clamp down on illegal working, the UK government is introducing requirements for companies in the gig economy to carry out checks ensuring that their workers have the right to work in the UK.

For the first time, these checks will bring such employers in line with all other companies who have to carry out employment checks.

Sectors which are likely to be affected by the new changes include construction, food delivery companies, beauty salons and courier services. Keep reading to learn more about right to work checks.

The gig economy – a sector vulnerable to abuse

Last year, we brought you the news about Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats introducing checks to ensure that delivery riders are eligible to work.

With millions of Brits employed in the gig economy, the changes are an important introduction in a sector which is frequently vulnerable to abuse. The government seen the introduction of these changes as part of a holistic approach towards tackling illegal immigration and the small boats crisis facing the UK.

Commenting on the announcement, the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said:

“Turning a blind eye to illegal working plays into the hands of callous people smugglers trying to sell spaces on flimsy, overcrowded boats with the promise of work and a life in the UK.

These exploitative practices are often an attempt to undercut competitors who are doing the right thing. But we are clear that the rules need to be respected and enforced.

These new laws build on significant efforts to stop organised immigration crime and protect the integrity of our borders, including increasing raids and arrests for illegal working and getting returns of people who have no right to be here to their highest rate in half a decade.”

Right to work checks

Right to work checks are a requirement for all employers to carry out in the UK. There are a couple of main ways for employers to carry out a right to work check. These include:

Checking the job applicant’s right to work online
Checking the applicant’s original documents

Please note that it is not possible for British and Irish citizens to prove their right to work online, meaning that their original documents, such as a passport, will need to be checked.

You must also check that the documents are valid while in the presence of the applicant.

And finally, you must also make and keep copies of the documents as well as record the date that you made the check.

If you employ an illegal worker and do not carry out a right to work check then you could face a civil penalty, including a fine of up to £60,000 per illegal worker, business closures, director disqualifications and even potential prison sentences of up to 5 years.

Lisa’s Law’s Immigration services

These new rules are likely to affect many businesses who have never had to carry out right to work checks on their workers before. If you and your business require immigration support, this is something Lisa’s Law can help with.

View our business immigration page or contact us today.

Have questions? Get in touch today!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

James Cook

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Woman falsely accused of being dead in highly unusual probate case: Ashimola v Samuel

Imagine finding out you’ve been declared legally dead – and someone else now controls your property. This unsettling scenario unfolded in the case of Ashimola & Anor v Samuel & Anor [2025] EWHC 502 (Ch), where the High Court unravelled a calculated and deeply troubling fraud. A British woman, Ms June Ashimola, was falsely declared deceased while living abroad. Armed with forged documents, fraudsters secured a grant of probate over her £172,000 estate – and it all went unchecked until it reached court.

This high-profile, precedent-setting case serves as a striking example of how probate fraud can infiltrate the legal system and stands as a wake-up call for property owners, particularly those with international connections.

The Mechanics of the Fraud

The fraud hinged on two key fictions: a forged Nigerian death certificate, and a supposed marriage to one Bakare Lasisi. These were the foundations for a 2019 application claiming Ms Ashimola had died intestate and had been married to Mr Lasisi since 1993. Acting under a purported power of attorney from Mr Lasisi, Ruth Samuel used the documents to obtain a grant of Letters of Administration in October 2022.

The Probate Registry accepted the application without raising concerns – no red flags, no follow-up checks. Meanwhile, Ms. Ashimola was alive and residing in Nigeria.

Investigations later revealed that the scheme was orchestrated by convicted fraudster Tony Ashikodi, with Samuel facilitating the probate application. Upon discovery, Ms. Ashimola had to engage in legal proceedings to reclaim control of her own estate.

What is the Legal Framework for Probate?

The probate system is designed to distribute assets fairly after death, but it can be vulnerable to abuse if safeguards fail.

Under the Administration of Estates Act 1925, the estate of someone who dies without a will (intestate) is inherited according to a fixed hierarchy, with a surviving spouse typically taking precedence. By fabricating a marriage, the fraudsters positioned their invented heir at the top of this hierarchy.

To address such abuses, Section 121 of the Senior Courts Act 1981 empowers the High Court to revoke any grant of representation obtained by fraud or mistake. Additionally, the court retains inherent equitable jurisdiction to set aside actions rooted in dishonesty.

The forged documents – the death and marriage certificates – should have attracted scrutiny. These records are regulated by the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 and the Marriage Act 1949. Forgery in this context is not only actionable civilly but also constitutes a criminal offense under the Fraud Act 2006, carrying a maximum penalty of ten years’ imprisonment.

In essence, the law provides mechanisms to rectify such fraud – but only once it has been detected.

So how did the court uncover the truth in this case?

The Court’s Response in Ashimola v Samuel

Deputy Master Linwood gave careful consideration to the evidence.

Despite residing in Nigeria, Ms Ashimola gave live testimony via video link. Her Nigerian passport, issued after her alleged death, confirmed her identity. The judge compared Ms Ashimola’s face to her passport photograph in real time and was satisfied she was who she claimed to be.

The documents submitted to obtain the grant – particularly the death certificate – lacked authenticity. The court found no credible evidence of her death, no proof of any marriage to Mr Lasisi, and indeed, no indication that Mr Lasisi ever existed.

Consequently, the grant of Letters of Administration was revoked on the grounds of fraud. This decision reaffirms the enduring legal principle that falsehoods have no place in the administration of justice.

What Should Clients Be Doing Now?

This judgment is a reminder that prevention remains the best defence.

If you own property, especially across borders, you should consider taking the following steps:

Make and maintain a valid will.

A well-drafted will, regularly reviewed, makes it far harder for bad actors to exploit intestacy rules or forge false claims.

Appoint and inform trusted individuals.

Let trusted family members or your solicitor know where key documents are kept – especially if you own property overseas or spend time abroad.

Secure your documents.

Store original certificates and legal records safely. Where possible, use certified copies only for official applications, and consider solicitor-managed document storage if you’re frequently abroad.

Be proactive with legal advice.

If you suspect that someone may be attempting to interfere with your estate, or if you’ve been alerted to a suspicious application, early legal intervention can be critical.

Where Do We Go from Here?

The Ashimola case is likely to influence how the Probate Registry and courts handle suspicious applications moving forward. In this case, the forged death and marriage certificates were accepted with minimal scrutiny. Currently, there is no routine cross-checking of overseas records, creating a critical risk for clients with international ties and opening the door to exploitation by those willing to manipulate bureaucratic blind spots. We anticipate increased scrutiny around grants involving foreign documents and possibly a shift toward digital verification processes.

In the longer term, deeper reform may be needed. Blockchain-based registries, biometric ID checks, and structured international cooperation could offer a more secure framework – but progress has been slow.

In the meantime, estate planning remains your best line of defence. This isn’t just about tax or inheritance. It’s about making sure your estate is protected from abuse.

Even in a digital world, paper documents still depend on human judgment. Without proper verification, even the most official-looking records can open the door to fraud.

Final Thoughts

Ashimola is a stark reminder that justice depends not just on the law itself, but on the processes and vigilance that uphold it.

Fraud thrives in silence, and by the time it’s uncovered, the damage is often already done. The limitations of reactive justice are also evident. By the time the fraud was uncovered, legal costs had soared – reportedly nearing the full value of the estate. Earlier intervention, closer scrutiny at the application stage, or even basic identity verification could have prevented the grant from being issued.

Being vigilant may help uncover a fraud, but careful planning is what keeps your estate secure.

Have questions? Get in touch today!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Use the contact form function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

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James Cook

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Is the Home Office obligated to conduct an impact assessment before revoking a sponsor licence?

On 11 March 2025, the Court of Appeal in Prestwick Care Ltd & Ors, R (On the Application Of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2025] EWCA Civ 184 confirmed that the Home Office has no obligation to conduct an impact assessment before revoking a sponsor licence.

For serious breaches, revocation is mandatory, and the Home Office is not required to exercise discretion.

Conflicting High Court decisions

Before this ruling, two High Court cases had reached different conclusions on whether a wider impact assessment before revoking a sponsor licence was necessary:

Prestwick Care Ltd & Ors v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2023] EWHC 3193 (Admin)

The High Court upheld the Home Office’s decision to revoke Prestwick Care Ltd’s sponsor licence following a compliance check.

Breaches found included the following:

Senior Care Assistants not performing duties listed on their Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS);
Migrants paid less than their CoS-stated salaries;
Employees either did not receive sick pay or were told that no sick pay was available for their roles;
Immigration Skills Charge recouped from sponsored workers;
Failure to record visa expiry dates of sponsored employees;
HR records contained incorrect addresses for sponsored workers.

Prestwick Care argued that revocation would significantly impact employees, vulnerable residents, and local healthcare services.

The Court ruled that the Home Office is not required to consider commercial or community impact, its role is ensuring sponsor compliance, regardless of the size of the business.

Supporting Care Ltd, R (On the Application Of v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2024] EWHC 68 (Admin)

In the other case, Supporting Care Ltd had its licence revoked due to six policy breaches found during a compliance visit, though only one breach remained in dispute at the time of the hearing.

The sole disputed breach involved a Senior Care Worker allegedly not performing all CoS-listed duties.

Supporting Care submitted that the Home Office had failed to consider the wider impact on:

Sponsored workers and their families who would face removal from the UK;
Vulnerable individuals under the company’s care; and
Service provision within the local care sector.

They argued that the wording of the policy gave room for discretion to be exercised.

C10.4. Annex C1 of this document sets out the circumstances in which we will revoke your licence – these are known as ‘mandatory’ grounds of revocation. If any of these circumstances arise, we may revoke your licence immediately and without warning. […]

Sponsor-guidance-Part-3-compliance-12-24-v1.0.pdf (p.46)

In addition, public law principles require discretion to be exercised.

The High Court ruled in Supporting Care’s favour and held that discretion still applies, as mandatory revocation must be reasonable and proportionate.

Court of Appeal Decision

Prestwick Care Ltd appealed, arguing that the Home Office should consider wider consequences when revoking licences.

The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, reaffirming that the Home Office is not responsible for assessing the impact on health and social care.

Meanwhile, the Home Office challenged the Supporting Care ruling, arguing that the High Court’s decision undermined the sponsor licence regime.

The High Court’s decision to quash the revocation in Supporting Care was upheld, but only on procedural fairness grounds, as the Home Office failed to put its dishonesty finding to the employee or employer before revocation.

Conclusion

While sponsors must comply with their duties, the Home Office must also act fairly when imposing serious penalties. However, for serious breaches, revocation remains mandatory, and wider impact assessments are not required.

Have questions? Get in touch today!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

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Repair obligations – who is responsible for repairs, the landlord or tenant?

Disrepair issues are a common and significant concern in landlord and tenant relationships. Water leakage and the presence of mould are among the most common disrepair issues complained about by tenants. Meanwhile, disputes concerning property condition, defects, and repair obligations can quickly escalate and lead to litigation. Repair obligations are therefore important to take into consideration.

To landlords and tenants, it is important to consider whether a particular issue constitutes disrepair and whether the landlord’s obligations under a repairing covenant apply.

Better Intelligent Management Ltd and Another v Zaid Alothman Holding

One recent judgment of appeal that sheds light on this issue is Better Intelligent Management Ltd and Another v Zaid Alothman Holding [2025] EWHC 392 (Ch). The dispute centred around liability for disrepair to the windows in the blocks and whether the lessor or lessee was responsible for the related repairs. The problems identified include the excessive salt staining to the elevations, water ingress in and around the windows and failed glazed units.

The legal principles referred to by the court among other things are:

- Where there was no identifiable disrepair, a landlord would not be liable for the damage caused by condensation arising from a design defect; and
- Where building defects had existed since construction, and there had been no damage or deterioration in the condition of the building, a repairing covenant did not require the defect to be eradicated, however the original defect arose.

By following the principles above, if the issue is caused by design or installation defects, it is not disrepair. However, in the judgment, the court considered that the trial judge erred in focusing on the condensation as the subject matter of the disrepair rather than the window seals and units as the problems might be due to the progressive seal failure not necessarily the design or installation issue. It was held that the matter was remitted to the judge for further findings on the nature and cause of the defects.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, landlords and tenants should carefully assess the specific terms of their leases and the condition of the property to understand their respective rights and obligations when it comes to disrepair issues.

Have questions? Get in touch today!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Use the contact form function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

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James Cook

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Major UK Visa Fees Increase from April 2025 – What You Need to Know

This month’s so-called “Awful April” has seen bill rises for millions across the country. For those planning to apply for a UK visa, this is no exception. The UK government has announced that, from 9^th April 2025, multiple visa categories’ Home Office fees will increase, including visitor visas, family visas, and indefinite leave to remain. Below, we have compiled the new visa fees increase for the most common visa types for your reference:

Student Visa

Both in-country and out-of-country applications: £490 → £524

Visitor Visa

6-month visa: £115 → £127
2-year visa: £432 → £475
5-year visa: £771 → £848
10-year visa: £963 → £1059

Partner Visa (Spouse/Unmarried Partner Visa)

Out-of-country application: £1846 → £1938
In-country application: £1258 → £1321

Skilled Worker Visa

Out-of-country applications:

Up to 3 years: £719 → £769
More than 3 years: £1420 → £1519

In-country applications:

Up to 3 years: £827 → £885
More than 3 years: £1636 → £1751

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

£2885 → £3029

Naturalisation (British Citizenship Application)

£1500 → £1605 (excluding citizenship ceremony fees)

Sponsorship Licence (for Employers)

Small sponsor licence: £536 → £574
Large sponsor licence: £1476 → £1579
Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) for work visas: £239 → £525

For the full list of updated fees, visit the official UK government website: Home Office immigration and nationality fees: 9 April 2025 – GOV.UK

Our Comments

This fee increase will affect most UK visa categories and will increase the financial burden on applicants – particularly those planning to settle, reunite with family or secure long-term residency in the UK. However, compared to recent immigration policy changes, this adjustment is relatively modest, with most increases under £100 and priority fees remaining unchanged.

If you’re planning to apply for a UK visa, submitting your application sooner rather than later could help you avoid these additional costs. In addition, we strongly recommend that applicants stay updated with government announcements and plan their finances accordingly to ensure a smooth visa or immigration application process.

If you’re considering applying for a UK visa, now could be the best time to act! Contact Lisa Law Solicitors today—our experienced immigration lawyers are here to assist you with your application and help you secure the current lower fees before the price increase takes effect.

Have questions? Get in touch today!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Use the contact form function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

James Cook

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New Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 733

On 12 March 2025, the Home Office published a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 733, with amendments taking effect between 12 March and 13 August 2025. Key updates include new visa requirements for nationals from Trinidad and Tobago, changes to the Skilled Worker route, Ukraine Schemes, EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), and more.

Keep reading to learn more about the changes and how they could affect you.

Visit visa requirement for Trinidad and Tobago nationals

From 15:00 GMT on 12 March 2025, Trinidad and Tobago nationals require a visa to visit or transit the UK (unless exceptions apply), due to a significant rise in asylum claims.

Nevertheless, nationals with confirmed travel bookings and an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) may enter the UK without a visa until 15:00 on 23 April 2025.

Skilled Worker Route changes

Care Worker Recruitment

Sponsors must attempt to recruit from the existing pool of overseas care workers already in the UK before offering roles to new overseas applicants or those from other immigration routes. Confirmation from regional/sub-regional partnerships showing that recruitment from this pool has been attempted and no suitable workers were available will be required.

Minimum Salary Threshold

The lowest salary threshold increases from £23,200 to £25,000 per year, in line with the National Living Wage rise in April 2025. Some going rates in healthcare and education are also revised.

Salary Deductions

New rules ensure salary deductions align with paid allowances. Sponsorship costs cannot be recovered from applicants. Loopholes allowing applicants to fund their own salary via investments in the sponsor’s business are closed.

New Entrants

Salary reductions for new entrants are only available if training towards a recognised UK professional qualification.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) validity

Under the new sponsorship IT system, a CoS will be valid for 90 days (previously three months).

Ukraine Schemes

Children under 18 can apply to extend leave if initially granted outside the Immigration Rules to join parents with Ukraine Scheme permission;
Step-parents are no longer recognised as parents under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme;
From 13 February 2025, Ukrainian nationals will need entry clearance to travel to the UK. The variation process ends on 13 August 2025.

EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

Expired BRCs and BRPs

Non-EEA nationals can use BRCs/BRPs that has expired by up to 18 months for identity verification, without re-enrolling biometrics.

Pending Administrative Reviews

Individuals awaiting EUSS administrative reviews who have not left the UK will not be removed (except those on immigration bail).

Post-transition Citizens

Those who became EU/EEA/Swiss citizens after the transition period cannot sponsor family permit applications.

Suitability Refusals

Applicants may be refused on suitability grounds without a deportation/exclusion order if their conduct before the transition period meets the EU law public policy threshold. In addition, the threshold of ‘serious grounds’ of public policy or security will need to be met where applicants have/are eligible for indefinite leave to enter or remain under Appendix EU.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme

Trinidad and Tobago nationals are no longer eligible for ETA from 15:00 GMT on 12 March 2025;
Exemptions apply to French school group children;
British Nationals (Overseas) are exempt from ETA requirements.

Global Talent and Prestigious Prizes Routes

Updates reflect changes requested by Arts Council England, Pact, British Fashion Council, and RIBA;
Digital technology applicants no longer require an external form;
Golden Globe awards renamed in line with current titles used by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Other changes

Some of the other changes of note included the following:

Annual updates made to the Permit Free Festival List and Youth Mobility Scheme annual quotas;
Child Student Safeguarding provisions updated, including nominated guardians and living arrangements;
Where there is an error in the conditions or time period in a grant of permission, individuals will no longer have to submit an administrative review but to submit an ‘error correction grant’ free of charge for both out-of-country and in-country applications;
PhD students can be exempt from Academic Progress requirements if they are following their academic supervisor to another education sponsor to complete their studies, allowing them to switch sponsors within the UK without leaving;
List of disability-related benefits and documents accepted as evidence of divorce in the UK will be updated;
Provisions for Postgraduate Doctor or Dentist training will be removed from the Student route as access to these programmes is now provided via the Skilled Worker route;
4 new Scottish benefits will be designated as public funds for immigration purposes to ensure a consistent approach to migrants’ access to benefits across the UK;
New ‘genuine intention to study’ requirement will be added to Appendix Short-term Student (English language).

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Visit visa requirement for Trinidad and Tobago nationals

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EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

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Global Talent and Prestigious Prizes Routes

Other changes

Have questions? Get in touch today!

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