University withdraws student sponsorship over false bank statements

We have recently reviewed the High Court’s decision in R (on the application of Prabhjot Kaur and another) v Birmingham City University [2024] EWHC 3185 (Admin). The case sheds light on the responsibilities of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as licensed student sponsors and highlights how allegations of fraudulent documentation can lead to the withdrawal of […]

Automatic Upgrades for Pre-Settled Status Holders to Settled Status: A Policy Update

The Home Office is set to introduce a significant policy change aimed at streamlining the transition of eligible pre-settled status holders towards settled status under Immigration Rules Appendix EU.   This new approach seeks to finalize the implementation of the judgment in R (Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements) v Secretary of State […]

UK Government Proposes Increases to Home Office Fees and Temporary Transit Exemption for Airports

The UK government has revealed plans to raise certain Home Office fees. However, the implementation date remains undecided, as the draft regulations must undergo debate and approval in both Houses of Parliament. Additionally, a temporary exemption from electronic travel authorisation (ETA) requirements have been granted for specific airport transit passengers.     Temporary Transit Exemption […]

Ballot Announcement for the Youth Mobility Scheme 2025 – those from Hong Kong and Taiwan eligible

The UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) is a visa route designed to enable young people from select countries and territories to experience life and work in the UK for up to two years. Under this scheme, successful applicants can work, study, and live in the UK, gaining valuable international exposure and professional development. The scheme […]

Suspected people smugglers to face travel restrictions and bans on mobile phones

As part of its strategy to combat the continuing small-boats crisis faced by the UK, the Home Office has introduced a series of new measures specifically targeted at people smugglers. Rather than the approach of the previous government, which specifically targeted those in the boats themselves and threatened them with being “removed” to Rwanda, the […]

Government announces range of measures to crack down on illegal working

In recent years, the UK has seen a substantial increase in net immigration, a factor which partly contributed to the Conservative Party’s General Election loss. While the new Labour government hasn’t set a defined target for net migration, they have publicly stated their desire to tackle illegal migration. Illegal working, the subject of today’s article, […]

Increased Action Against Illegal Working – Nail Bars, Supermarkets, Car Washes, and Construction Companies Beware!

Recent government action has brought illegal working into sharp focus, with a 25% increase in arrests for illegal working since the change of government. According to new data released by the Home Office, the period between 5 July and 31 October 2024 saw 2,299 arrests stemming from over 3,188 operational visits targeting businesses suspected of […]

Home Office announcement – expired BRP cards can be used to travel until 31st March 2025

The Home Office have announced that they will allow Biometric Residence Permits or EU Settlement Scheme BRP Cards expiring on or after 31 December 2024 as valid travel evidence until at least 31 March 2025.   The UK Home Office is undergoing a significant transformation to modernise its border and immigration systems. As part of […]

How the Court of Appeal’s Ruling on Penalties for Employing Illegal Workers Affects Your Restaurant

 Restaurants that employ workers without the legal right to work in the UK face significant penalties from the Home Office. However, it’s not just the employment of illegal workers that can lead to fines — the way the penalty notice is issued to restaurants employing illegal workers also matters. To avoid costly disputes and ensure […]

Human Rights Appeal Victory: Long-Term Resident’s Absence during Covid-19 Pandemic Considered Exceptional

In a hard-fought legal battle, we successfully secured leave to remain for our client, a long-term resident and NHS pharmacist, after her initial application was rejected by the Home Office. Despite the original decision being made against her, we didn’t give up and continued to pursue the case through multiple levels of appeal. This culminated […]

How Can a Business Employ Hospitality Workers from Overseas in the UK?

The hospitality industry plays a key role in the UK’s diverse labour market, employing millions of people and contributing significantly to the economy. However, following Brexit and the end of freedom of movement, the UK hospitality sector is experiencing an acute skills shortage. Ongoing changes to immigration laws have also created uncertainty and made it […]

Global Universities List 2024 Released – Which Universities Make you Eligible for the High Potential Individual Visa?

The Home Office has published the Global Universities List 2024 . The list covers qualifications awarded between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2025. The importance of the Global Universities List lies in its ability to determine whether a person is eligible for a high potential individual visa. Let’s take a look at the what […]

The new Employment Rights Bill – what do employers need to know?

On October 10, 2024, the government announced the introduction of the Employment Rights Bill 2024, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at enhancing worker rights and implementing new policies. This initiative aligns with commitments made by the Labour government in its ‘New Deal for Working People’ and its 2024 Manifesto.     The Bill seeks […]

New Report Released about the UK Labour Migration System after the End of Free Movement

In September 2024, Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX) published a report on the UK labour migration system following the end of free movement. The report focuses on industry perspectives from sectors that have historically relied on migrant labour like hospitality, care, and agriculture.     Challenges brought by the end of free movement   The […]

Work Visa Updates Webinar for Small Businesses – Part-Time Rules, Checks, & Penalties

The landscape of UK immigration laws is constantly evolving, and businesses must stay informed to ensure compliance and avoid costly penalties. Recent changes to work visa requirements, employer responsibilities, and penalties for illegal employment have significant implications for small businesses.   With this in mind, please join us on Friday 27th September for a talk […]

IFS Report Highlights Home Office Budget Challenges Amid Rising Asylum Costs

On August 29th, 2024, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) released a report that brings to light significant financial challenges regarding the Home Office budget, particularly with respect to budget management for its asylum services.     As the number of asylum seekers entering the UK has risen sharply, the Home Office has encountered difficulties […]

UK Cracks Down on Illegal Immigration: 100 New Agents and Tougher Enforcement

On August 21, the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, unveiled a series of robust measures which represent a crack down on illegal immigration and are aimed at strengthening UK border security. These initiatives are designed to dismantle and disrupt organised immigration crime networks while ensuring that the country’s immigration and asylum rules are strictly enforced.   […]

‘Citizenship Ban’ is Over: Nationality Caseworker Guidance Updated

The Home Office has revised its nationality caseworker guidance following the Illegal Migration Act 2023 (Amendment) Regulations 2024, annulling the previous British citizenship ban. This ban prevented individuals who had met certain criteria related to illegal entry from ever obtaining British citizenship.     It was introduced by the Conservative government in 2023 and meant […]

Victory for Bangladeshi-Born Man in British Citizenship Case After Initially Being Refused a British Passport

In a landmark decision, the Administrative Court has upheld a claimant’s judicial review challenge against being refused a British passport by HM Passport Office. The claimant, born in Bangladesh to a British citizen father by descent, had his right to British citizenship confirmed.     Background   The case, R (on the application of Islam) […]

Court Stops Automatic Delays for EU Settlement Scheme Applicants with Pending Charges

The Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) has ruled in favour of an applicant whose settlement application under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) was delayed due to ongoing criminal proceedings for alleged offences committed before the end of the Brexit transition period. The Tribunal found that the policy of the Secretary of State was unlawful. […]

Clarification provided on 548 days absence requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain applications – could you be eligible?

The Home Office has updated their guidance on continuous residence to provide further clarification in relation to the 548 days absence requirement for 10 year settlement applications.   A person can apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK if they have accumulated 10 years lawful continuous residence in the UK. Prior to 11th […]

How Will the UK Election 2024 Shape Immigration? | Conservative, Labour, and Lib Dem Policies

With the UK general election 2024 fast approaching, here at Lisa’s Law, we would like to talk about the different immigration policies proposed by the main parties running for office.   So, let’s start with the Conservatives. In their manifesto, they have proposed several measures aimed at curbing migration. These include:   1. Health Checks […]

Court Upholds Decision on TOEIC Exam Fraud

The Court of Appeal, Civil Division, has rejected an appeal brought by the appellant against a ruling from the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). This ruling had previously dismissed the appellant’s challenge to a decision from the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). The Secretary of State had curtailed the appellant’s permission to stay […]

High Court Declares Electronic Monitoring Unlawful

The High Court has ruled that the Home Secretary’s use of electronic monitoring of four claimants was unlawful, a decision which has broader implications for future similar cases. However, the court upheld the Home Secretary’s right to use data from electronic monitoring to make decisions on leave applications for individuals who have been tagged. This […]

Labour Party Unveils 2024 Election Manifesto: Comprehensive Plan for Secure Borders and Efficient Asylum System

The Labour party has released its manifesto for the General Election being held on 4 July 2024, presenting a robust strategy to address national security, secure borders, and economic stability amidst a volatile global landscape. Here’s a summary of the key Labour immigration policies.     Labour emphasises the need for controlled and managed borders, […]

Triumphant Immigration Appeal by Lisa’s Law: Grandfather Wins Sole Responsibility Case

We are thrilled to share a significant victory for our client in a complex immigration appeal. This case not only highlights the intricacies of immigration law but also celebrates a rare achievement: winning an appeal for a sponsor who is the child’s grandfather, not a parent. Sole responsibility can be a complex issue and we […]

Seasonal worker visa route extended to 2029

The government has announced that it will extend the Seasonal Worker visa route from 2025 to 2029. This is in response to the dramatic increase in the demand for migrant workers via this route.     The visa quota for horticulture rises from 2500 in 2019 to 45000 in 2024. Meanwhile, he number of visas […]

New research finds that Graduate Visa provides a net contribution of £70m to UK economy per year

A recent report has been published by the Higher Education Policy Institute analysing the Graduate route visa scheme. The Graduate Visa has come under scrutiny in recent times from certain sections of the media and politicians for the number of immigrants and their dependents arriving via this immigration route.   The research, which was published […]

Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats increase security procedures to prevent illegal working

The Home Office have announced that three major food delivery companies, Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats are to undertake enhanced security checks to prevent illegal working.     There appears to have been a major increase of illegal working with these companies, with some driver’s accounts being shared by others. Some drivers have taken […]

Rwanda declared a a safe country by Parliament, paving the way for asylum seekers removals

On the 25th of April 2024, the contentious Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, received Royal Assent and became law. The passing of this bill marks a big step forward for the UK government’s plans to remove asylum seekers to their chosen third country, Rwanda. The government has announced that the preparatory stages of […]

UK eVisa, what is it?

An eVisa is how you prove your immigration status in 2025. Physical documents like BRPs and vignettes will be replaced by eVisas, which will remain valid until their expiry date on 31 December 2024.   If your status was granted for a longer period, it will not be affected by the expiry date of your […]

Removal of Absence Requirement Marks New Era for 10-Year Settlement Applications – our analysis is proved right

Last month, we published an article following the release of the latest statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 590, which was issued on March 14 2024. In this article, we made observations about the absence of any mention that applicants for 10-year settlement must not exceed 548 days away after living in the […]

Home Office UK eVisa system is now live

Over the past few months we have been eagerly awaiting the implementation of an online UK eVisa system which will end the issuing of BRP cards. Many BRP card holders were wondering why, despite their visa being granted for longer, their BRP card had an expiry of 31st December 2024. We explained that this was […]

Victory After Two Decades: Successful 20 Years Long Residence Visa Application

Securing legal residency after two decades of living in the UK under uncertain circumstances can seem like an insurmountable challenge. However, for many individuals who have built their lives in the country despite their unlawful status, obtaining a visa can become a reality with the right approach and supporting documentation. In this article, we outline […]

Immigration Salary List Rapid Review Published

On 4 December 2023, the Home Secretary announced several changes to the immigration system related to the Skilled Worker (SW) route. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) subsequently published its rapid review of the Immigration Salary List (ISL) on 23 February 2024 after being commissioned by the Home Secretary James Cleverly.   The Immigration Salary List […]

Lisa’s Law Helps Human Trafficking Victim in Successful Asylum Appeal Case

Amidst the harrowing tales of human trafficking, a beacon of hope emerges with the outcome of a successful asylum appeal case of an individual who had endured the horrors of modern-day slavery. The Upper Tribunal’s landmark decision overturns a previous ruling. This new ruling recognises the plight of our client, a Chinese national who was […]

Act now – Beat the ban on newly arrived care workers bringing immediate family members

Recently, the government has announced changes to the visa rules in order to reduce immigration. The government has come under pressure due to the unprecedented levels of immigration since the Covid pandemic, which has seen net migration increase to over 700,000 per year. This has resulted in the government taking action to cut net migration […]

High Court grants permission for judicial review of the government’s treatment of people with 3C leave

The High Court has granted the migrant and refugee charity organisation, Refugee and Migrant Forum Of Essex & London (RAMFEL), permission to bring a judicial review of the government’s treatment of people with 3C leave immigration status.   When an applicant is applying to extend their stay in the UK in time, applicants are automatically […]

Financial requirements for skilled worker and family visas to increase in April – apply now

Recently, the government has introduced some changes to the skilled worker visa and the family visas. These changes have been introduced after the UK has experienced unprecedented levels of immigration.     Due to humanitarian reasons and duties, the UK has accepted a lot of people coming from countries like Ukraine, Hong Kong and Afghanistan. […]

Can the identities of Home Office caseworkers be redacted?

  In general, a litigant in judicial review proceedings is not entitled to redact, on the ground of relevance, the identities of officials in such disclosure. This means that the Home Office should not redact the information about caseworkers in a judicial review. Routinely the names of civil servants outside the Senior Civil Service would […]

Navigating the Asylum Process: A Comprehensive Guide

    This article covers everything from what asylum is to the intricate steps of the application process and important details. Let’s dive into the complexities of seeking international protection and the path to asylum in the UK.   What is Asylum?   A person claims asylum when they are seeking international protection. The UK […]

Grounds for refusal under the UK immigration rules – what are they?

Within the immigration rules, part 9 relates to general grounds for refusal. If you are thinking of applying for either leave to remain or entry clearance in the UK, it is important to ensure that you avoid general grounds for refusal by meeting the suitability requirements set out in the UK immigration rules. Failure to […]

Business visit visas relaxed in latest statement of changes to immigration rules

Last week the Home Office announced the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 246. With this edition of the statement of changes, notable changes have been made in the area of business visit visas.   Business visit visa changes   The new business visit visa allows visa holders to engage in the internal […]

Waiting to apply for a spouse visa? Apply now before changes are introduced

If you are in a relationship with a person from abroad and wish for them to come and live with you in the UK, you need to apply for a spouse visa. To be successful in the application for a Spouse visa, there are a number of requirements that you must satisfy.   At this […]

UK signs new treaty with Rwanda in hope of reviving asylum partnership

  The Home Office have confirmed that the Home Secretary James Cleverly has today signed a new agreement with Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Vincent Birtua. This new UK-Rwanda asylum agreement follows the Supreme Court’s Judgement last month confirming that removals of asylum seekers to Rwanda is unlawful.   The Home Office claim that the agreement signed […]

UK tightens legal immigration rules – minimum salary hiked to £38,700 for some visas

  Yesterday, the Home Secretary announced plans which amount to one of the most substantial proposals in years to cut migration levels through the tightening of UK immigration rules. Popular visa routes like the skilled worker visa, health and care worker visas, as well as family visas are all affected.   Those who wish to […]

Latest asylum seeker statistics paint a complex picture – what can we learn?

  The Home Office has published the latest asylum and resettlement statistics for the year ending September 2023. These latest statistics show that there were 40,571 asylum grants in the year ending in September 2023. This is the most asylum grants since 2010. For comparison, the second highest amount of grants were in 2021 where […]

India and Georgia to Be Added to Safe Countries List

  On November 8, the UK Home Office announced the draft legislation procedure of adding India and Georgia to the safe countries list within Section 80AA of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002. This means that if individuals from these countries seek asylum or make human rights claims in the UK, those claims would […]

Rwanda Policy held to be unlawful by UK Supreme Court

  Recently, the UK’s immigration policy faced a crunch moment when the Supreme Court decided that the government’s Rwanda policy is unlawful. The highest court in the UK has spent a month deliberating the legality of the plans to remove asylum seekers to the East African country.   Today, the Supreme Court released its final […]

Success in Recognition of Dependants – Decade-Old Error Corrected

There are numerous pathways to securing immigration status in the United Kingdom. Each individual’s unique circumstances often leads them to selecting specific visa routes, and at times they may even possess multiple legal foundations for achieving Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Dependants in particular can sometimes face a harder route to secure immigration status.   […]

20 year residence appeal – refusal to accept tribunal decision leads to win

  20 years is a long period for an individual. Our team has assisted many clients with their 20-year long residence application, with people seeking to obtain legal immigration status in the UK after being in the UK for such a long period of time.   We were instructed by a client that had arrived […]

No Recourse to Public Funds Lifted! UK Immigrants may access benefits in the future

No recourse to public funds (NRPF) is a not a new thing for migrants in the UK, and always appears on their BRPs. For those with ‘No Public Funds’ on their BRP, they have no recourse to public funds and are not able to claim most benefits, tax credits or housing assistance that are paid […]

Guide to the UK High Potential Individual Visa

The High Potential Individual visa is dedicated to attracting graduates from leading non-UK universities who have the potential to work in fields such as science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The aim of this route is to cement the UK’s reputation as a hub for technological advancement by attracting some of the best and brightest from […]

Manston Immigration Centre admonished in watchdog report

By Victor Falcon Mmegwa   A report on the Manston immigration centre has seen it be described as “unacceptable” by an independent watchdog that monitors the centre. The Manston immigration centre originally opened in February 2022 to process migrants who arrived in the UK on small boats. It is designed for around 1,000 people to stay […]

One year sentence not excessive for small boat asylum seekers, rules Court of Appeal

A recent case gives guidance for the courts on how asylum seekers who arrive in the UK via small boats should be sentenced.   Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made ‘stopping the boats’ one of his five key priorities for 2023, but has recently suggested it may not be possible before the next election. The […]

European travel information and authorisation system (ETIAS) introduced by EU – UK travellers must apply!

In our recent article about the new UK Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme, we mentioned that the EU were planning on introducing a similar system. Now, the details about that scheme, the ETIAS, have been revealed.   By acquiring an ETIAS travel authorisation, you will be able to enter these European countries as often as you […]

Guide to the UK Fiance visa. What are the requirements and can you switch to a spouse visa?

Many people will be familiar with the ‘spouse visa’, a type of visa which allows a foreign national to live with their partner in the UK as long as the partner is either British or settled in the UK. However, there is another similar type of visa – the fiance visa. Both visas are separate […]

Migration Advisory Committee recommends scrapping the Shortage Occupation List

The Migration Advisory Committee has published its 2023 review of the shortage occupation list. Commissioned in August 2022, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is an independent non-department public body that advises the government on migration issues.   Compared with previous reviews, this review was conducted on the basis of the MAC’s recommendation that employers should […]

Concealment of essential information leads to deprivation of citizenship

By Yang Peng   Relationships in real life are not always stable; there are always ups and downs. Likewise, when applying for a visa, applicants often face challenges in proving the genuineness and enduring nature of their relationships. Consequently, accidental omissions and minor errors may occur in the complex visa application procedure.   During the […]

Brook House Inquiry – what were the findings? Part 1.

By Victor Falcon Mmegwa   This article is a more detailed follow up to our instant report on 19th September about the Home Office response to the Brook House Inquiry. In this article, we will go into more detail about the Inquiry, as well as take a look at some of the recommendations made by […]

ETAs to be introduced for travel to the UK – do I need to apply?

If you have travelled to countries such as Canada, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand, you may be familiar with the concept of an ETA. Short for electronic travel authorisation, ETAs are used to prevent unwanted visitors from entering the respective country. While they are already used in the previously listed countries, both the EU […]

Home Office states 2017 Brook House IRC abuse unacceptable

The Home Office has announced that the abuse at Brook House IRC in 2017 was unacceptable.   In 2019, an inquiry was started into Brook House Detention Centre (Brook House Immigration Removal Centre) in relation to the treatment of detainees in 2017.   The Brook House Inquiry identified 19 instances of mistreatment contrary to Article 3 of […]

UK visa fees to increase from 4th October 2023

UK’s immigration and nationality fees (UK visa fees) are set to increase from 4th October 2023. The Home Office confirmed today (15th September) that they will be increasing fees for the majority of immigration applications starting on 4th October 2023.   The fee rises were originally announced in July this year, and today, legislation is […]

Temporary admission and time spent on visitor visa may still count towards 10-year lawful residence

Migrants who have accumulated ten years of continuous lawful residence (10-year lawful residence) under any combination of visas may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain.   This would also include those who spent a period of time on temporary admission or immigration bail and were subsequently granted a visa.   An example of this would […]

Skilled Worker Visa – everything you need to know

A skilled worker visa  allows international workers with the appropriate skills to work for an approved UK employer. It replaced the Tier 2 work visa at the end of 2020.   The skilled worker visa permits you to bring your spouse, partner and children with you and is granted for up to 5 years. Once […]