The UK government has recently updated its guidance for work sponsors. The changes focus particularly on the practice of employers passing certain costs onto employees. With millions of foreign workers in the UK, the changes are set to have a significant impact on work visa sponsorship. What do employers have to pay for? […]
Tag Archives: Immigration
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 […]
Ministry of Justice Announces £20 million Annual Investment in Civil Legal Aid
While it may have gone slightly under the radar, a significant announcement was recently made by the Ministry of Justice. For the first time since 1996, there will be a funding increase in civil legal aid. This figure stands at an extra £20 million per year, and those to benefit first will include vulnerable people […]
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 […]
No More BRPs issued from October 2024, With BRP Replacement Service Also Discontinued
On September 26, 2024, the Home Office updated its guidance documents, marking the end of the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) replacement service. In addition to this, the beginning of October marked the end of BRPs being issued. This move is part of a broader shift towards a fully digital immigration system from 1st January 2025. […]
New Right to Work Guidance Confirms Supplementary Work Update
Ensuring that employees possess the right to work is vitally important for employers. If employers are found to have employed staff who do not have the right to work, this can have devastating consequences. This includes outcomes ranging from civil penalties, to criminal sanctions. Meanwhile, ensuring tenants have the right to rent is […]
Penalties for Illegal Employment: Restaurant Manager Gets 5-Year Ban
A manager of a restaurant in Herefordshire has recently been banned as a company director for five years after employing two illegal workers. The case highlights the penalties which employers face for illegal employment. Background Masoom Khan, who is a manager of an Indian restaurant in Herefordshire, hired two individuals for his […]
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 […]
How to Apply for a UK Family Visa from India
If you have family members in the UK and wish to join them, applying for a UK family visa from India is the appropriate step. This visa allows you to live with your spouse, partner, child, parent, or other close family members who are settled in the UK. This guide will briefly explain the […]
How to Apply for a UK Work Visa from India
If you are an Indian citizen looking to work in the United Kingdom, then you will need to apply for a UK work visa. The Skilled Worker Visa allows you to work in the UK with an approved employer, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) Work Visa at the end of 2020. This guide explains […]
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. […]
How do I register for a UK eVisa? Find out here!
Recently, we have been getting a lot of inquiries from clients wondering why their 2.5 or 5-year visas show an expiry date of 31st December 2024 on their BRP cards. So, why is this? Well, starting from January 1st 2025, the Home Office will usher in a new era of digital immigration documentation with the […]
‘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) […]
Clarified Guidance for Five-Year Route Partners Accessing Public Funds
The Home Office has updated its guidance to clarify the conditions under which partners on the five-year route (commonly known as spouse visa) can access public funds without being transferred to the ten-year route. So, when can partners access public funds? Keep reading to find out. Previously, there was ambiguity around whether individuals […]
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. […]
Home Office pause granting leave to victims of trafficking
The Home Office has recently updated its guidance concerning leave to remain for victims of trafficking and modern slavery by announcing a temporary suspension of all decisions related to recovery from harm. The exact reason for this pause is unclear, but it may be due to ongoing litigation, the need for direction from the new […]
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 […]
Labour Government Launches New UK Border Security Command
The newly elected Labour government has announced a whole raft of changes since coming to power on 5th July. Among these changes include the scrapping of the high-profile Rwanda policy as well as the topic of today’s news article, the launching of a new UK Border Security Command (BSC). According to the Home Office, […]
Landmark High Court Decision for Migrants on Section 3c Leave
In a ground-breaking ruling, the High Court has delivered a significant judgment that impacts thousands of migrants in the UK. The case, R (Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London) v SSHD [2024] EWHC 1374 (Admin), challenges the Home Office’s failure to provide proof of immigration status to individuals with leave to remain under […]
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 Rejects Legal Aid Challenge for Windrush Compensation Scheme
In a significant ruling of the case of R (Oji) v The Director of Legal Aid Casework [2024] EWHC 1281 (Admin)., the High Court has dismissed a legal challenge seeking to secure legal aid for individuals applying for compensation under the Windrush Compensation Scheme. This decision has sparked a mix of reactions from various stakeholders, […]
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, […]
What are the immigration policies in the Conservative Party’s 2024 manifesto?
This week, the two major parties, Conservative and Labour, launch their election manifesto. On Tuesday, it was the turn of the governing Conservative Party to announce their plans about what they would do if they were to beat the odds and win next month’s general election. Let’s take a look at the Conservative Party immigration […]
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 […]
Home Office Announces Further Crackdown on Student Visas
The UK government has announced new proposals to further crack down on student visas, aiming to tackle student visa abuse and ensure that this route is not used as a gateway to immigration, according to the Home Office. The new measures proposed by the Home Secretary and Education Secretary include: Raising financial maintenance requirements […]
EU Settlement Scheme changes confirmed by the Home Office
The Home Office has announced a number of changes to the EU Settlement Scheme. Those who have been granted pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme will have their rights strengthened by the newly implemented changes. Let’s take a look at what the EU Settlement Scheme changes are. Duration of pre-settled status extensions […]
Skilled Worker Visa Update: Running Own Business Now Allowed
The Skilled Worker visa is often considered a “golden ticket” for individuals seeking to live and work in the UK under sponsorship from an employer. After five years, visa holders can even apply for settlement. However, this visa also comes with certain conditions and restrictions. One of the limitations is on undertaking additional work. […]
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 […]
The Innovator Founder Visa – a guide for applicants
The UK has a rich entrepreneurial spirit, with the likes of Richard Branson, Alan Sugar, and James Dyson all household names from the UK. It also has a proud history of welcoming immigrants to its shores, many of whom have founded successful businesses, whether locally or at a national level. The Innovator Founder Visa is […]
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 […]
Huge increase to skilled worker visa salary threshold takes effect
As of 4th April 2024, some big changes to the skilled worker route came into force. Most foreign workers will now need to earn £38,700 to obtain a skilled worker visa. This is a huge increase to the skilled worker salary threshold from the previous requirement of £26,200. These changes were initially announced […]
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 […]
New passport fees: UK passport application fees to rise by 7% in April
From 11th April 2024, the UK government will introduce new passport fees for all applications made on and after this date, as announced by the Home Office and HM Passport Office on 20th March 2024. The proposals, subject to parliamentary approval, include the following: A standard online application made from within the UK will rise […]
Exciting News: Applicants Now Eligible for 10 Year Settlement Despite Extended Absences!
If you have resided in the UK lawfully for 10 years then you are entitled to apply for settlement, commonly known as indefinite leave to remain. Meeting certain criteria, such as passing the Life in the UK test is essential, along with ensuring that your absences from the UK don’t exceed specific limits. So, when […]
Can a small takeaway business obtain a sponsor licence ?
We receive many enquiries from owners of small takeaways and restaurants asking if they can obtain a sponsor licence to hire staff from abroad. Many face difficulties in hiring staff from within the UK and require experienced hires from abroad for the recruitment of positions such as chefs. For a number of years there has […]
Home Office pilot scheme breached UK data protection law
The information commissioner’s office (ICO)has issued an enforcement notice and a warning to the Home Office for failing to sufficiently assess the data protection risks arising from the GPS electronic monitoring of migrants who have entered the UK illegally. This follows the launch of a Home Office pilot scheme to place ankle tags and track […]
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 […]
Changes to Health and Care Worker Route introduced in new Statement of Changes
The Home Office has issued a new Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 556 on 19 February 2024. The Statement makes a number of anticipated changes to the rights of care workers to bring dependents to the UK through the Health and Care Worker route, as well as changes to the various Ukraine schemes […]
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. […]
Illegal Renting in the UK: Landlords Hit with Increased Fines
Landlords or agents engaging in illegal renting—renting a property to a person in the UK illegally—are liable for a fine. This measure was introduced as part of the UK’s hostile environment approach, making it difficult for those in the UK illegally to live and work there. Section 22 of the Immigration Act prohibits any […]
Great news for Sponsor Licence holders – no more extension applications
A sponsor licence allows businesses and organisations to hire employees in the UK from abroad. A sponsor licence is presently valid for 4 years, and the business or organisation would have to make an application to extend thereafter. The Home Office has confirmed that the requirement to extend a sponsor licence will be removed. […]
Home Office Secret Policy Exposed by High Court
The High Court has held that the Home Office operated a secret policy denying victims of trafficking and modern slavery leave to remain. In October 2021, the Hugh Court held in the case of KTT v SSHD that the Home Office was required to grant leave to remain to all those who have […]
Immigration Health Surcharge Now to Increase from 6th February 2024
The Immigration Health Surcharge’s anticipated increase, initially set for 16th January 2024 as first stated, will not be taking place on that date. It has been confirmed that the increase will occur no earlier than 31 January 2024 at the earliest, as we informed you in our recent article. We can now confirm that […]
Home Office backtracks on immediate rise in financial requirements for family visas
The Government announced late last year that they would be increasing the financial requirement for applications made for family visas. Such a huge increase has understandably caused great concern for those intending to make an application in the future and those who are currently in the UK with a family visa. Presently, the […]
Immigration health surcharge increase delayed – submit your application now
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) allows an individual coming to the UK to have full access to the National Health Service (NHS). It is an upfront cost paid when submitting a visa application, which allows the individual to access the NHS without any restriction. The Government announced in October 2023 that the immigration […]
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 […]
UK Government Lowers New Salary Thresholds!
The UK government announced earlier this month new salary thresholds for both Skilled Worker and Spouse visas. Starting next spring, individuals must earn at least £38,700 per year to secure a skilled worker visa or to bring a family member or partner from abroad to the UK. However, the Home Office has adjusted its […]
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 […]
New to the UK? A helpful guide for new arrivals
Coming to the UK may be a daunting experience for some. For new arrivals, it may be difficult to know how to begin your integration into the UK. Here we provide a guide for those who have moved to the UK on how to register for services and how to start your life in […]
Why does my biometric residence permit expire in 2024?
Many of you will have noticed that the expiry date showing on your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card is 31st December 2024, prior to many of your visa expiry dates. The good news is that this doesn’t mean that your leave to remain will expire on 31 December 2024. Instead it means that your […]
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 […]
Health and Care Worker Visa FAQs
The Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals to work in the UK in an eligible job within the NHS, for an NHS supplier, or in adult social care. We have covered the Health and Care Worker Visa in more detail in a recent article specifically about the visa. Click here to read. […]
Health and Care Worker Visa Guide
A Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with the NHS, an NHS supplier or in adult social care. The Health and Care visa is integrated into the Skilled Worker route. The Health and Care Worker visa allows applicants to […]
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 Findings – Part 2
This article is part two of our in depth look at the findings of the Brook House Inquiry, following our previous article last week. In this piece, we will highlight the remaining recommendations made by the Chair of the Inquiry, Kate Eves. We will also examine what steps the Home Office has taken to […]
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 […]
UK Ancestry Visa Guidance and FAQs
What is a UK Ancestry Visa? Ancestry visa is a visa issued by the United Kingdom to Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Ireland. Should you qualify, you will be granted a 5-year visa. You can also apply for a UK Ancestry visa […]
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 […]