MAJOR CHANGE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WITH DEPENDANTS

Many students with courses starting on or after 1st January 2024 will not be able to bring their partners and their children to the UK. Recent changes to the law mean that only those students studying for a Ph.D./other doctoral qualification, or those on a research-based higher degree, can be joined by their dependants. Whether this […]

VISA APPLICATION FEES AND IMMIGRATION HEALTH SURCHARGE TO INCREASE SIGNIFICANTLY- MAKE YOUR APPLICATIONS NOW IF YOU CAN

Further to an announcement by the Prime Minister on 13th July 2023, we are expecting large increases in visa application fees and in fees for applications to remain in the UK. Similarly, the Immigration Health  Surcharge will drastically increase, from the current £624 per year for most applicants to £1035 per year. The current discounted rate […]

Changes to the Youth Mobility Scheme for Australian Nationals

Thanks to the recent Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement, young Australian nationals wishing to apply to come to the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme will, from 31st January 2024, benefit from two welcome changes: Firstly, the eligible age limit will increase from 30 years old to 35 years old. Secondly, Australians will be able to […]

Welcome Changes to the Youth Mobility Scheme for New Zealander Applicants

From 29th June 2023, Nationals of New Zealand will be benefit from an increased age limit if they wish to come here under the Youth Mobility Scheme. Applicants must currently be under the age of 31 . They will need to be under 36 years old as of 29th June and will also be able to […]

Electronic Travel Authorisation – new requirement announced

From 15th November 2023, visitors from Qatar will need to apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK, even though they do not require a visa. This requirement will be extended to nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates from 2nd February 2024. The Home Office plans […]

PRIORITY SERVICE AGAIN AVAILABLE FOR FAMILY VISAS

Great news for applicants who could until recently have waited for up to six months for a decision, the priority service is no longer suspended for applicants applying to join family members. For an extra £573 or equivalent, applications should usually be decided within thirty days of attendance at a biometric appointment. Priority services may […]

NEW GUIDANCE ON RIGHT TO WORK CHECKS FOR EMPLOYERS

As of 1st October 2022, the guidance on employers undertaking right-to-work checks has been updated. Checks must be undertaken in accordance with the guidance below. Coronavirus (COVID-19): right to work checks – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) The adjusted procedures introduced during the pandemic have ended. Retrospective checks do not need to be made on employees whose right […]

High Potential Individual Visa Route Introduced on 30th May 2022

High Potential Individual (HPI) visa: Overview – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) This new route enables eligible graduates to come to the UK (or to stay here) for two years (three if they have a Ph.D.) and to look for work, take up employment, or become self-employed. Work does not need to be skilled and no sponsor is […]

UK EXPANSION WORKER VISA-REPLACEMENT FOR SOLE REPRESENTATIVE ROUTE

On 11th April 2022, a new route was introduced for overseas businesses wishing to establish a branch or subsidiary in the UK. Unlike under its predecessor, the Sole Representative route, an employee being sent to the UK to establish a branch will need to be sponsored by their overseas employer which must apply for a UK […]

NEW UKRAINE EXTENSION SCHEME-HELPFUL FOR THOSE ALREADY IN THE UK

Ukrainian nationals already in the UK are unable to apply to remain here under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. The new scheme, introduced on 3rd May 2022, means that many more Ukrainian nationals will now be able to apply to stay in the UK for up to three years. If for example someone is working here […]