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Stay informed with the latest updates and insights in UK immigration laws, visa policies, and relevant developments from our expert team at UK Visas.

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5-year and 10-year routes to settlement

Settlement refers to the process of obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, which grants individuals the right to live and work in the country without any restrictions. It is a significant milestone for those who wish to establish their long-term residency in the UK.   There are two main routes to settlement: […]

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December 6, 2023

Changes to Minimum Salaries for Overseas Workers - Announced

The government is set to review the Health and Care visa, which has seen a significant number of visas granted to care workers and their dependents, by implementing a restriction that prevents overseas care workers from bringing their dependents to the UK. Moreover, care providers in England will now only be able to sponsor migrant […]

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December 5, 2023

Possible Increase in Skilled Worker Visa Minimum Salary

In an effort to control the soaring levels of legal migration, the government is expected to raise the minimum salary for foreign workers. Specifically, the minimum salary for a skilled worker visa is anticipated to increase from its current value of £26,200. Additionally, there will likely be restrictions on visas for healthcare professionals and limitations […]

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December 4, 2023

Sponsor Licences – What's the Difference Between a Small Company and a Large Company?

If you want to sponsor overseas workers (including those from the EU after 01/01/2021) you will need a sponsor licence. The fees and costs associated vary depending on whether you are a small, large or charitable sponsor. Here we’ll explain how to determine which category you fall into and what difference it makes. Small Companies […]

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November 29, 2023

Recent Posts

Fading Relevance: The Uncertain Future of the Shortage Occupation List

What is the Shortage Occupation List (SOL)? The SOL is a list of roles deemed to be in shortage in the UK and where immigration has been assessed as a suitable measure to help tackle those shortages. The current SOL comprises 37 UK-wide roles, one role for Scotland alone and 15 health and education roles […]

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October 9, 2023

Immigration Rules Updated: Detail which might affect you or your business

Skilled workers Prison officers are being made eligible for this route and will be added to the list of Skilled Occupations. Seasonal Workers The seasonal worker route has been amended to clarify the minimum 32-hour pay-per-week requirement for those working in horticulture and seasonal poultry workers. Youth mobility scheme enhancements For Australia and Canada, the […]

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September 19, 2023

Have I passed? - Secure English language test (SELT)

To assess a Secure English Language Test (SELT), applicants must provide a reference number on their application form. This number is used to verify the SELT using an online portal. The applicant must score at least the minimum level required for the route in each relevant component of the test, which must be taken in […]

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September 5, 2023

Who cares? That is the question.

The discovery that almost 100 care homes in the UK are unoccupied, sitting vacant, or repurposed, whilst 37,000 elderly people have a need for residential care is a shocking revelation recently made recently by the Liberal Democrats.

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August 21, 2023

Shortage Occupation - Its occupying our minds.

Discussions abound in the House of Lords about labour and skills shortages and there is strong appetite for expansion of the Shortage Occupation List. Further discussions surrounding the inception of a ‘temporary recovery visa’ and as the UK faces its longest recession on record, each week a different Lord or Lady brings an industry from […]

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July 11, 2023

UK Expansion Worker

A UK Expansion Worker visa allows you to come to the UK to set up a branch of an overseas business that has not started trading in the UK yet. You must already work for the overseas business as either a senior manager or specialist employee. If your business is already trading in the UK, […]

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April 11, 2023

UK visitor rules to make it easier and more attractive to do business in the UK

As set out in the Spring Budget, the Home Office is undertaking a review of the current UK visitor rules to make it easier and more attractive to do business in the UK. As part of this review, we continue to work with other government departments and their stakeholders to look at how we can expand the range of short-term […]

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April 3, 2023

Reduction in replacement fees and digital BRP letters

On 9 November 2022, UKVI released its updated list of fees all the fees remained unchanged, except for the cost of Replacement Biometric Residence Cards (BRPs), which has been reduced from £56.00 to £19.00. Further announcements UKVI has streamlined parts of the BRP process for individuals making entry clearance applications (applying for visas outside of […]

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December 1, 2022

You can start work before the start date on a COS

Guidance released by the Home Office (UKVI) states that an employee can start working in their sponsored employment as soon as they have permission to enter or stay in the UK. As a business, you do not have tell the Home Office (UKVI) if the worker’s start date has been brought forward after they have […]

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November 11, 2022

Changes to the Sole Representatives of Overseas Business Visa Route

The Sole Representative visa allows overseas businesses to establish a presence for the company in the UK. Under this route, a senior representative from the company can seek to enter the UK to set up a branch or wholly-owned subsidiary of the business in the UK. The Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules released by the Home […]

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May 21, 2020
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  • We have a great relationship with the UK Visas team, who provide a prompt, professional service and expert immigration advice. They take the worry out of the visa process, working efficiently even when dealing with numerous requests at once.

    Sarah Bond
    Human Resources Advisor
  • I can honestly say everyone that I deal with at UK Visas are very efficient, super helpful and informative and extremely nice (especially Ana and Garima). Also patient with all my questions – nothing is ever too much trouble, and very prompt with their responses.

    Jackie Thompson
    HR Assistant
  • I’ve worked with UK Visas for almost 10 years now, and the support and advice never fails. From the sponsorship of new employees to training for the whole team, UK Visas are always extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend their services!

    Helena Wittenbach
    Head of Human Resources,
  • Having worked with UK Visas for more than eight years, I cannot recommend their services enough. We have worked with them on a wide variety of immigration topics, including complex licence matters (following acquisitions), day to day sponsorship processes, and reporting; and we have always received an amazing service.

    Members of the team are responsive and come back to our queries quickly, they are always polite, and go out of their way to be as helpful as possible. Thank you to all of the team for the wonderful ongoing support you provide!

    Amy Gadsby
    Director, Human Resources - EMEA
  • We have worked with UK Visas for a number of years and the service that is provided is excellent.

    No query is too big or too small. Always accommodating and helpful. Thank you team!

    Louise Goddard
    Executive Business Partner to CEO and the Board
  • We have worked with UK Visas for over 10 years, since we initially requested obtaining a Sponsor Licence. From day one, their guidance, communication, professionalism, efficiency and support has been and continues to be exemplary, with no request too much.

    Thank you and we look forward to continuing the relationship.

    Sara Searle
    Head of Human Resources and Payroll
  • I’ve worked with UK Visas for over 6 years and always find them helpful, friendly and experts in what they do. I know I can always call them up or send them an email and I will get a detailed response, fast. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone to help and support with your visa journeys.

    Gerry Weiss
    HR Business Partner
  • We have been using UK Visas for many years and service is always expeditious, even as number of requests have increased in recent years. The team advise on a wide range of queries and are always supportive, informative and clear in their advice.

    Jodie Plom
    HR Administrator CVS Vets
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