News

As announced by the Home Secretary on the 23 May 2023, and following the Government’s commitment to reduce net migration, as of today at 15:00 the Home Office removed the right for international students to bring dependants unless they are on postgraduate courses currently designated as research programmes. They  also removed the ability for international […]

The Government has not yet announced when this substantial increase in the cost of applying for a UK visa will come into effect. However, the timing of the announcement suggests that it may be as soon as the Autumn. On 13 July 2023, the UK Government announced that the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) will increase by 66%, […]

Whilst no clarity on the timing or dates of implementation has been shared, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, The Rt Hon John Glen MP has announced steep increases to immigration fees and the immigration health surcharge (IHS). The current rate for the immigration health surcharge will increase from £624 to £1,035 per year. Workers […]

In June 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak joined one of the Home Office teams which were part of a large-scale operation making over 150 visits to businesses employing illegal workers. Over 100 arrests took place with a number of these being restaurants. Illegal working remains high on the Government's agenda with plans to increase enforcement […]

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 […]

From the cobblestoned streets of the Romans to the bustling financial heart of modern-day London, the UK has time and again proven its strategic importance as a world-leading trading centre. Andrew Griffith MP recently highlighted this rich lineage in a compelling article for TheTelegraph, detailing the ambitious reforms he and the Chancellor are driving to […]

Salary thresholds and going rates have changed to reflect the current economic climate of uncertainty and inflation. From 12th April 2023, salary thresholds and going rates are increasing. Please ensure any new applications from 12th April meet the new salary requirements. Going rates for Skilled Occupations will now be based on a 37.5-hour week (rather […]

One of the government’s priorities is securing the UK’s borders and keeping our people safe by ensuring that everyone wishing to travel to the UK (except British and Irish citizens) has permission to do so in advance of travel. To fill the current gap in advance permissions the government is introducing an Electronic Travel Authorisation […]