Latest News

Substantial Changes to Employment categories

The Statement will implement significant changes to the Skilled Worker category, to be implemented from 4 April 2024.

Home Office commitment to reduce migration figures dictates significant UK immigration changes for Spring 2024

The Home Office has announced significant new measures to reduce legal migration to the UK, following the latest round of statistics showing record net migration figures for 2023. These proposed changes are likely to be implemented during Q2 2024, although the exact timeframe is yet to be finalised.

UK Immigration Update: Government to significantly increase UK immigration fees

On Thursday 13 July 2023, the Government announced across-the-board increases in immigration and Immigration Health Surcharge fees for migrants. These fees are intended to fund a pay rise for public sector workers, ranging between 5% to 7% across sectors.

UK Immigration Update: Updates to Sponsorship Management System

The Home Office has introduced updates to the Sponsorship Management System (SMS), new minimum salary requirements for Skilled Worker, Scale-up and Senior or Specialist Worker applicants, and general sponsor requirements.

Tier 1 migrants – upcoming deadlines

Whilst the Tier 1 (Investor) and Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) routes are closed to new applicants, many migrants already holding immigration permission in these categories will need to take action before the relevant deadlines to maintain their immigration permission in the UK.

India Young Professional Scheme visa ballot system to open on 28 February 2023

The recently announced India Young Professional Scheme visa will allow Indian nationals between the age of 18 and 30 to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to two years.

Fiscal Year 2024 H-1B Cap Registration Period To Begin 1 March

H-1B season has finally arrived for fiscal year 2024. H-1B visas enable foreign workers with bachelor’s degrees or equivalent experience to work in the U.S. in specialty occupations.

Looking ahead in 2023

The UK Government is determined to push ahead with its agenda for immigration, nationality and asylum in 2023.

Update on Sponsor Guidance for Temporary & Skilled Workers

These changes affect reporting obligations and migrant deadlines relating to work start dates, extended absences from work without pay, salary reductions and the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC).

The new UK immigration system takes effect

The new UK immigration system has now been implemented, representing the greatest change to UK immigration law since the introduction of Tier 2 of the points-based system in 2008.

New UK Immigration System – Details Released

In February 2020, the Home Office released a policy statement setting out the main features of the new UK immigration system – which will take effect early 2021.

Brexit and impact on UK Immigration

The official leave date for Brexit is now here, January 31, 2020. However, the current status quo remains for UK immigration rules until 31st December, 2020.

UK announces 2-year post-study work visa for international students

The new ‘Graduate’ route will be open to all international students who have valid UK immigration status as a student and have successfully completed a course of study in any subject at undergraduate level or above at an approved UK Higher Education Provider.

Brexit: EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) opens to the public

Following extensive media coverage, EU nationals with valid passports and family members with valid biometric residence cards (BRCs) can now use the new EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) as part of its final test phase before its full rollout on 29 March 2019.

Positive Changes to UK Immigration Rules

The Government has published changes to the Immigration Rules, most of which came into effect on 6 July 2018.

International Entrepreneur Parole

A new regulation, that was being disputed in the federal courts, has taken effect, regarding international entrepreneurs who have established a business in the United States, demonstrate significant U.S. funding and show that their business has substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation will be eligible to apply for up to five years of authorization to stay in the United States.

Government’s offer to EU Citizens living in the UK

On June 26, the Government published a paper setting out their “offer for EU citizens in the UK”, and UK nationals in the EU.

Changes to Tier 2 skilled immigration effective April 2017

In March 2016, the government announced its intention to review Tier 2, which is the main immigration route for non-EEA nationals working in the UK.

United States “Muslim” Travel Ban

On Friday January 27, President Trump signed an Executive Order entitled: Protecting the Nation from Foreign Entry into the United States. The order includes an immediate suspension of immigration benefits to nationals of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Trump’s election to the US presidency opens path for significant impact to immigration

Trump’s election to the presidency may be the silver lining that the UK was looking for to boost business in a post-Brexit slump. His anti-immigrant rhetoric during the campaign has left many wondering where will the US go from here.

DHS and USCIS Propose New Rule

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and USCIS have proposed to modify the regulations of certain employment-based and nonimmigrant visa programs to provide more benefits to the participants

USCIS increases filing fees

Filing fees increased for the first time since 2010. Leon Rodriguez, the Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), stated that the increase is necessary for the organization to continue to serve its customers.

UK Immigration Rules Changes: Autumn 2016

The Border Agency has announced the following changes to take effect in the next few weeks.

UK Votes LEAVE – What Next?

We now face the reality of a Leave vote. The long term immigration implications are not yet certain.

Proposed Changes of Tier 2

The Government has announced its response to two reviews of Tier 2 policy by the independent Migration Advisory Committee.

U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) changes taking effect

The VWP is designed to facilitate travel to the U.S. for nationals of certain countries, and has not previously taken into account the other nationalities of VWP travelers.

Immigration Health Surcharge to be extended to Australia and New Zealand nationals from 6 April 2016

The Home Office has announced that the Immigration Health Surcharge will be extended to Australia and New Zealand nationals.

New Immigration & Nationality fees take effect in March 2016

In January, the Home Office introduced legislation to set the maximum amounts it can charge for visa, immigration and nationality applications over the next 4 years. This legislation is now in force.

U.S. keeps Disneyland-bound British Muslim family out of the country

As Mohammed Tariq Mahmood sat in the departure lounge of London’s Gatwick Airport last week, he was surrounded by giddy children, ecstatic for the 11-hour flight that would ferry them to Disneyland.

NHS Strain Fears – Health Surcharge for all visa applications

All nationals from outside of Europe coming to live in the UK for longer than six months will be required to pay a ‘health surcharge’ in order to gain access to the NHS.

New Immigration and Nationality Fees 2016/2017

Today 11 January 2016, the government set out its proposed changes to the fees for visas, immigration and nationality applications and associated premium services for 2016–17.

UK Super Priority Visa Services

A Super Priority Visa Service is now being offered at the British Consulate-General (BCG) in New York.

UK Immigration Minister Changes Nature Of Citizenship Test

The UK’s immigration minister has announced changes to the UK’s citizenship test.

UK Immigration Rules Affect Visitor Visa Routes

The Immigration Rules for visitors are being consolidated to reduce the current 15 routes to four, simplifying the application process and enabling visitors to engage in a wider variety of activities in each visitor sub-category than currently permitted.

UK Immigration Changes 6 April 2015 Affects Tier 2 Visas

A summary of the changes to the Tier 2 visa from the 6th of April 2015.

New Health Surcharge For Non-EEA Nationals Coming To The UK

From 6 April 2015 most non-EEA nationals coming to the UK for over 6 months will be required to pay a new “health surcharge”.

Changes To Tier 1 Visa Effective 6 April 2015

A summary of the changes to the Tier 1 visa from April 2015

US House Committee Passes Bill To Allow Israelis To Apply For E-2 Treaty Investor Visas

The US passed new legislation that would add Israel to the list of countries eligible for E-2 temporary foreign investor visas.

Study Shows Asian Immigrant Arrivals Now Surpass Those of Hispanics

A new study has found that the US has seen a higher level of Asian immigration to the country than immigration of Hispanics.

Obama Outlines Framework For US Immigration Reform

President Barack Obama gave a speech in Las Vegas on Tuesday, 29th January 2013, in which he told Americans that the time has come for the US to reform its immigration system.

Overseas criminal record certificates required by Tier 1 applicants

Following the changes to the Immigration Rules in April 2015, the Home Office has introduced a new requirement for applicants to provide an overseas criminal record certificate from any country where they have lived continuously for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

US Senators Propose Rise in Number of H-1b Visas

/
Senators propose The Immigration Innovation Act of 2013 on Tuesday 29th January 2013.

Substantial Changes to Employment categories

The Statement will implement significant changes to the Skilled Worker category, to be implemented from 4 April 2024.

Home Office commitment to reduce migration figures dictates significant UK immigration changes for Spring 2024

The Home Office has announced significant new measures to reduce legal migration to the UK, following the latest round of statistics showing record net migration figures for 2023. These proposed changes are likely to be implemented during Q2 2024, although the exact timeframe is yet to be finalised.

UK Immigration Update: Government to significantly increase UK immigration fees

On Thursday 13 July 2023, the Government announced across-the-board increases in immigration and Immigration Health Surcharge fees for migrants. These fees are intended to fund a pay rise for public sector workers, ranging between 5% to 7% across sectors.

UK Immigration Update: Updates to Sponsorship Management System

The Home Office has introduced updates to the Sponsorship Management System (SMS), new minimum salary requirements for Skilled Worker, Scale-up and Senior or Specialist Worker applicants, and general sponsor requirements.

Tier 1 migrants – upcoming deadlines

Whilst the Tier 1 (Investor) and Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) routes are closed to new applicants, many migrants already holding immigration permission in these categories will need to take action before the relevant deadlines to maintain their immigration permission in the UK.

India Young Professional Scheme visa ballot system to open on 28 February 2023

The recently announced India Young Professional Scheme visa will allow Indian nationals between the age of 18 and 30 to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to two years.

Fiscal Year 2024 H-1B Cap Registration Period To Begin 1 March

H-1B season has finally arrived for fiscal year 2024. H-1B visas enable foreign workers with bachelor’s degrees or equivalent experience to work in the U.S. in specialty occupations.

Looking ahead in 2023

The UK Government is determined to push ahead with its agenda for immigration, nationality and asylum in 2023.

Update on Sponsor Guidance for Temporary & Skilled Workers

These changes affect reporting obligations and migrant deadlines relating to work start dates, extended absences from work without pay, salary reductions and the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC).

The new UK immigration system takes effect

The new UK immigration system has now been implemented, representing the greatest change to UK immigration law since the introduction of Tier 2 of the points-based system in 2008.

New UK Immigration System – Details Released

In February 2020, the Home Office released a policy statement setting out the main features of the new UK immigration system – which will take effect early 2021.

Brexit and impact on UK Immigration

The official leave date for Brexit is now here, January 31, 2020. However, the current status quo remains for UK immigration rules until 31st December, 2020.

UK announces 2-year post-study work visa for international students

The new ‘Graduate’ route will be open to all international students who have valid UK immigration status as a student and have successfully completed a course of study in any subject at undergraduate level or above at an approved UK Higher Education Provider.

Brexit: EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) opens to the public

Following extensive media coverage, EU nationals with valid passports and family members with valid biometric residence cards (BRCs) can now use the new EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) as part of its final test phase before its full rollout on 29 March 2019.

Positive Changes to UK Immigration Rules

The Government has published changes to the Immigration Rules, most of which came into effect on 6 July 2018.

International Entrepreneur Parole

A new regulation, that was being disputed in the federal courts, has taken effect, regarding international entrepreneurs who have established a business in the United States, demonstrate significant U.S. funding and show that their business has substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation will be eligible to apply for up to five years of authorization to stay in the United States.

Government’s offer to EU Citizens living in the UK

On June 26, the Government published a paper setting out their “offer for EU citizens in the UK”, and UK nationals in the EU.

Changes to Tier 2 skilled immigration effective April 2017

In March 2016, the government announced its intention to review Tier 2, which is the main immigration route for non-EEA nationals working in the UK.

United States “Muslim” Travel Ban

On Friday January 27, President Trump signed an Executive Order entitled: Protecting the Nation from Foreign Entry into the United States. The order includes an immediate suspension of immigration benefits to nationals of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Trump’s election to the US presidency opens path for significant impact to immigration

Trump’s election to the presidency may be the silver lining that the UK was looking for to boost business in a post-Brexit slump. His anti-immigrant rhetoric during the campaign has left many wondering where will the US go from here.

DHS and USCIS Propose New Rule

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and USCIS have proposed to modify the regulations of certain employment-based and nonimmigrant visa programs to provide more benefits to the participants

USCIS increases filing fees

Filing fees increased for the first time since 2010. Leon Rodriguez, the Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), stated that the increase is necessary for the organization to continue to serve its customers.

UK Immigration Rules Changes: Autumn 2016

The Border Agency has announced the following changes to take effect in the next few weeks.

UK Votes LEAVE – What Next?

We now face the reality of a Leave vote. The long term immigration implications are not yet certain.

Proposed Changes of Tier 2

The Government has announced its response to two reviews of Tier 2 policy by the independent Migration Advisory Committee.

U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) changes taking effect

The VWP is designed to facilitate travel to the U.S. for nationals of certain countries, and has not previously taken into account the other nationalities of VWP travelers.

Immigration Health Surcharge to be extended to Australia and New Zealand nationals from 6 April 2016

The Home Office has announced that the Immigration Health Surcharge will be extended to Australia and New Zealand nationals.

New Immigration & Nationality fees take effect in March 2016

In January, the Home Office introduced legislation to set the maximum amounts it can charge for visa, immigration and nationality applications over the next 4 years. This legislation is now in force.

U.S. keeps Disneyland-bound British Muslim family out of the country

As Mohammed Tariq Mahmood sat in the departure lounge of London’s Gatwick Airport last week, he was surrounded by giddy children, ecstatic for the 11-hour flight that would ferry them to Disneyland.

NHS Strain Fears – Health Surcharge for all visa applications

All nationals from outside of Europe coming to live in the UK for longer than six months will be required to pay a ‘health surcharge’ in order to gain access to the NHS.

New Immigration and Nationality Fees 2016/2017

Today 11 January 2016, the government set out its proposed changes to the fees for visas, immigration and nationality applications and associated premium services for 2016–17.

UK Super Priority Visa Services

A Super Priority Visa Service is now being offered at the British Consulate-General (BCG) in New York.

UK Immigration Minister Changes Nature Of Citizenship Test

The UK’s immigration minister has announced changes to the UK’s citizenship test.

UK Immigration Rules Affect Visitor Visa Routes

The Immigration Rules for visitors are being consolidated to reduce the current 15 routes to four, simplifying the application process and enabling visitors to engage in a wider variety of activities in each visitor sub-category than currently permitted.

UK Immigration Changes 6 April 2015 Affects Tier 2 Visas

A summary of the changes to the Tier 2 visa from the 6th of April 2015.

New Health Surcharge For Non-EEA Nationals Coming To The UK

From 6 April 2015 most non-EEA nationals coming to the UK for over 6 months will be required to pay a new “health surcharge”.

Changes To Tier 1 Visa Effective 6 April 2015

A summary of the changes to the Tier 1 visa from April 2015

US House Committee Passes Bill To Allow Israelis To Apply For E-2 Treaty Investor Visas

The US passed new legislation that would add Israel to the list of countries eligible for E-2 temporary foreign investor visas.

Study Shows Asian Immigrant Arrivals Now Surpass Those of Hispanics

A new study has found that the US has seen a higher level of Asian immigration to the country than immigration of Hispanics.

Obama Outlines Framework For US Immigration Reform

President Barack Obama gave a speech in Las Vegas on Tuesday, 29th January 2013, in which he told Americans that the time has come for the US to reform its immigration system.

Overseas criminal record certificates required by Tier 1 applicants

Following the changes to the Immigration Rules in April 2015, the Home Office has introduced a new requirement for applicants to provide an overseas criminal record certificate from any country where they have lived continuously for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

US Senators Propose Rise in Number of H-1b Visas

/
Senators propose The Immigration Innovation Act of 2013 on Tuesday 29th January 2013.