UK Immigration News
Refusals based on the points-based systems maintenance (funds) requirement
If you have been refused permission to enter or stay in the UK (known as 'entry clearance' and 'leave to remain') solely because you failed to meet the maintenance (funds) requirement of your points-based system application, you may wish to request a review of your case. (more)Secure English language tests to be introduced for Tier 4 students
On 12 August 2010 the UK Border Agency will implement secure English language tests for students under Tier 4 (General) of the points-based system. (more)Changes to Tier 4 of the points-based system
The UK Border Agency is making a series of important changes to the student tier (Tier 4) of the points-based system. (more)Immigration limit for Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system
From 19 July 2010, there are two important changes for migrants who are applying to Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system for the first time, (more)Tier 2 (General) interim limit - new guidance for employers
The UK Border Agency has published guidance for the interim limit on Tier 2 (General) certificates of sponsorship, which comes into effect today.
(more)New fee for the reconsideration of naturalisation and citizenship applications
From 1 September 2010, we will introduce a fee of £100 to reconsider applications for naturalisation and British citizenship that have been refused. (more)Settlement protection for refugees
From August 2005, refugees and those granted humanitarian protection were given five years limited leave to remain (LTR) and that leave is due to expire from August 2010 onwards
(more)Changes to Tier 4 policy guidance
The UK Border Agency have published an addendum to their policy guidance for migrants who are applying to study in the UK under Tier 4 of the points-based system. The addendum affects students who have International Baccalaureate qualifications awarded on 5 July 2010, and those who are using a loan letter to support their application. (more)Clarification of changes to Tier 1 points
On 28th June, the UK Border Agency announced that the pass mark for Tier 1 (General) will be increased from 95 points to 100 points from 19th July. (more)Coalition commits to impose migration limit
The number of workers entering the UK from outside Europe will be controlled by a new limit, the Home Secretary has announced. (more)New English language requirement for partners
From autumn 2010, any migrant who wants to enter or remain in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or a person settled here will need to show that they can speak and understand English. (more)Information for holders of expired visas whose travel plans have been disrupted by the volcanic ash
The UK Border Agency have accepted the fact that some travellers who have been unable to leave the UK and whose visas have now expired, have only been unable to do so due to exceptional circumstances beyond their control. (more)Tier 4 changes for education providers and migrant students
Changes to the Immigration Rules affecting migrant students and educational providers which sponsor them under Tier 4 of the points-based system have now been introduced. (more)Migration Advisory Committee publishes recommendations for shortage occupation list
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published its latest report, making recommendations based on its third partial review of the shortage occupation lists for the UK and for Scotland. (more)New Rules for Tier 1 and Tier 2 and other changes to the Immigration Rules
On 6 April the UK Government will make significant changes to Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the points-based system, as well as to marriage visas for members of the armed forces, asylum and English for Speakers of Other Languages. The changes were announced today by Borders and Immigration. (more)New immigration fees from 6 April 2010
Following Parliamentary approval, the new immigration fees announced on 20 January and 10 February 2010 will be introduced from Tuesday 6 April 2010 for all those applying to study, visit, work in or stay in the UK. (more)Suspension of Youth Mobility Scheme route for Japanese nationals for 2010
Entry to the United Kingdom under the points-based system Youth Mobility Scheme is based on a quota system for participating countries, rotating annually. Currently the countries participating in the scheme are Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand. (more)Changes to student applications from 22 February 2010
From the 22nd February 2010, any migrant who applies to study in the UK under Tier 4 of the points-based system must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from their prospective sponsor. (more)Suspension of Tier 4 student applications in North India, Nepal and Bangladesh
The UK Border Agency has announced that, from 1 February 2010, it is not accepting any new applications under the Tier 4 student route of the points-based system at the following visa application centres:
- North India - New Delhi, Jalandhar and Chandigarh
- Bangladesh - Dhaka, Sylhet and Chittagong
- Nepal - Kathmandu
Skilled migrant workers get identity cards for foreign nationals
From today, identity cards for foreign nationals are being rolled out to another category of migrant: skilled workers and their dependants. (more)Migration Advisory Committee endorses immigration routes for highly skilled migrants
The independent Migration Advisory Committee has completed its review of Tier 1 of the government's points-based system. (more)Introducing fingerprint checks at the border
From 30 November 2009, the UK Border Agency is introducing fingerprint checks at the border for passengers with biometric UK visas, entry clearances and identity cards for foreign nationals (ICFNs). (more)Changes give British workers more opportunities to apply for jobs
From 14 December 2009, the resident labour market test for Tier 2 of the points-based system will be extended to four weeks for all jobs, the Government announced today. This will replace the current requirement to advertise jobs for two weeks, or one week for jobs where the salary is £40,000 or more. (more)Home Office sets out new rules for migrants
Every migrant who enters the United Kingdom will require 'permission' to stay under new draft proposals published in Parliament today. (more)More than 100,000 identity cards issued to foreign nationals
The UK Border Agency has now issued more than 100,000 identity cards for foreign nationals, mostly to those extending as students or spouses - and regulations laid this week will, if approved, accelerate the roll-out of the scheme. (more)Foreign national identity cards roll out speeds up
Skilled migrants renewing their visas to stay in the United Kingdom will be issued with an identity card from the New Year the Home Secretary Alan Johnson announced today, three months ahead of schedule. (more)Changes to the Immigration Rules
The latest Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules was laid before Parliament yesterday. (more)New controls help protect jobs for British workforce
A raft of new government measures will ensure that resident workers can have every opportunity to fill vacancies before they are offered to workers abroad, the Home Secretary announced today.Following careful consideration, the government has accepted the recommendations made last month by the Migration Advisory Committee to tighten up the rules controlling when skilled workers are allowed to take jobs in the United Kingdom under the government's points-based system. (more)New visa route for Turkish businesspersons
The UK Border Agency has introduced a visa route for Turkish nationals applying to establish in business under the European Community Association Agreement (ECAA). (more)Tough new points system for earning citizenship
Plans requiring would-be-citizens to earn enough points to stay permanently in the United Kingdom were revealed by the Government today. (more)Visa requirement for South Africa enforced today
From today, visitors to the United Kingdom from South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland will only be able to travel with a visa. (more)New student concession
The UK Border Agency has agreed a concession for this year only to allow students applying to study A-Levels in the United Kingdom to make a visa application based on a conditional offer from their education provider, whilst they wait for their GCSE results. (more)HSMP Forum Ltd judicial review judgment of 6 April 2009
If you received an HSMP approval letter on the basis of an application made before 3 April 2006, and you obtained entry clearance or permission to stay in the United Kingdom on the basis of that letter, you may be affected by the HSMP Forum Ltd judicial review judgment of 6 April 2009. This judgment relates to the 'continuous residence' requirement for settlement in the United Kingdom. (more)Points-based system: youth mobility scheme: Japanese nationals
Entry to the United Kingdom under the points-based system youth mobility scheme is based on a quota system for participating countries, rotating annually. Currently the countries participating in the scheme are Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand. (more)New Immigration Rules published today
The Immigration Rules covering highly skilled migrant workers have changed today, raising the requirements of two categories in Tier 1 of the points-based system. (more)New student immigration system set to launch in the UK on 31st March 2009
The UK Government today announced the go-live date for the student tier of its new points-based system for migration. (more)Migrant workers face tougher test to work in the United Kingdom
Measures to raise the bar for foreign workers wishing to enter the United Kingdom, and to give domestic workers a greater chance of applying first for United Kingdom jobs, have been unveiled by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. (more)Proposed fee levels for visas and sponsor licences in 2009/10
The Government has today announced its proposed fee levels for all visa, immigration and nationality applications and services in 2009/10. (more)Certain countries now face tough visa rules
New visa checks are to be introduced for five countries after they failed to pass Britain’s strict new Visa Waiver Test, the Government announced today.
(more)Government's new bill shakes up the route to citizenship
A bill to make newcomers to the UK earn the right to stay here, strengthen the border, and ensure we have a firm but fair immigration system was published in Parliament today. (more)New system to control migration to the UK
From today all skilled migrants who have been offered a job in the UK will be able to apply for their UK visa under a new simplified but more secure system. (more)New Shortage Occupation List Published
The number of jobs available to foreign workers through the shortage occupation route will be reduced, the Government announced today.
The shortage occupation list sets out those jobs for which there are not enough resident workers, and will be used as part of the skilled worker tier (Tier 2) of the Australian-style points system, which will be launched on 27 November.
(more)Roll-out of new rules for foreign students
A delivery plan for the student tier of the Australian-style points system has been announced by the Home Office. (more)Business Visitors Face Strict New Rules
Tough new rules to safeguard the visitor route into the United Kingdom from abuse and keep Britain an attractive place to do business were published by the Government today. (more)Identity Cards For Foreign Nationals
The Home Office have announced that they begin to issue identity cards to foreign nationals applying for further leave to remain in the United Kingdom under certain categories from 25 November 2008. (more)Tier 1 of points based system to be introduced 30 June 2008
The UK government have announced the introduction of a new system for assessing highly skilled migrants wanting to come to the UK to work. Tier 1 of the new Australian style points based system (PBS) will come into effect on 30 June. (more)Changes to the national shortage occupational list for work permits
The Home Office today announced that they have added new occupations to the national shortage occupation list for work permits and amended two occupation titles. From 18 July 2008 they will remove certain occupations from the list. Full details of all these changes are shown below. (more)Tier's 2 & 5 of the Points Based System
The Home Office today published proposals for much tighter skilled and temporary worker tiers of its new Points Based System (PBS). The schemes - known as Tier 2 and Tier 5 - sweep aside around 30 different routes to the UK, including the old work permit system. (more)National identity scheme delivery plan published
The delivery of the national identity scheme gathered momentum today as plans were laid out by the Home Secretary beginning with the introduction of identity cards for foreign nationals in 2008 and British citizens in 2009. (more)Prime Minister launches contract for foreign nationals seeking British citizenship
Radical changes to the way newcomers are able to earn their stay in Britain were proposed by the Government today. (more)New points based system begins
Details of Britain's new Australian-style points based immigration system (PBS) were announced today as the Government published the rules for highly skilled foreign workers applying to come to the UK. (more)Changes to the national shortage occupation list for work permits
With effect from 18 March 2008, 38 healthcare-related occupations will be removed from the national shortage occupation list for work permits.
(more)Changes To Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS)
From 1st January 2008, this scheme now only applies to Romanian and Bulgarian nationals. The scheme allows nationals of Bulgaria and Romania to take on seasonal employment on farms in the United Kingdom. (more)Ten point plan for border protection and immigration reform
The global rollout of fingerprint checks on all visa applicants is complete three months ahead of schedule, and millions under budget, the Government announced today.
(more)Shortage of curry chefs as immigration changes start to bite
Curry restaurants are facing an "unprecedented crisis" due to tough new immigration laws, one of Britain's leading Asian businessmen said yesterday. (more)Plans to manage migration and protect British values
The countdown to the transformation of the immigration system began today when the Home Secretary announced new rules for highly skilled foreign workers applying to come to the UK. (more)Mandatory requirement for students intending to enter or remain in the UK for more than 6 months
From 30 November 2007 the academic technology approval scheme (ATAS) will become a mandatory requirement within the Immigration Rules for students intending to enter or remain in the United Kingdom for more than 6 months to undertake postgraduate studies or research in certain designated subjects. (more)New Visa Application Forms
New visa application forms (VAFs) will be introduced worldwide on 29 October. From 29 October 2007 all visa applicants will need to use these new, improved forms to make an application. (more)Pakistan: Temporary closure of UK visa services between 19 and 26 September
The British High Commission, Islamabad and British Deputy High Commission, Karachi will be unable to accept visa applications from 19 September to 26 September 2007 inclusive due to the relocation of their Visa Application Centres. (more)East European immigration slows
The number of Eastern European workers registering in the UK has dropped for the second quarter in a row.
(more)Working Holidaymaker Visa's
The British High Commission, Dhaka will resume accepting working holidaymaker visa applications with effect from 01 August 2007.
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Border security strengthed by fingerprint technology
Over half a million sets of fingerprints - equivalent to a set checked every 30 seconds 24 hours a day - have been taken from visa applicants following moves designed to strengthen UK border control. (more)A new, unified border force announced
In a statement to parliament, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Britain is to have a unified border force to 'strengthen the powers and surveillance capability' of those working to stop terrorists from entering the country.
The force would integrate the work of the Border and Immigration Agency, Customs and UKvisas, and would operate both overseas and at the main points of entry to the UK.
The announcement came as part of a wide-ranging assessment to parliament of the UK's anti-terrorism efforts.
(more)Update to the National Shortage Occupation List
With immediate effect, Chartered Quantity Surveyors have been added to the National Shortage Occupation List.
(more)Changes to visa application process in South Africa
As from Thursday 7 June 2007 all applicants in South Africa requiring a visa for the United Kingdom now have to lodge their application at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) operated by VFS Global. Please note, South African nationals do not need a visa to visit the UK for up to six months.
(more)Sectors Based Scheme participants
Sector Based Scheme (SBS) permits are issued for a maximum period of 12 months. It has been a requirement that SBS permit holders must leave the UK at the end of this period for a minimum period of two months before any further SBS permit will be granted. (more)New points based system to start in the new year
Immigration Minister Liam Byrne, today unveiled the timetable for introducing the UK’s tough new Australian-style points based system for migration, during a fact finding visit to Sydney.
The new scheme, which will be phased in from early 2008, will enable the British Government to manage migration to the UK more effectively, tackle abuse and attract the most talented workers into the UK economy.
Changes to the National Shortage Occupation List for Work Permits
The Home Office have announced the following changes to the National Shortage Occupation list. (more)New requirements required for settlement applications
From 2 April 2007 all applicants for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) will need to provide evidence that they have passed either the Life in the UK test or an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) which includes citizenship materials.
(more)The International Graduates Scheme
The international Graduates Scheme (IGS) will be launched on 1 May 2007. It will replace the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme. It enables non-EEA students who have successfully completed and obtained a degree, Master’s degree, PhD, or postgraduate certificate or diploma on or after 1 May 2007 to work in the UK for up to 12 months upon completion of their studies.
(more)Advanced notice of changes to the Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme
On 1 May the Home Office will be replacing the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme with the new International Graduates Scheme. (more)New Home Office Fee's Announced
Following The FCO announcing new visa levels recently, after agreement by the Privy Council, The Home Office have also set out the policy on a new charging regime for immigration and nationality fees and the new and proposed in-country fee levels. Please see below for full details and contact us with any queries that you may have. (more)UK Visa Fee's Increase
The new visa fees are quoted in pounds sterling below. These fees are effective for all visa applications made from 1 April 2007. Visa applicants should contact their nearest British mission overseas to find out the fee equivalent in local currency and how they can pay for their visa. (more)Tuberculosis testing requirement for visa applicants in Pakistan
From 5 March 2007, visa applicants in Pakistan applying for UK visas valid for stays longer than six months will need to provide with their visa application a certificate confirming that they are free from infectious tuberculosis (TB). (more)Tuberculosis testing requirement for visa applicants in Ghana and Kenya
From 5 February 2007, visa applicants in Ghana and Kenya applying for UK visas valid for stays longer than six months will need to provide with their visa application a certificate confirming that they are free from infectious tuberculosis (TB). (more)Introduction of new rules for people applying for settlement
If you are planning to apply for indefinite leave to remain (or settlement) in the UK, you will need to be aware of the introduction of new rules for applications made on or after 2 April 2007. (more)New quota for the Sectors Based Scheme
A new quota for the Sectors Based Scheme Food Manufacturing sector has now been agreed, which came into operation on 1 January 2007. (more)Access to the UK labour market by Romanians and Bulgarians
From 1st January 2007 citizens from Bulgaria and Romania will not require leave to enter or remain to reside legally in the UK. All Bulgarian and Romanian citizens will have a right of residence in any EU Member State for the first 3 months of residence on an unrestricted basis and remain legally resident in that state as long as they wish, providing they are exercising a treaty right as a student, a self-employed person, or if they are self-sufficient. They will not however, have an automatic right to reside as a worker (unless they are exempt from work authorisation requirements).New citizenship rights for members of the Commonwealth serving in the British Armed Forces
Commonwealth soldiers serving in the British Armed Forces abroad can now gain UK citizenship under a change to the rules announced by the Home Office today.
(more)Advance notice of a change to the shortage occupation list - Actuaries
With effect from 18 December 2006, actuaries will be removed from the shortage occupation list. (more)Advance notice of changes to the shortage occupation list for engineering occupations
With effect from 18 December 2006, the following engineering occupations will be removed from the shortage occupation list. (more)Change's to the shortage occupation list
With immediate effect, Overhead Electricity Linesworkers have been added to the shortage occupation list. (more)New UK HSMP Visa Announced
7 November 2006:http://www.skillclear.co.uk/ are the first Immigration Consultancy to publish an online points calculator for the new HSMP Scheme. To find out if you will qualify under the new criteria use our new HSMP Points Calculator. (more)
Bulgarians and Romanians to face higher entry hurdles
Workers from Bulgaria and Romania will not be allowed free access to Britain's labour market when their countries join the European Union, the government will announce tomorrow. (more)Sector Based Scheme
Closure of the food manufacturing (General/Mushroom) quota. (more)WRS applications - processing times
Due to the high volume of applications received at the Home Office, they are currently unable to meet their service standards of 70% of Worker Registration Scheme (WRS) applications being decided within 10 working days. (more)Changes to SEGS Applications
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON CHANGES TO THE SCHEME (more)Revision to the shortage occupation list - nursing
With effect from 14 August 2006, all registered nurses will be removed from the shortage occupation list, and replaced with the following: (more)Continuation of the Worker Registration Scheme
On 24 April the Government informed the European Commission that the Worker Registration Scheme (WRS) will continue beyond 1 May 2006. (more)Certificate of Approval for Marriage (COA) applications
Following a judgement in the High Court on 10th April 2006, the Home Office has suspended decisions on some Certificate of Approval for Marriage (COA) applications. (more)Lifting of visa restrictions and changes to visa services in Nigeria
The British High Commission, Nigeria has announced that the lifting of the the temporary suspension of visa services for first time visitors aged 18-30 will take effect on Friday 17 March. (more)Changes to the Immigration Rules - leave to remain and settlement
From March 13 2006, there will be important changes in Immigration Rules, which will affect people applying for leave to remain, and indefinite leave to remain (or settlement), in the UK. The changes will take effect from 3 April this year. (more)Termination of UK Sectors Based Scheme
The Home Office Command Paper, "A Points-Based System: Making Migration Work for Britain", was published today.
(more)Points-Based System: Making Migration Work for Britain
New Migration System To Decide Who Works In The UK
A new points based system to enable the UK to control migration more effectively, tackle abuse and identify the most talented workers was launched by the Home Secretary today.
IMPORTANT: The below announcement of proposed changes to the UK Immigration System is unlikely to come into effect until mid-2007 at the earliest and does not in any way change current UK Immigration routes. If you qualify now, for example, for the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme then you should apply for HSMP while you can.
Unveiling the Government's Command Paper on the points-based system for managed migration, the Home Secretary called on industry and education sectors to play their role in making migration work for Britain, and reminded them that they had a responsibility to help make the new scheme a success.
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