KNOWLEDGE

CENTRE

New Right to Work Check Guidance for Employers

As has been set out in a previous post, new provisions came into force on 6 April 2022, which will begin the phasing out of the use of Biometric Residence Cards and Permits (BRC/BRPs) and Frontier Worker Permit...

Applying to an Innovator Visa Endorsing Body for Endorsement

On 29 March 2019 the Home Office introduced the new Innovator visa.  In order to qualify for an Innovator Visa, prospective applicants must receive an endorsement from one of the approved Innovator Visa Endorsing...

The ‘principal home’ requirement in British citizenship applications

The British Nationality Act 1981 allows individuals to naturalise under either Section 6(1) or 6(2) of the Act. If you are making an application under Section 6(1), you will need to demonstrate that your intention...

Humanitarian Protection vs Refugee Status - What’s The Difference?

Both humanitarian protection and refugee status are forms of leave in the UK that are granted to applicants who are endangered or otherwise in need. In short, the two are very similar, and both ensure permission...

What Now for Tier 2 Intra-company Transfer (ICT) Migrants?

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) route closed on 11 April 2022. As such, if you are currently in the UK as a Tier 2 ICT migrant, it will no longer be possible to extend your visa under this route.  Companies...

UK Visa Application Fees 2022

If you are applying for a UK visa from outside the UK, you will need to pay a visa application fee as part of your UK visa application.  If you are applying for an extension of stay or indefinite leave to remain,...

A Guide to the UK Tourism, Leisure & Family Visit Visa

The Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa is for individuals who wish to come to the UK for a short-term stay for the purpose of visiting friends and/or family or for a short holiday. The Tourism, Leisure and...

A Look at the Temporary Work - Creative Worker Visa

The Temporary Work – Creative Worker visa is open to applicants who wish to work in the creative industry in the UK. This route allows applicants to come to the UK on a temporary basis and does not lead to settlement....

Changes to the Private Life Route: Appendix Private Life (Leave to Remain)

On 15 March 2022, the Home Office published a 205-page Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules. Amongst the various changes introduced was the insertion of a new Appendix Private Life. This will take effect on...

UK Visa Processing Times and Home Office Delay

Home Office decision making is sometimes delayed and many have experienced delay during the Covid-19 Pandemic.  Delays in UK visa and immigration decision making may cause significant prejudice, for example, not...

Meeting the English Language Requirement Using an Academic Degree

You must satisfy the Home Office that you meet the English language requirement when applying as a parent of a child under 18, or as a partner/spouse under Appendix FM. You can meet the English language requirement...

Windrush Lessons Learned Review - Has Progress Been Made?

In March 2020, Wendy Williams conducted a review of the Home Office’s workings, and failings, in the wake of the Windrush Scandal. This review called for significant reform by making 30 recommendations...