News

Tier 1 – Exceptional Talent Visas – Architects now added

Changes made to the Exceptional Talent visa category have come into effect (10th January) meaning that Architects who can demonstrate that they are either already renowned in their field of work or that they are ‘up and coming” are now similarly eligible to apply under this route as those working in digital technology, science, engineering, […]

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Statement to parliament: Home Secretary: Future Border and Immigration System

The Home Secretary Sajid Javid’s statement to Parliament about the UK’s future border and immigration system, after we leave the EU.

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News story: Home Secretary announces new skills-based immigration system

The Home Secretary announces a new route for skilled workers, strengthened border security and an end to free movement as part of a new immigration system.

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News story: New pilot schemes to support migrants at risk of detention

Vulnerable women will be first to benefit from the pilot, which is part of the government’s response to Stephen Shaw’s latest review of immigration detention.

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News story: The Borders and Immigration Inspectorate is 10 years old

Since its inception in 2008 the ICIBI has published over 130 inspection reports and made more than 800 recommendations for improvements to the efficiency and effectiveness of the asylum, immigration, nationality and customs functions for which the Home Secretary is responsible. Over the years, ICIBI has made changes to its ways of working to improve […]

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Statement to Parliament: Home Secretary statement on the use of DNA evidence in immigration applications

An internal review of the government’s policy on the use of DNA in immigration applications was commissioned in July 2018 and the report and findings were published today. Following the review, a taskforce and dedicated helpline have been set up so that anyone who feels that their immigration case may have been influenced by an […]

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News story: Immigration Rules: Next phase of EU Settlement Scheme confirmed

The next phase of the roll-out of the EU Settlement Scheme, which allows resident EU citizens and their family members to obtain their UK immigration status, has been confirmed in the Immigration Rules. This follows the successful first private pilot, involving 12 NHS Trusts and 3 universities in the North West of England, which had […]

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News story: Increase to Immigration Health Surcharge gives NHS extra funding

The IHS allows anyone in the UK on a work, study or family visa for longer than 6 months to access NHS services in the same way as UK citizens. The proposals would see the surcharge increase from £200 to £400 per year for non-EU nationals, with students and those on the Youth Mobility Scheme […]

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Home Secretary requests a MAC review of the Shortage Occupation List.

The Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, has today written to the Migration Advisory Committee for their input in a much-needed review into the composition of the current Shortage Occupation List. The existing system is advantageous for UK employers as it exempts them from the need to advertise “shortage” positions through the resident labour market test and […]

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News story: Immigration Minister strengthens cooperation with Nigeria on modern slavery

The Minister for Immigration, Caroline Nokes, has travelled to Nigeria to further strengthen the UK’s efforts to tackle human trafficking and modern slavery. This visit follows Prime Minister Theresa May’s visit to the country last month, where she unveiled a range of support to cut illegal and unsafe migration into Europe from West Africa. Nigeria […]

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Press release: UK Visas & Immigration Freetown Visa Application Centre moves to a New Location

On 30 July 2018, UK Visas and Immigration’s Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Freetown moved to a new premises. Customers making a new application should attend their appointment at the new VAC. Customers who have still to collect their application will now need to report to the new address. UK visa customers will continue to […]

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News story: Coventry Man Convicted of Unqualified Immigration Advice

On Thursday 2 August 2018 at Warwick Crown Court, Mr Ajay Kumar Rattu, aged 39 years, of Sanders Road, Hawkesley Village Coventry was found guilty of one count of providing unqualified immigration advice and services. On the same day, Mr Rattu was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment and ordered to pay £2000 in compensation, and […]

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