For years many couples have become frustrated by the requirements for a spouse visa as the rules and guidance are difficult to understand. A significant amount of applications are rejected on the basis of the applicant not providing the adequate documents to evidence the relationship requirement....
The UK’s economy is extremely resilient and continues to provide foreign investors with a stable base to access European markets and beyond. Following the closure of the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa, the Tier 1 Investor visa has become the primary choice for a significant number of investors to come to the UK....
The days of US nationals and nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea waiting in long queues for UK border control are numbered. From June 2019, nationals of these countries will be granted automatic entry to visit using the Electronic gates...
The UK continues to focus on attracting the best tech talent to its shores. Since the introduction of the Tier 1 (Exceptional) Talent visa in December 2013, the UK has increased the yearly cap on these visas. Last month and broadened its offer through the introduction of the Start-up and Innovator Visa routes....
The UK has obtained its second extension to extend its exit date to 31 October 2019. This follows the earlier extension which extended the UK’s withdrawal to 12 April 2019 from 29 March 2019. This further extension, however, has various conditions attached to it....
The Home Office opened the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent route for the fashion industry on 6 July 2018; finally recognising the need for highly skilled and innovative fashion designers as well as appreciating the art of fashion. This was much needed considering the fashion industry brought £32 billion into the UK economy last year and therefore is highly valuable for not only the British culture but also the economy. ...
The government announced the closure of the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) and Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) routes on 7 March 2019. In their statement of changes to the Immigration Rules, these routes are to be replaced by the Innovator Visa and the Start-Up Visa. ...
The new definition of a ‘professional sportsperson’ has caused chaos as it widens the definition of activities which fall within this prohibition. The government announced the amendment to the definition of a ‘professional sportsperson’ on 7 March 2019. ...
The 29th of March 2019 has been an important date marked in the diaries of millions of UK and EU citizens. However, the events of last night may mean that this date is likely to change....
The government aims to have an innovative, highly skilled and highly productive workforce in the UK. There has been great emphasis on global mobility and encouraging the ‘best and the brightest’ come to the UK, but what about the loyal workers who are classified as lower-skilled?...
The Government published yesterday 297-pages of changes to the Immigration Rules. Separately, it also announced changes to the Immigration fees. Most of these changes will be effective from 29 March 2019....
Brexit and immigration policy has introduced more challenges for the recruitment industry. Simon Kent explores what recruiters can do at a time of uncertainty....
If you are an elite sportsperson or coach who is internationally established in your sport, then you could be eligible to apply for a Tier 2 (sportsperson) visa. ...
The best tech talent from around the world can come to the UK on a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa; maintaining the UK’s position in being ahead of the global digital economy. The UK has a renowned digital technology reputation, and this is largely attributed to the great digital technology specialists we have in the UK....
The Home Office has updated its guidance for UK citizens travelling to Europe after 29 March 2019 if there is no EU Exit deal....
If you are looking to set up a branch or subsidiary in the UK for an overseas business and you are from outside of the EEA and Switzerland then this may be a suitable option for you as opposed to following the points-based system routes, which are more stringent. The business must not have any active branch, subsidiary or other representative in the UK. ...
The Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) is a key part of the Tier 2 (General) Sponsorship System. It is also one which has the potential of causing the most issues. This is because if not done right, the employer must re-do the test again causing significant delays which may result in losing their ideal candidate. It is also of note that if the RLMT is not conducted properly or evidence of it is not kept, the UKVI is very likely to take compliance action against the Sponsor....
The Government’s white paper on Brexit, promises a post-Brexit Immigration system for everyone. However, it has left businesses wanting, especially those who rely on their vital EU staff. ...
The new Agreement published on 8 February 2019 provides protection to the rights of residence for three EEA EFTA States: Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein in the event of a no-deal. Fortunately for these selective States the entitlements (to work, study and access public funds) of their nationals will be broadly as they are now. Their rights will be protected by international and domestic laws post Brexit. Please note that similar provisions already apply to Switzerland....
From 10 January 2019 it become possible for architects to apply under a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa. Previously architects could only follow the Tier 2 route, where they would have to be sponsored by a licenced Sponsor, who would have to meet the Residence Labour Market Test (RLMT) before making an offer of employment to the migrant and prior to the migrant coming to the UK....