RLegal Solicitors · Regent Street, London · Est. 2002
Rule changes, fee increases and policy shifts, written up by the team who deal with them every day. Dated, so you know what is current.
Once known for his liberal views on immigration, since returning to government, Andy Burnham’s stance seems to have hardened somewhat. For starters, he has kept Shabana Mahmood in place as Secretary of State for the Home Office. Andy Burnham’s publicly stated position on “earned settlement” has been nuanced rather than outright opposition. The Labour government’s…
David Robinson ·
Permanent Residence UK, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allows a person to live, work, and study in the UK without immigration restrictions.
RLegal Solicitors ·
Benefits of using an immigration lawyer: Immigration lawyers can provide an important role in the visa application process. Our specialised expertise in complex immigration laws can ensure your application complies with legal requirements, reducing potential delays or setbacks. We are a firm of solicitors and registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). It is important…
David Robinson ·
An application for leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain (ILR) can be refused if the Home Office considers that the applicant has used deception or dishonesty in a previous application. The power to refuse is found in paragraph 322(5) of the Immigration Rules. The case of R (Khan) v Secretary of State for…
David Robinson ·
Changes to the Immigration Rules The Home Secretary has announced a raft of changes to the UK immigration system aimed at delivering commitments outlined in the Immigration White Paper. The measures are intended to “strengthen the UK’s ability to manage migration firmly and fairly, reduce abuse… and modernise the border to support a smoother and…
David Robinson ·
The UK Government has released detailed proposals to reform the UK settlement rules, introducing a new “earned settlement” system that would significantly reshape how migrants qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). These plans—outlined by the Secretary of State for the Home Department (SSHD)—confirm that the standard qualifying period for settlement will increase from 5…
David Robinson ·
From 8 January 2026, applicants wanting to come to the UK in the Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual and Scale-up routes will have to satisfy a tougher English language requirement. The level will be increased from level B1 (roughly GCSE standard) to B2 which is broadly equivalent to an A-level standard of English. Transitional arrangements…
David Robinson ·
Introduction to Reform UK’s Immigration Plans Reform UK has proposed significant changes to the current immigration policy, specifically targeting the pathway to permanent settlement. If successful in the upcoming election, the party intends to eliminate the option for migrants to obtain indefinite leave to remain after residing in the UK for five years. This proposal…
David Robinson ·
On 1 July 2025, the Home Office announced changes to the immigration rules mainly relating to the Skilled Worker visa route. The changes will have a considerable impact on UK employers’ ability to recruit overseas workers from 22 July 2025. The changes form part of the Government’s strategy to reduce net immigration as stated in…
David Robinson ·
The Government has today published a white paper on ‘Restoring Control Over the Immigration System’ which sets out its plan on proposed reforms to overhaul the UK immigration system through new rules and laws to reduce net migration and take back control in a fair way. Given the content of the white paper this will…
David Robinson ·
New Visa Fees for the UK being introduced on 9 April 2025 The Home Office has announced the implementation of visa fee increases with the most eye-catching relating to Certificates of Sponsorship and applications for British nationality. Small increases are being introduced to most visa categories with the new fees coming into effect on 9…
David Robinson ·
New rules for care providers recruiting overseas workers under the Skilled Worker visa The Government has announced new changes for how care providers can recruit under the Skilled Worker visa. Starting 9th April 2025, care providers looking to hire overseas workers must first try to recruit skilled workers from within England who need new sponsorship.…
David Robinson ·
Good character changes for British citizenship applications were introduced with immediate effect on 10 February 2025 The policy by which an individual’s good character is assessed in an application to naturalise as a British citizen has been tightened by the Home Office in respect of those who entered the UK illegally. Individuals impacted by the…
David Robinson ·
The “right to work” in the UK is a critical concept for employers, employees, and job seekers alike. Ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws is essential for businesses, while migrant workers need to understand their legal status in order to maintain compliance with visa conditions. This article delves into the key requirements that businesses need…
David Robinson ·
The Home Office have today announced an intention to increase fees to the following immigration applications: Electronic Travel Authorisation from £10 to £16 i.e. 60% £10* Certificate of Sponsorship from £239 to £525 i.e. 119% estimate cost £230* British nationality £1500 to £1605 i.e. 7% estimate to cost £505* increase to other nationality services. *costs…
David Robinson ·
Introduction: Securing Your Future Together in the UK The UK Spouse Visa allows individuals to bring their partners to live in the UK. This process, while rewarding, involves meeting specific minimum financial income requirements. To ensure a smooth application, understanding the minimum income requirement is crucial read this guidance for more detail. The UK Spouse…
David Robinson ·
If you hold a visa to live in the UK, you will no doubt be aware that from 31 December 2024, your biometric residence card/permit will cease to be valid. As detailed in our comprehensive guide to converting to an eVisa, you will be expected to prove your permission to live and work or study…
David Robinson ·
As part of its plan to digitize the UK immigration system, the British Government have introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for people wishing to visit the UK. The scheme specifically applies to nationals of countries who previously did not need to apply for an UK visitor visa to visit the UK. The scheme…
David Robinson ·
For those who are not aware, biometric residence permits (BRP’s) ceased to be valid on 31 December 2024! Migrants holding visas including indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status must ensure they have register for an e-Visa to evidence their visa status as soon as possible. e-Visas are required to prove evidence of right…
David Robinson ·
The tone of the Labour Party manifesto is somewhat different to that of the Conservatives or Reform. Whilst having the objective of reducing net migration, Labour acknowledge that people who come to the UK to work make a substantial contribution to the UK economy, its public services, and local communities. Reform of the Points…
David Robinson ·
Despite immigration being only the fourth most important issue in the forthcoming election, (behind the cost of living crisis, health, and the economy in general (Yougov.co.uk)), it is very much a central tenet of the Conservatives offering to the voters. Responding to record immigration figures for 2023, the Government has come out swinging. It…
David Robinson ·
The Home Office through a letter dated 15 April 2024 to the ‘Immigration Law Practitioners Association’ provided the following response to concerns relating to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and clarifies its position on how: aspects of the ‘continuous residence’ period for EU nationals will be approached for COVID-19 absences, and for those who need…
David Robinson ·
The Long Residence rules enables those who have accrued 10 years continuous lawful residence, during or across any immigration category to apply for indefinite leave to remain was amended on 11 April 2024, with subtle if not significant changes, as follows: an applicant must have been in their current visa for at least 12 months…
David Robinson ·
On 26 January 2024, Parliament passed The Immigration (Health Charge) Amendment Order – thus passing into the law an increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge fee from 6 February 2024 as follows: £624 to £1035 for adults and £470 to £776 for children, students, students, and their dependants and for those applying through the Tier…
David Robinson ·
The latest Migration Advisor Committee (MAC) report of 3 October 2023 proposed the following changes to jobs on the Skilled Worker visa route: no eligible Skilled Worker job should be paid below the “going rate” (the full-time salary rate) – there, to prevent undercutting of salaries to resident workers and the exploitation of migrant workers…
David Robinson ·
If you are a Sponsor Licence holder and are experiencing delays to the outcome of requests for ‘Defined Certificates of Sponsorship’ made through the Sponsor Management System, please note from Monday 27 November 2023, the Home Office are introducing technological changes to process applications in response to dealing with an increase of abusive requests, which…
David Robinson ·
A reminder that ‘The Electronic Travel Authorisation’ (ETA) will be launched on 25 October – a major change to the UK’s immigration system for overseas nationals. The ETA will apply to those who do not require a visa and want to travel to the UK for up to 6 months, those transiting the UK, and…
David Robinson ·
After initially introducing us to the phrase “managed migration” in 2002, the Labour Party has today repeated its manifesto commitment to reduce net migration to the UK through controlling illegal immigration and managing a reduction in lawful immigration through reducing reliance on overseas labour. In her speech to the Labour Party conference in Liverpool…
David Robinson ·
The Home Office has today published its intention to amend the immigration rules from 17 July 2023 – we have highlighted the changes to workers and students. We can of course provide immigration assistance. Students As announced on 23 May 2023 to: not permit students to bring their dependants to the UK unless the main…
David Robinson ·
The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, announced a new policy that will limit the ability of overseas students to bring their family members to the UK. The policy, which came into effect for students starting courses from January 2024, is part of the government’s efforts to reduce net migration to “tens of thousands”. According to the…
David Robinson ·
The case of Antoine Lucas Roehrigh, CO/2349/2021 handed down on 23 January 2023 will impact a substantial number of EU nationals granted British passports between 1983 and 2002 – a considerable number probably thousands. The judgement itself is complex, the purpose of this news item is to touch upon it and more importantly, focus on…
David Robinson ·
There are some important changes coming to the Skilled Worker visa category which will take effect on 12 April 2023. The first change of note is to the minimum salary threshold for qualification under the Skilled Worker route. To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, the job must meet a minimum skill level and meet prescribed…
David Robinson ·
We have written recently about the problems faced at the Home Office and the impact on processing times of both in-country and entry clearance applications (see here). In response, the Home Office has set up a centralised email inbox for applicants or their representatives to request escalation of delayed applications. The service applies only to…
David Robinson ·
*** NB The Home Office has reintroduced the super priority visa application service since this article was written – see here for details *** The Home Office is struggling to meet its service standards for the processing of applications both within and outside the UK. Throughout 2022, the length of time taken to receive a decision…
David Robinson ·
The applicant was a failed asylum seeker who was in a relationship with an EU national and made on 19 October 2020 made an application for Pre-Settled Status through the EU Settled Status Scheme (EUSS). On 20 March 2021, the application was rejected by the Home Office, as he had not been issued with a…
David Robinson ·
RLegal immigration solicitors would like to highlight a significant change to the immigration rules brought in on 6 October 2021, as it could have significant implications for those intending to travel outside the ‘Common Travel Area’ (CTA), whilst their immigration application is pending. The rule had been that once an immigration application was submitted including…
David Robinson ·
A person born in the UK may have the right to register as a British citizen under Section 3 (1), Schedule 2 of the British Nationality Act 1981, even though his or her parents do not have lawful permission to be in the UK. The point was considered by the High Court in the case…
David Robinson ·
The ‘Long Residence Rule’ was amended in light of the ‘Windrush generation’ issue to compel returning residents previously granted ‘indefinite leave to remain’ (“ILR”), and who have been absent from the UK for 2 years, to apply for entry clearance prior to seeking admission to the UK. This was an important change as it was…
David Robinson ·
Children born out of wedlock outside the UK to British fathers have an entitlement to register as British citizens. Before 1 July 2006 a child could only obtain citizenship through his or her father if the parents were married. That law changed on 1 July 2006 to allow a person to acquire citizenship through his…
David Robinson ·
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