Table of Contents
- UK Immigration White Paper Proposals!
- UK Switches to E-Visas for International Students!
- UK Seeks More Global Talent Visa Applicants!
- UK's Blocks Hiring Overseas Care Workers!
- 37% Fall in UK Student & Work Visa Applications!
- European Visitors Need an Entry Permit to Visit UK !
- UK Visa Fees to Increase by Up to 28% in April!
- UK Grants 37 Percent Fewer Work Visas in 2024!
- UK Visa Rules Hurt Science and Tech Ambitions
- UK To Start Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme!
- Skilled Worker Visa - Minimum Salary Increase!
- Seasonal Worker Visa puts Migrants at Risk
- 16% Decrease in UK Student Visas in 2024!
- UK Introduces New ETA Travel Visa for Australians
- UK Universities Affected by Student Visa Restrictions
- Immigration Issues Tops British Citizens' Concerns
- UK Labour Government Focuses on Immigration Reforms
- Review of the Politics of UK’s post-Brexit Immigration
- International Students Affected by Visa Changes
- UK Digital Visas to Replace Physical Documents by 2025
- Proposed Visa-Free Travel to the UK for Thais
- Care Workers Can No Longer Bring Family Members to the UK
- The UK's Immigration Health Surcharge Increase Takes Effect
- Salary Threshold for Family members of UK Residents will Not be Increased!
- Top German Politician calls for Closer Ties between the UK and EU
- Carers from Overseas are Subjected to Exploitation
- New Increases in UK Visa Fees, from 04 October
- 66% of UK public 'dissatisfied with government’s approach to immigration'
- UK's Visa options are preventing Foreign Investors
- Increase in UK CAS and Student Visa Intake for Autumn 2023
- Businesses request Government to Re-consider Planned Increase in Skilled Worker Visa Fees
05 October 2025
UK Immigration White Paper Proposals!
Among its many proposals, eight were detailed enough to be quantified: that is, civil servants included some rough illustrations of how much they might reduce net migration. These eight proposals were: Shortening the list of jobs for which employers can sponsor a worker from overseas for a Skilled Worker visa. Jobs assessed as being medium-skilled – RQF levels 3-5 – would not be sponsorable unless the Migration Advisory Committee recommends an exemption and the industry is demonstrating efforts to recruit domestically. Ending an existing exemption for social care workers: employers would no longer be allowed to recruit them from abroad. Exploring a levy on English universities’ income from international student fees. Making it harder for universities to keep their licence to sponsor student visas by introducing tougher compliance rules. Reducing the standard length of the Graduate visa, for international students to stay on and work in the UK, from two years to 18 months. Stricter English language rules: higher standards for those already taking language tests, and requiring the partners of people moving to the UK on work visas to have basic English to qualify for a ‘dependant’ visa. Increasing the standard qualifying period for permanent residence (also known as indefinite leave to remain or settlement) from five to ten years, with some people qualifying sooner based on criteria yet to be confirmed. Making it easier for people to come to the UK on certain visas aimed at highly skilled migrants, such as the Global Talent and High Potential routes. Most of these changes can be made by amending the immigration rules. They do not require an act of Parliament, except for the levy on student fees.
04 August 2025
UK Switches to E-Visas for International Students!
The UK has taken a huge step towards a more open-door policy for international students by rolling out e-visas. This simple online visa for students means fewer forms and faster approvals, making it easier for learners everywhere to choose a UK university. For students planning their UK studies, it is a great news for them. The Henley Passport Index shows that simple travel rules help more students pick a destination. With the e-visa, the UK strengthens its pull as a top study destination on the world map. For years, the process of obtaining a student visa for the UK has been a source of frustration for many international applicants. The traditional visa system required students to navigate extensive paperwork, in-person interviews, and long waiting periods for approval. The new e-visa system, however, promises to streamline the entire process, offering a more accessible and efficient experience for students around the world. With the introduction of the e-visa, international students will now be able to apply for their visas completely online. They can submit all required documents, pay fees, and track the progress of their applications digitally. This reduces the time spent on paperwork, ensures faster approval times, and provides more transparency in the visa application process. Once granted, the e-visa will be sent digitally to students, eliminating the need for physical documents or in-person visits to consulates and embassies.
23 June 2025
UK Seeks More Global Talent Visa Applicants!
The UK must enhance its scientific and academic ties with India as the country emerges as a global force in science and technology, said Lord Patrick Vallance, Britain's minister for science, research and innovation. Speaking at the ‘Unlocking UK-India Collaboration for a New Era of Innovation’ session at India Global Forum’s Future Frontiers Forum in London on June 20, 2025, Vallance said there is room to expand the already strong relationship through greater mobility of high-skilled professionals. “There is already a strong relationship between India and the UK, and I think it's growing,” said Vallance. “But government-to-government relationships on science aren't actually what drives everything. It has to be a scientist and a scientist as well. There are important academic links. I'd like to see more of that as India becomes an increasingly powerful player in the science and tech space.” Vallance referred to the Global Talent visa as a key tool to facilitate movement of experts across sectors. This visa route was one of the areas touched upon in the UK government’s Immigration White Paper, released in May, which proposed making the application process easier for top scientists and designers. The Global Talent visa is open to individuals working in sectors such as: Science, engineering, and medicine Humanities and social sciences Arts and culture Digital technology Unlike most UK work visas, it does not require a job offer or sponsorship.
26 May 2025
UK's Blocks Hiring Overseas Care Workers!
Operators are warning the UK’s aged care sector stands on the brink of collapse following new visa restrictions that block Aged Care providers from hiring overseas workers. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a series of measures on Monday 12 May 2025 to curb the number of migrants coming to the UK, including a plan to end care worker visas for overseas recruitment. An 80-page white paper titled ‘Restoring Control over the Immigration System’ cites the exploitation and abuse of a Health and Care Worker visa pathway introduced in 2020 for driving an increase in ‘lower skilled’ migration. As a consequence, the Government has closed the social care visa pathway to new overseas applicants. During a transitional period until 2028, visa extensions and in-country switching will be permitted for individuals already in the UK with existing work rights. However, this arrangement will remain under review. This restriction, seen as a political response to recent election losses and anti-immigration sentiment by the Labour Government, has left the industry reeling. With over 130,000 vacancies in the UK social care workforce, providers have long relied on international staff. Low government funding – home care providers receive as little as £18 (AUD$37) to £22 (AUD$45) per hour despite needing £30 (AUD$62) – means many operators are now expected to hand back contracts, which will leave older people without care and hospitals overwhelmed.