KNOWLEDGE

CENTRE

Earned Settlement: Home Secretary Announces Major Changes to UK Indefinite Leave to Remain Rules

On 02 November 2026, the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, announced significant changes to the UK's settlement system, confirming that the standard qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will increase from five to ten years for most migrants.

Earned Settlement: New ILR Qualifying Periods, Care Worker Protections and Transitional Arrangements

In its response to the earned settlement consultation, A Fairer Pathway to Settlement: Government Response to the Consultation (CP 1707,...

Global Business Mobility Service Supplier Visa: What Is the Difference Between Option A and Option B?

The UK Global Business Mobility Service Supplier visa allows eligible overseas workers (employed by overseas businesses) and overseas self-employed professionals to provide services temporarily to UK businesses under the UK's international trade agreements.

Immigration Changes, Sponsor Licence Revocations and the Growing Workforce Crisis in Adult Social Care

The Government has repeatedly stated that its reforms to the immigration system are intended to reduce reliance on overseas recruitment and encourage greater investment...

UK Visa Application Fees 2026

The Home Office fees set out in this guide apply to applications made from 8 October 2026. The amount payable depends on the immigration...

Skilled Worker Salary Rules: Investing in Your Sponsor

The Skilled Worker route is a sponsored work route. It requires a sponsor approved by the Home Office to offer an eligible role in an eligible code, at an appropriate salary which meets the required threshold.

Scale-up Sponsor Licence UK: Eligibility, Requirements and Advantages Over Skilled Worker

The Scale-up Sponsor Licence allows eligible high-growth UK businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers under the Scale-up Worker route.

Home Office Updates Sponsor Guidance: What the New SMS Security Reforms Mean for UK Sponsors

The Home Office has published version 08/26 of both Part 1 (Apply for a Licence) and Part 3 (Sponsor Duties and Compliance) of its Workers and Temporary Workers sponsor guidance.

How to Check Your UK Immigration Status Online: eVisa, UKVI Account and Share Codes

Most people can now check their UK immigration status online by signing in to their UKVI account, viewing their eVisa and, where necessary, generating a share code.

Important UK Immigration Rule Changes from Autumn 2026 - but nothing yet on earned settlement

On 03 September 2026, the Home Office published Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 584. The changes are broad, but targeted. They do not introduce the overhaul of ‘earned’ settlement at this stage.

How to Apply for a Long-Term UK Visitor Visa

A long-term UK Standard Visitor visa permits multiple visits during a validity period of two, five or 10 years. It does not permit the holder to remain in the UK continuously.

How to Apply for a UK Visa From the USA: 2026 Guide

Before applying, check whether you need a UK visa. A US citizen travelling to the UK for a short visit will generally require an Electronic Travel Authorisation ETA, rather than a visit visa, unless an exemption applies...