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All UK employers have a responsibility to avoid employing illegal workers.  By carrying out appropriate document checks, employers may protect themselves from receiving a civil penalty or prosecution. Right to work checks Employers are under a duty to check that every employee has a right to work. You must conduct this check...

To enter the UK as a “partner” under Appendix FM to the Immigration Rules (“FM” being short for “Family Member”), there are three possible ways to qualify as a “partner”. First, as a “spouse”. Second, as a “civil partner”. Third, as an “unmarried partner”.  The way that this third category –...

If you are found to have employed a worker illegally, you may be liable for a civil penalty. Each illegal worker will attract a penalty. What happens if I receive a civil penalty? The Home Office will send you a notice telling you that your case is being referred to officials who will consider your liability for a civil...

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Since then, what has the Home Office done to protect Ukrainian nationals? This article provides an overview of the policies currently in place to support Ukrainians and their family members, especially in light of the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules brought into effect...

The UK Spouse Visa is for married partners of British or Irish citizens, persons who are settled in the UK, persons with pre-settled status, persons with a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa and persons with refugee status or humanitarian protection who wish to join, or stay with, their husband or wife in the UK. ...

The Home Office has published its list of civil penalties for the first quarter of 2016, with the fines imposed totalling more than £14 million. Elsewhere in the media, the relationship between certain employers and the Home Office when arresting those working illegally in the UK has been widely reported. Businesses who employ...

Partner applications under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules contain strict eligibility requirements for a grant of leave to remain on the 5-year route to settlement. If a partner is unable to meet the strict requirements of the 5-year partner route they may be able to rely on the exception set out in EX.1. of Appendix FM to...

Embarking on a journey to a new country involves a multitude of considerations, one of the most crucial being access to healthcare. For migrants arriving in England, navigating the intricacies of the National Health Service (NHS) is essential for ensuring their well-being and that of their families. However, understanding the...

On 11 January 2016, the government announced its intention to increase fees for visas, immigration applications and nationality applications, as well as fees for using the premium service. This will come into force once legislation is laid by Parliament in April this year. The aim is to reduce taxpayer contributions towards the...

The Bereaved Partner Visa route offers settlement to persons who have, or were last granted, permission as a spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner and whose partner has died. The Bereaved Partner route leads to a grant of indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Dependent children of a Bereaved Partner can also apply for ILR...

The UK Fiance Visa is for engaged partners of British or Irish citizens, persons who are settled in the UK, persons with pre-settled status, persons with a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa and persons with refugee status or humanitarian protection who wish to enter the UK and marry within 6 months of their...

In the continuation of the hostile environment, the Home Secretary announced that there would be a notable increase in the fines issued to those with the responsibility for checking that individuals have the right to rent in the UK. It is an announcement in line with the Government’s obsession with demonstrating that they...