KNOWLEDGE

CENTRE

Civil Penalties for Employing An Illegal Worker: How Employers Can Avoid Fines

UK employers will face a civil penalty if they employ (or continue to employ) someone who does not have the right to work, or who is working in breach of the conditions of their immigration permission.

UK Visitor Visa (Tourism or Leisure) - Top 10 FAQs

Most visitors to the UK will need to make an application for a UK Visit visa from their country of residence, before travelling. Visa nationals, who do need to make an application prior to entering are listed on the Visa National List.

Switching from Tier 2 (ICT) to Skilled Worker Route

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) route has been closed to new applicants since 11 April 2022. It was replaced by the Global Business Mobility - Senior or...

Sponsor Duties in a New Enforcement Era: How to Stay Compliant

UK businesses have long understood that holding a sponsor licence is a privilege, not a right, but in the current climate of increased compliance audits and revocations, proper management of a sponsor’s duties is more important than ever. 

Genuine and Subsisting Relationship Requirement

Several UK visa routes, such as the Spouse Visa, Civil Partner Visa and Unmarried Partner Visa, require applicants to demonstrate that their relationship is ‘genuine and subsisting’. 

Increase to Required English Language Level From 08 January 2026

As set out in the Statement of Changes published by the Home Office in October 2025, from 08 January 2026, the minimum English language requirement...

Client Success: Securing ILR After Five Years on the Spouse Visa Route

Our client, represented by immigration barrister Anna Bregstein, approached Richmond Chambers for assistance with her application for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing 60 months in the UK as the spouse of a British citizen.

New Year, New Rules: Key UK Immigration Changes For 2026

As we enter 2026, the UK immigration landscape is undergoing its most significant transformation in over three decades. The government's proposed immigration reforms, including measures to reduce...

Client Success: Settlement for an Exceptionally Promising Young Artist

An exceptionally promising young artist has secured Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after more than a decade of living, studying and creating in the UK.

Spouse & Partner Visa Financial Requirement: Sponsor Not Working

If your Sponsor is not working, perhaps because he or she is retired, it may initially seem difficult to meet the UK spouse or partner visa financial requirement in Appendix FM, which currently requires a minimum income of £29,000 per year.

Client Success: Unmarried Partners Without Cohabitation

Immigration Barrister Isabella Reynard recently represented a couple seeking entry clearance as unmarried partners in a situation that carried inherent risk from the outset.

How Are Sponsor Licence Applications Assessed?

When you are preparing your application for a Sponsor Licence, there are various factors to consider. This article focuses on the key areas when assessing Sponsor Licence applications.