Tuberculosis testing for Morocco and Zambia

17 June 2013: With effect from the end of June 2013 residents of Morocco and Zambia will need to be tested for tuberculosis (TB) as part of an application for a long stay in the UK.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Tuberculosis testing requirements introduced across Asia from 1 July 2013

13 June 2013: Visa applicants in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Macau will have to be screened for tuberculosis (TB) with effect from 1 July 2013. The new requirement is part of the UKBA's growing TB screening programme.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Tier 4 student visa interview programme expands again

11 June 2013: The UKBA have added more countries to the student visa interview system. This means that applicants from these countries may be called to interview as part of their visa application process.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Changes to the Immigration Rules on 1 July 2013

11 June 2013: Minor changes to the Immigration Rules come into effect on 1 July 2013. The changes amend things such as supporting documentation required for applications and new requirements for some countries such as tuberculosis screening.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New Tier 2 application form from 4 June 2013

05 June 2013: The UKBA have published a new version of the form used for applications through Tier 2 of the points based system. This new form should be used for all applications submitted on or after 4 June 2013.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Appointments at visa application centres in China from 3 June 2013

03 June 2013: With effect from 3 June 2013 applicants in China must book an appointment to attend a visa application centre. This means you can no longer attend the visa application centre without an appointment, even if you have an urgent application.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Student numbers drop causing net migration to fall to lowest level for a decade

30 May 2013: Net migration has fallen to 153,000 in the year to September 2012, which senior Conservative ministers are hailing as a success. The majority of the drop came from reduced numbers of students coming to the UK despite ongoing debates about whether students should be counted as migrants.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Student visa application interviews for Ukraine

29 May 2013: With effect from 29 May 2013, Ukraine is the latest country to be added to the list requiring student visa applicants to sit an interview before qualifying for a visa.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Indian student visa application interviews

28 May 2013: With effect from 20 May 2013, anyone applying for a Tier 4 visa from India may be called to sit a short interview when attending the visa application centre.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Tuberculosis screening in Ethiopia, Uganda and Vietnam

28 May 2013: Residents from Ethiopia, Uganda and Vietnam hoping to come to the UK for longer than 6 months will now have to be tested for tuberculosis before they will be granted a visa.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Priority services launched across Europe

28 May 2013: New priority services will launch in June in countries across Europe, providing access to new services which will let you speed up your application.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Tier 4 student visa interviews start from May 2013

08 May 2013: The UKBA will introducing interviews for people applying for Tier 4 student visas. With effect from May 2013 you may be required to sit a short interview when you visit your visa application centre if you are applying from certain countries.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Right to appeal family visa refusals withdrawn

29 April 2013: With effect from around 25 June 2013 the full right of appeal for anyone refused entry to the UK as a family visitor will no longer apply.        [Read More ...]

       
 

London Metropolitan University granted probationary licence to sponsor Tier 4 visas

26 April 2013: The UKBA have granted London Metropolitan University a probationary licence to sponsor students with effect from 9 April 2013.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Home Office and Capita launch visa reminder pilot

26 April 2013: On 9 April 2013 the Home Office launched a new pilot scheme in conjunction with Capita, which will look to remind people whose leave to remain in the UK is due to expire in the near future to either extend their stay or leave the country.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Online payments for visa applications in India from 1 May 2013

26 April 2013: People applying for visas to travel to the UK from India will be able to use a new online system to pay their visa fees with effect from 1 May 2013.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New booking process for premium service appointments

26 April 2013: With effect form 6 April 2013 there are significant changes to how you book and pay for premium service appointments. The UKBA have said that the changes are being made 'to tackle those abusing the public enquiry office booking system and to help genuine customers to access public enquiry office appointments.'        [Read More ...]

       
 

Statement of intent for new requirements for ILR and citizenship

26 April 2013: The UKBA have announced proposed changes to the requirements for anyone applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or naturalisation as a British citizen. The changes will be made in October 2013 and will increase the requirements for applicants.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Overseas visa applications go online and single-currency

26 April 2013: From 30 April 2013 applications from certain countries will have to be made online and payments of any fees made in either Euros of US dollars, depending on the country. The new rules apply to all applications made for a UK visa from Ukraine, Moldova and Turkmenistan.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New application forms from 6 April 2013

05 April 2013: As part of the changes to the Immigration Rules being made on 6 April 2013 the UKBA have announced updated version of application forms to bring them in line with the new rules.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New citizenship test launched

25 March 2013: The new citizenship test is now in effect meaning that all tests taken from 25 March 2013 onwards will be based on the new citizenship test materials published recently.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Biometric enrolment systems upgraded at Post Offices

19 March 2013: Improvements have been made to the biometric enrolment software at Post Offices to make it easier for people to register their information. The improvements particularly help people with particular issues, such as blindness, which previously prevented them from using Post Offices to register biometric information.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Changes to the Immigration rules in effect from 6 April 2013

18 March 2013: A range of changes to the Immigration Rules have been announced by the UKBA, which come into effect on 6 April 2013. The changes affect Tier 1 (Graduate entrepreneur) and (Exceptional talent) routes, Tier 2, Tier 4, the shortage occupation list and the salary thresholds for skilled workers.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Tier 4 rules changed to prevent downgrading of studies after confirmed CAS

18 March 2013: The Tier 4 visa rules will be updated on 6 April 2013 to prevent students with confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) from downgrading the level of their course.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Post-study work exemptions for PhD and MBA students

18 March 2013: From 6 April 2013 onwards to help MBA and PhD graduates stay on in the UK after their studies to find work. Other changes to the Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) route will also make things easier for applicants in this route.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Updated practice tests for A Guide for New Residents, valid from 25 March 2013 launched

18 March 2013: You can now take practice tests based on the new citizenship test materials, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, valid for all tests taken on or after 25 march 2013.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Life in the UK Test Handbook 2013 published

12 March 2013: The brand new Life in the UK Test Handbook 2013 has been published on 12 March 2013. The Handbook is valid for all tests taken from 25 March 2013 and gives you everything you need to prepare for, and pass your test.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Online payments for visa applications in China from 14 March 2013

11 March 2013: People applying for visas to travel to the UK from China will be able to use a new online system to pay their visa fees with effect from 14 March 2013.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Prime time visa appointments available in Manila

06 March 2013: With effect from 26 February 2013, the prime time appointment service for anyone making a visa application in Manila will be available for a fee.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Applications from Namibia must be made online from 11 March 2013

06 March 2013: With effect from 11 March 2013 all applications for a UK visa made in Namibia must be completed and payment made online.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Premium visa application centre opens in Ho Chi Minh City

06 March 2013: A new UK visa application centre has opened in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, which is run by VFS Global, the UKBA's commercial partner in south east Asia. The new centre will accept all categories of visa applications for a fee.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Temporary concessions for Syrian nationals in the UK extended

06 March 2013: With effect from 28 February 2013 the concessions given to Syrian nationals under the Immigration Rules have been extended for a further year until 28 February 2014. This means that Syrian nationals in the UK will continue to have extra ways to extend their stay.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Biometric information required for applications from St Lucia

06 March 2013: With effect from 18 February 2013 the UKBA now require biometric information to be submitted with all visa applications.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Pre-entry tuberculosis screening in the Philippines

06 March 2013: With effect from 28 February 2013, anyone planning to come to the UK for longer than six months from the Philippines must be screened for tuberculosis (TB) to qualify for their visa.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Indian ‘super-priority’ visa service to be launched in March

06 March 2013: A new scheme for Indian nationals applying for visas at application centres in Delhi and Mumbai has been announced. The scheme will be launched later this month.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New priority visa services around the world

06 March 2013: A new range of priority visa services have been opened in a range of countries. The priority services allow people to ensure their visa application gets processed faster. The services are optional and an additional fee must be paid to use them.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Tier 2: Changes to salary thresholds and skilled occupations list on 6 April 2013

04 March 2013: The UKBA have published a statement of intent detailing changes to the appropriate salary rates for specific occupations, visa salary thresholds and the skilled occupations list. The proposed changes will be made on 6 April 2013. Whilst the final changes made may differ from what is given here, these are a good indication of what changes will be made.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Increases to immigration fees on 6 April 2013

28 February 2013: The Immigration Minister, Mark Harper, has laid changes to the immigration and visa fees system before Parliament. The changes proposed include increases to fees for applications made both overseas and in the UK.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Apply online service unavailable between 1 and 4 March 2013

27 February 2013: The UKBA Apply Online service will be unavailable between 18:00 on 1 March 2013 and 06:00 4 March whilst maintenance work is carried out.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Settlement visa delays in Thailand

21 February 2013: The UK Border Agency have advised that there are delays in processing settlement visa applications made in Thailand.        [Read More ...]

       
 

No transitional period for the new Life in the UK test

06 February 2013: According to advice published on the official Life in the UK Test booking page, there is no transitional period for the new Life in the UK Test. This means that anyone hoping to take the test based on the 2nd edition of the study materials has to take their test by 24 March 2013.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route rules change in response to suspected abuse

30 January 2013: Changes to the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route application process will come into effect on 31 January 2013 following suspected abuses of the visa category.        [Read More ...]

       
 

3rd Revision of UK Citizenship Test announced for release in March

28 January 2013: Publication of the long-awaited 3rd revision of the UK Citizenship test has been announced by the Immigration Minister, Mark Harper MP. The new test will be launched on 25 March 2013 and this latest version of the test will be the first update to the materials since 2007.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New backlog of cases found at UKBA by Chief Inspector

24 January 2013: The latest report published by John Vine, Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, has revealed a backlog of over 16,000 cases where the UKBA has not responded to requests to re-consider refusal decisions or made an initial decision on applications for further leave to remain. The backlog stretches as far back as 2003.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Apply online service unavailable from 25-28 January

23 January 2013: The UKBA Apply Online service will be offline for 3 days from 25 January whilst the UKBA carry out maintenance work on the system.        [Read More ...]

       
 

UKBA statement on Capita Business Services

16 January 2013: Following recent media coverage of Capita Business Services' handling of UKBA contracts the UKBA has released a statement on the company's activities.        [Read More ...]

       
 

UK visa application centre in Singapore relocated

16 January 2013: The UK visa application centre in Singapore will be relocated to new premises on 1 February 2013.        [Read More ...]

       
 

British Future thinktank publishes the 2012 State of the Nation report

14 January 2013: The thinktank, British Future, has published its second State of the Nation report, bases on 2,515 British residents. The published document offers a snapshot of public attitudes on British life, and includes some interesting observations on immigration and integration.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Higher education statistics show changing mix of international students

14 January 2013: Statistics published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) have revealed some large changes in the mix of nationalities coming to the UK to study from outside the EU. The data has also revealed a drop in postgraduate numbers leading universities to express concern about the state of the international education sector in the UK.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Good character requirement changes for citizenship applications

10 January 2013: The UKBA have changed the way they assess the good character requirement for citizenship applications. The changes mainly deal with the handling of criminality such as convictions and police cautions.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Final visa decisions made for London Met students

07 January 2013: The UKBA have announced that they are writing to all students affected by the withdrawal of London Metropolitan University's license to sponsor overseas students. All affected students are being contacted with final decisions regarding their visas.        [Read More ...]

       
 

UKBA starts moving overseas application processing to Croydon hub

02 January 2013: With effect from 7 January 2013 the UKBA will make decisions for all visa applications submitted in Sweden, Estonia, Norway, Iceland and Finland at the Croydon processing centre.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Pre-entry Tuberculosis testing for South Africa and Zimbabwe

02 January 2013: The pre-entry tuberculosis screening programme launched by Damian Green MP has been expanded to include South Africa and Zimbabwe.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Census data show Scottish population at record high

18 December 2012: Initial population figures from the 2011 census have been released for Scotland and show that the country's population is now a record high of over 5 million.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New application forms for Tier 1, ILR and FLR

13 December 2012: The UKBA have published new versions of a large number of application forms covering Tier 1 visas, as well as applications for ILR and FLR.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Theresa May’s facts about immigration

13 December 2012: Further to the Home Secretary's speech on immigration given yesterday the Home Office have published a condensed list addressing 7 'misconceptions' around immigration policy.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Interview programme for ‘high-risk’ student visa applications to be expanded

12 December 2012: Theresa May has announced that consular staff will interview more than 100,000 prospective students hoping to come to the UK as art of ongoing efforts to reduce abuses of the visa system.        [Read More ...]

       
 

2011 Census data published for England and Wales

11 December 2012: The census data from the 2011 population survey has been released by the Office for National Statistics. This nationwide poll represents the most up to date and accurate picture of the population of England and Wales.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Biometric residence permits compulsory for stays over 6 months

03 December 2012: The UKBA are making it compulsory for all non-EEA migrants grated permission to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months to apply for a biometric residence permit. The new rule came into effect on 1 December 2012.        [Read More ...]

       
 

UKBA issues fake websites and calls warning

30 November 2012: The UKBA have issued a warning about fake emails, websites and telephone calls claiming to be part of the UKBA. You should make sure to read this guidance so you don't get caught out.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Dramatic fall in net migration shows effect of Coalition immigration policy

29 November 2012: The latest figures show that net migration has fallen to 183,000 in the year up to March 2012. This is down from 242,000 in the previous year.        [Read More ...]

       
 

UKBA has backlog of over 150,000 overstaying students

29 November 2012: The UKBA has allowed over 150,000 overseas students to remain in the UK despite not having leave to remain in the UK. The revelation is being called another 'significant failing' of the UKBA and was acknowledged by John Vine, Chief Inspector of Immigration.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Online appointment booking offline on 28 and 30 November

28 November 2012: The UKBA online appointment booking service will be taken offline for maintenance in evenings this week.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Immigration Rules updated for skilled workers

22 November 2012: New changes to the Immigration Rules are being introduced for skilled migrants. The changes are being introduced following feedback from the business sector about this government's changes to the points based system.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Settlement rules relaxed for foreign troops serving in HM armed forces

22 November 2012: Disciplinary convictions for foreign and Commonwealth troops serving in the British armed forces will no long affect settlement claims.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Rules change for EEA migrants

08 November 2012: Following recent rulings by the European Courts of Justice (ECJ) the UKBA have updated the Immigration Rules. The new rules take effect on 8 November 2012 and affect EEA nationals and their family members.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Guidance published for London Met students

05 November 2012: The UKBA have published guidance for international students affected by the ongoing situation with London Metropolitan University (LMU). The LMU has had its license to sponsor international students revoked but has appealed the decision and is waiting for a judicial review.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Bilston Community College loses right to sponsor foreign students

05 November 2012: The UKBA have revoked Bilston Community College's Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) status, leaving it unable to sponsor international students to stay in the UK.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Citizenship applications for children born of surrogacy arrangements

05 November 2012: Changes have been made to the way that applications for citizenship made on behalf of a child born of a surrogacy arrangement.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Croatia to join the EU

19 October 2012: Croatian will join the EU on 1 July 2013 bringing the number of countries in the Union to 28.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Temporary concessions for Syrian nationals

19 October 2012: Syrian nationals in the UK have been given extra rights to extend their stay in the UK as a temporary measure. These measures have been introduced to help Syrian nationals in the UK.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New application forms published

01 October 2012: To bring the application forms in line with the latest changes to the Immigration Rules the UKBA have published new forms which should be used for applications with immediate effect.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New rules for extending visas, exceptional talent route and students from Botswana and Malaysia

01 October 2012: With effect from 1 October 2012 updates to the Immigration Rules come into effect which will change how overstayers are handled. Clarifications have also been made for Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visas.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Changes to apply online customer accounts from 1 October 2012

25 September 2012: The length of time that applications will be held in the UKBA's online systems will change with effect from 1 October 2012. From October onwards applications will only be held for 8 weeks, or 56 calendar days.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Apply online service unavailable for four days from 27 September

25 September 2012: The UKBA have advised that the Apply Online service will be unavailable for around 4 days from 27 September 2012 whilst they upgrade the system.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Students can start at London Met on Monday

21 September 2012: The high court has ruled that over 1000 international students should be allowed to start their courses at London Metropolitan University (LMU) on Monday. The ruling comes following the urgent appeal lodged by the LMU against the decision to revoke its license.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New version of Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) guidance released

11 September 2012: A new version of the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) guidance has been released by the UKBA.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Mark Harper MP becomes Immigration Minister

10 September 2012: There is a new Immigration Minister working in the Home Office, following a reshuffle of cabinet ministers by the Prime Minister.        [Read More ...]

       
 

UKBA updates Immigration Rules following Alvi case

10 September 2012: Following a recent ruling by the Supreme Court in the case of Alvi vs the Home Secretary the UKBA have updated the Immigration Rules to include numerous requirements previously only contained in UKBA guidance.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Rules for applications from overstayers change from 1 October 2012

05 September 2012: With effect from 1 October 2012 the UKBA will refuse all applications for further leave to remain from anyone who has overstayed by more than 28 days.        [Read More ...]

       
 

London Met launches legal action against UKBA decision

05 September 2012: The London Metropolitan University (LMU) has announced that it will be taking legal action against the UKBA's decision to revoke its license to sponsor international students 'as a matter of urgency'.        [Read More ...]

       
 

UKBA revokes London Met’s license to sponsor students

05 September 2012: The UKBA have withdrawn the highly trusted sponsor status of London Metropolitan University's (LMU), which leaves the school unable to sponsor visas for international students.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Student visas uncertain for London Met students

28 August 2012: With less than two months until the start of the academic year, thousands of students are still waiting to find out if London Metropolitan University will be able to sponsor them. If the university has its sponsor license revoked these students will need to find a new course and sponsor, or have to leave the UK.        [Read More ...]

       
 

UKBA issues warning about fake websites and telephone calls

14 August 2012: The UKBA has issued guidance on official communications and information following recent scams, including telephone calls made by people claiming to be UKBA staff. This information will help you identify scams.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Supreme Court rules Home Secretary’s new Immigration Rules unlawful again

19 July 2012: The Supreme Court has ruled that many of the recent changes to the Immigration Rules are unlawful, a decision which threatens to render thousands of decisions made under the skilled migrant programme illegal.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Changes to citizenship applications made from outside the UK

16 July 2012: If you are applying for British citizenship from outside the UK you should be aware of the new processes which take effect from 16 July 2012.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Price for passports to be reduced from September

11 July 2012: The standard fee to get an adult passport will be reduced by £5 with effect from 3 September 2012.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New versions of Forms FLR(M) and FLR(O) from 9 July 2012

10 July 2012: The bring the application forms in line with the new Immigration Rules which came into effect on 9 July 2012 the UKBA have published new versions of application forms FLR(M) and FLR(O).        [Read More ...]

       
 

Family migration changes come into effect from 9 July 2012

09 July 2012: As has been previously detailed the UKBA have made significant changes to the way the family visa and settlement systems work, which come into effect from 9 July 2012.        [Read More ...]

       
 

UKBA to start interviewing non-EU student visa applicants

09 July 2012: The Home Office have announced that they will start a targeted programme of compulsory interviews with selected 'high-risk' student visa applicants as part of ongoing efforts to prevent abuse of the system.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Family settlement forms and online application changes

09 July 2012: The UKBA have confirmed the new forms and changes to the online application system that will apply to anyone applying for settlement through the family route under the new rules which come into effect on 9 July 2012.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Biometrics office opens in Leicester

06 July 2012: The UKBA have opened a new biometrics centre in Leicester which will take biometric details from anyone who is required to provide them for their applications.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Overstayers to face automatic refusal for further leave to remain

06 July 2012: With effect from 1 October 2012 the UKBA will refuse all applications for further leave to remain from anyone who has overstayed by more than 28 days.        [Read More ...]

       
 

What to expect from the new citizenship test

06 July 2012: Whilst certain details have been reported about what the new citizenship test will include there has been less information provided about when and how it will happen. This article answers some of these questions.        [Read More ...]

       
 

British history is now ‘at the heart of the citizenship test

01 July 2012: Today saw the new version of the Life in the UK test announced by the government. The Life in the UK test has now been revised to include new testable materials covering British history. The new materials are expected to be released in autumn 2012.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Supreme court rulings limit rights to family life for foreign-born criminals

21 June 2012: A series of test-case rulings from the Supreme Court has confirmed how the right to family life should be applied when dealing with the deportation of foreign criminals.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Transitional arrangements for new family visa rules

19 June 2012: Further to the changes to the family visa rules which are coming into effect on 9 July 2012 the UKBA haver confirmed the transitional arrangements which will apply. These arrangements explain, amongst other things, what will happen if you entered the country on a spouse or partner visa before the rules came into effect.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Family visit visa appeals tightened

19 June 2012: Changes to the Immigration Appeals (Family Visitor) Regulations 2012 have been laid before Parliament by the government on 18 June 2012. The new rules redefine who qualifies for the full right to appeal if they are refused a visa to visit family members in the UK.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Children of Ghurkas lose High Court case for settlement

18 June 2012: The High Court has ruled that adult children are not guaranteed the right to settlement in the UK in a test cast involving adult children of Ghurka families.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New form for dependents under the points based system published

14 June 2012: The UKBA have published new versions of the points based system (PBS) dependent application form for use by applicants already in the UK.        [Read More ...]