Damian Green introduces idea of ‘contribution-based’ immigration system

02 February 2012: The Immigration Minister, Damian Green, has outlined the future direction of the immigration system in a speech made at the Policy Exchange on Thursday 2 February.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Phone lines now closed for biometric enrolment

01 February 2012: As announced last week, the phone lines for postal applicants in the UK booking appointments to enrol their biometric information closed today.        [Read More ...]

       
 

English language test requirements increased for Tier 1 and 2

26 January 2012: From April 2012 Tier 1 and 2 migrants will not be eligible to apply for leave to remain until they have passed an accredited English language test.        [Read More ...]

       
 

List of approved English language tests updated for Tiers 1, 2 and 4

25 January 2012: A new list of approved English language tests has been published by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) affecting applications made under Tiers 1, 2 and 4 of the points based system as well as spouse and partner visa applications.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Biometric appointment booking service to be online only from February

23 January 2012: Anyone needing to book appointments at biometric enrolment centres in the UK will need to do so online from February 2012 as the UK Border Agency (UKBA) continues its drive to move services online.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Online Tier 2 and 5 applications from February 2012

20 January 2012: Tier 2 and 5 applicants applying onshore will be able to apply online from mid-February 2012.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Is immigration affecting unemployment?

18 January 2012: One of the questions dominating media coverage at the moment is whether migration, both EU and non-EU, is affecting unemployment in the UK. The new year has seen some reports on this topic published by prominent research bodies trying to understand this point.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New application form for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals

17 January 2012: Romanian and Bulgarian nationals applying for a accession worker card must now complete their application using the new version of form BR3.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Immigration expected to fall because of economy, not policy

05 January 2012: A report, published on New Year's Day, has predicted that net migration will fall by tens of thousands this year. However, the report also suggests that this fall will be the result of economic conditions and not government policy.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New procedure for Exception Talent visas with Arts Council endorsement

05 January 2012: Anyone applying for an Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) visa endorsed by Arts Council England (ACE) must now follow a new procedure when submitting their documentation.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Fees for appeals apply from December 2011

20 December 2011: People appealing against immigration and asylum decisions will have to pay a fee from December 2011, under new rules brought in by the Ministry of Justice.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Appeal against English language requirements for spouses and partners fails

20 December 2011: The courts have upheld the new Immigration Rules that require spouses demonstrate they can speak English before they can come to the UK.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Biometric residence permits to be issued with ILR

07 December 2011: Biometric residence permits will be issued to more foreign nationals and people given indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from next February.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Apply Online and Sponsor management services unavailable on 3-4 December

02 December 2011: The UK Border Agency (UKBA) have advised that some online services will be unavailable this weekend, from 3-4 December whilst they undertake maintenance on the website.        [Read More ...]

       
 

UK Net migration hits record levels

24 November 2011: The latest migration statistics published by the Office for National Statistics show that net migration in 2010 was the highest it has ever been.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Working rights restrictions to continue for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals

24 November 2011: Controls restricting the rights of Bulgarian and Romanian nationals to work in the UK will be updated at the end of the year. The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has announced that it will continue restrictions until the end of 2013 in an announcement made on 23 November 2011.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Skilled workers may have to meet minimum salary requirement for ILR

17 November 2011: The MIgration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published two reports affecting skilled workers looking to come to the UK. The reports affect Tier 2 migrants seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and workers from Bulgaria and Romania.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Salary thresholds for sponsoring dependents proposed

17 November 2011: A minimum salary requirement which would need to be met before a UK resident could sponsor a partner or dependent for citizenship has been proposed by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).        [Read More ...]

       
 

New Shortage Occupation List comes into effect

15 November 2011: The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has implemented changes to the Shortage Occupation List which take effect from 14 November 2011.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Border control lapses put Home Secretary under pressure to resign

09 November 2011: The UK Border Agency have let an unknown number of people into the UK through ports and airports without proper checks of their biometric information, passports and identity over summer 2011.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New policy guidance on marriage visas for under-21s

08 November 2011: The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has published new policy guidance for marriage visas after the Supreme Court ruled that a blanket ban on applicants under the age of 21 was unlawful.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Over 500 colleges lose the right to sponsor students

07 November 2011: The UK Border Agency (UKBA) have announced that as a result of their new rules and enforcement action over 450 education providers are now no longer able to sponsor new international students.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Unqualified financial institutions for Tier 4

07 November 2011: The initial list of financial institutions which do not meet UK Border Agency (UKBA) standards has been published, for use with applications made under Tier 4 of the points based system.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Settlement requirements amended for Tier 2 visas and work permits

07 November 2011: Migrants applying for settlement from Tier 2 visa or a work permit face new requirements from 31 October 2011.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Shortage Occupation List reduced for skilled migrants

18 October 2011: The government has accepted recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee to remove 40,000 jobs from the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) used under Tier 2 of the points based system.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Ban on marriage visas for under-21s thrown out by Supreme Court

14 October 2011: The supreme court has ruled the the Home Office's blanket ban on British citizens under 21 bringing spouses to the UK is unlawful, 'arbitrary and disruptive' and said it has done more harm than good.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New style passports all now printed in the UK

14 October 2011: In the same week as the first anniversary of the new style UK passport it has been announced that all UK passports will now be printed and delivered from the UK.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Further crackdown on immigration outlined by Prime Minister

12 October 2011: The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has outlined further plans to control immigration to the United Kingdom in a speech made on 10 October 2011 to the Institute for Government.        [Read More ...]

       
 

‘We’re going to change the British citizenship test,’ says Prime Minister

12 October 2011: The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has confirmed that the citizenship test will be 'overhauled' as part of the ongoing government policy on immigration.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Changes to the Immigration Rules announced affecting Tier 2 visas

11 October 2011: As part of the changes to the Immigration Rules put through on 10 October 2011 some minor updates have been made affecting Tier 2 and work permit holders.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New rules block stays in the UK for NHS debtors

11 October 2011: The government have changed the Immigration Rules to deny permission to enter or remain in the UK for anyone who fails to pay off their debts for NHS treatment. These changes were proposed in March, and announced on this website at the time.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Fake university website closed down

11 October 2011: An investigation carried out by Somerset County Council has led to the closure of the 'Glastonbury University' website, a bogus college.        [Read More ...]

       
 

The Guardian asks, Do You Feel British?

07 October 2011: With the prospect of a Scottish referendum on independence on the horizon The Guardian newspaper is asking people what they think of being British and part of the UK.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Apply Online service unavailable on Thursday 6 October

06 October 2011: The UKBA have advised that the Apply Online service will be unavailable on the evening of Thursday 6 October whilst routine maintenance is carried out.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Changes made to list of approved English language tests

06 October 2011: The list of approved English language test providers for applications made through the points based system has been updated by the UKBA.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Online services unavailable on 30 September 2011

30 September 2011: The UKBA will be upgrading some of the online services available for the points based system on the evening of 30 September 2011.        [Read More ...]

       
 

UKBA announces changes for carers of British citizens

22 September 2011: The UK Border Agency (UKBA) have announced details of changes they will make following a recent judgement made by the Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ).        [Read More ...]

       
 

2012 editions are nearly here!

21 September 2011: October will see the publication of the new 2012 editions of our leading Study Guide series. As ever, we have worked hard to bring you the latest information about the test and the study materials.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Family migration consultation ‘to promote better integration’

16 September 2011: The Immigration Minister Damian Green detailed why he thinks the proposed review of the family migration routes will help achieve 'immigration which is better targeted and fairer' in a speech given on 15 September 2011.        [Read More ...]

       
 

MAC advises shortage occupation list be restricted to limit migration

14 September 2011: The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has been advised to reduce the number of occupations on the Shortage Occupation List to limit access by non EU-migrants to the UK labour market. The recommendations have been made by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).        [Read More ...]

       
 

UKBA request feedback on biometric residence permits

08 September 2011: The UK Border Agency (UKBA) have created a short online survey requesting feedback on biometric residence permits.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Settlement consultation closes on 9 September

06 September 2011: The UK Border Agency's (UKBA) public consultation on the routes to settlement closes this week on 9 September.        [Read More ...]

       
 

UK Border Agency launches new website

05 September 2011: The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has launched a newly redesigned website which aims to provide a better service for applicants in the UK and abroad. The new site will bring together all the UKBA's online content into one place for the first time.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Student visas and International Baccalaureate qualifications

26 August 2011: Special provisions have been made for students who are planning on using International Baccalaureate qualifications in their application for a student visa.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Latest statistics show net migration up 21%

25 August 2011: The latest immigration statistics published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) indicate that the Conservative plans to reduce net migration to the 'tens of thousands' are failing, as net migration rises 21%.        [Read More ...]

       
 

The Migrant Journey - Second Report

17 August 2011: The Home Office have published further analysis of the data gathered and originally published as the Migrant Journey.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Marriage-related migration to the UK

16 August 2011: A new report provides insight into the numbers of people migrating to the UK as spouses or partners of British residents and citizens.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Biometric visa ‘clinic’ to open in Amsterdam

10 August 2011: The UKBA have announced a new biometric data collection centre will be opened in Amsterdam to allow people to apply for UK visas.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) route opens

10 August 2011: Applications through Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) of the points based system are now being accepted by the UKBA.        [Read More ...]

       
 

UKBA launch improved online booking system

08 August 2011: You can now book appointments at public enquiry offices and biometric enrolment centres online using the UKBAs new booking system.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Online services unavailable from 4-7 August

04 August 2011: Booking services for appointments at public enquiry offices and biometric enrolment centres will be unavailable this weekend, along with the online versions of many application forms.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Details of the Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) route confirmed

20 July 2011: The UK Border Agency (UKBA) have confirmed details of how the new Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) route will be implemented which will allow the route to come into use.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New Tier 1 (Post-study work) forms and policy guidance published

20 July 2011: New forms and policy guidance have been published for the Tier 1 (Post-study work) routes which should be used for all applications made on or after 18 July 2011.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Payment methods for premium appointments in Glasgow and Cardiff

19 July 2011: The payment methods accepted at the Glasgow and Cardiff public enquiry offices are changing for any customers using the premium same-day services.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Test booking process changes

18 July 2011: You will now need to book and pay for your Life in the UK test online following changes made to the booking process by the UK Border Agency (UKBA).        [Read More ...]

       
 

New chief executive of the UKBA announced

18 July 2011: Rob Whiteman has been appointed as the new chief executive of the UK Border Agency (UKBA).        [Read More ...]

       
 

Consultation announced on family migration

13 July 2011: The UK Border Agency have announced a new consultation on the family visa system which will reinforce recent efforts to crack down on sham and forced marriages as well as clarifying other parts of the system.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Immigration Advisory Service enters into administration

13 July 2011: The Immigration Advisory Service, a charity providing legal advice and representation to immigrants and asylum seekers in England and Scotland has entered into administration.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New approved English language tests and providers

08 July 2011: The UK Border Agency (UKBA) have today announced an updated list of tests and course providers for the English language tests required by spouses & partners of applicants in Tiers 1, 2 & 4 of the points base system.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Changes to student visa rules implemented

04 July 2011: Significant changes to the Tier 4 student route of the points based system have been brought into effect today, 4 July 2011, by the the UK Border Agency (UKBA).        [Read More ...]

       
 

Further clarification on Tier 4 student visas

30 June 2011: A Q&A document has been published by the UKBA following queries from sponsor bodies, such as universities and further education colleges.        [Read More ...]

       
 

UKBA strike action planned on 30 June

27 June 2011: On 30 June 2011 staff from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) will strike in protest at the cuts to public bodies implemented by the Coalition government.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Free extension of stay announced for skilled workers in closed work routes

22 June 2011: Skilled workers who are in the UK on work visa routes which are now closed can take advantage of new arrangements which will allow them to extend their stay.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New forms published: EEA and BR1

20 June 2011: New forms for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals and EEA and Swiss nationals have been published by the UK Border Agency (UKBA).        [Read More ...]

       
 

New scrutiny on private colleges

14 June 2011: Two independent regulators will now be inspecting privately funded education providers as part of the UK Border Agency's (UKBA's) crackdown on bogus colleges and abuses of the student visa system.        [Read More ...]

       
 

More changes to student visas announced

13 June 2011: On 4 July 2011 the next set of changes to Tier 4 of the points based system, used by students, will come into effect.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Breaking the link between temporary and permanent migration

09 June 2011: The UK Border Agency (UKBA) have announced a consultation on settlement which proposes stopping anyone on a temporary visa applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).        [Read More ...]

       
 

Q&A document on English language requirements for students

06 June 2011: The UK Border Agency (UKBA) have published a Q&A document on the new English language requirements for students and sponsors. This document has been produced in an effort to clarify the situation after the extensive changes made to the student visa system on 21 April.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Home Affairs committee finds UKBA failing to control immigration

02 June 2011: The Home Affairs Select Committee has published its report into the UK Border Agency's (UKBA's) handling of its backlog of 450,000 unresolved 'legacy' cases.        [Read More ...]

       
 

UKBA ‘reviewing’ impact of ECJ cases

02 June 2011: Following recent judgements from the EU, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) are reviewing their impact on rights for carers and treaty rights for non-EU spouses of EU citizens. They are looking at whether any policies or practices need to be updated as a result.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New immigration removal centre opened in Lincolnshire

02 June 2011: Immigration Minister, Damian Green, has officially opened a new immigration removal centre (IRC) on 1 June 2011. The new centre is part of the high profile and intensive mission to crack down on immigration and abuses of the system.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Test fee increased for Life in the UK test

01 June 2011: The cost to sit the Life in the UK test has increased to £50, from £34, from 1st June.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Net migration leaps by nearly 100,000

26 May 2011: According to the latest figures published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) net migration has rocketed to 243,000 in the last year, an increase of nearly 100,000.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Newport passport office to be closed to applications

23 May 2011: The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) office in Newport will stop processing postal and online applications from March 2012.        [Read More ...]

       
 

‘Unnecessary’ immigration appeals curbed by new restrictions

20 May 2011: Appeals against refused applications under the points based system will no longer allow late evidence, in a move designed to reduce 'misuse of the system'.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Passenger movement data to be tracked across the EU

16 May 2011: Passenger information will be collected from travel providers as part of a new EU Directive.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Tier 2 allocations made for April 2011

27 April 2011: The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has announced that the first monthly allocation of sponsorships under the revised rules for Tier 2 was made on 11 April 2011.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Immigration Minister’s answers to your questions released

27 April 2011: Immigration Minister, Damian Green, has posted a video on YouTube where he answers selected questions submitted by members of the public.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Prime Minister defends immigration policy

14 April 2011: The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has addressed the intent and impact of recent changes to immigration policy in an outspoken speech. Speaking in Hampshire on 14 April 2011, Mr Cameron laid blame at the Labour Party's feet for allowing immigration to get 'too high' whilst answering critics of recent changes to the immigration rules.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Reduced points based test calculator until summer 2011

07 April 2011: The UK Border Agency (UKBA) have announced that their online points based test calculator will only be offering a reduced service until summer.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Changes to the ‘knowledge of language and life’ requirement for settlement

07 April 2011: The list of people who must take the Life in the UK Test has changed with effect from 6 April 2011. Further to the the changes made to Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the points based system, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) have updated guidance on who must take the test.        [Read More ...]

       
 

ESOL rules change for ‘knowledge of life and language in the UK’ requirement

07 April 2011: Changes to the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) rules in settlement applications have been brought into force.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Limits on Tier 2 visas and Tier 1 changes come into effect

07 April 2011: Annual limits on Tier 2 visas and changes to Tier 1 visas, including the closure of the Tier 1 (General) route, come into force today, 6 April 2011.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Damian Green answers your questions

06 April 2011: Immigration Minister, Damian Green, has announced a Q&A opportunity for members of the public, about the recent changes in immigration legislation.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New immigration fees - April 2011

05 April 2011: The application fees for foreign nationals applying to visit, work, study or settle in the UK have changed, with effect from 6 April 2011.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Certificates of Approval abolished in May 2011

01 April 2011: Certificates of Approval migrants wishing to get married in the UK are abolished with effect from 9 May 2011, subject to approval from the House of Lords.        [Read More ...]

       
 

BBC Oxford talks to lifeintheuk.net

28 March 2011: Phil Gayle, from BBC Oxford spoke to George Sandison from LifeintheUK.net about the citizenship test on 25 March 2011.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Finalised details of student visa programme announced

22 March 2011: Students applying for a visa to come to the UK will face tightened restrictions and requirements from 21 April 2011. The student visa system has been significantly reformed with the aim of drastically reducing the number of students coming to the UK.        [Read More ...]

       
 

NHS debtors to face restrictions on immigration

21 March 2011: Following consultations undertaken by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) and the Department of Health (DoH) last year Immigration Minister Damian Green has announced significant changes to how migrants will be able to access healthcare in the UK.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Tier 1 & 2 visas and Settlement from April 2011

21 March 2011: Major changes to Tier 1 (Highly skilled migrants, entrepreneurs and investors) and Tier 2 (Skilled migrants) of the points based system for UK immigration take effect from April 2011.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Home Affairs Committee criticises student visa plans

17 March 2011: A cross-party committee made up of MPs from each of the major political parties has published a report heavily criticising the government's planned overhaul of the student visa system.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Re-entry bans reduced for voluntary departures

17 March 2011: In a much less publicised section of the announcement concerning investors and the exceptional talent route, announcement the UKBA and Home Office have announced measures to encourage overstayers to return home.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Details of Tier 1 Investor and Entrepreneur visas announced

17 March 2011: The UKBA has announced further changes as part of its sweeping reforms to the immigration rules which are aimed at attracting investors and exceptionally talented individuals to the UK.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Government confirms reduction of shortage occupation list and Tier 2 approved professions

15 March 2011: The UKBA has confirmed the occupations that will be removed from the shortage occupations list. As part of this announcement the UKBA have also confirmed the professions which will no longer be considered approved jobs under Tier 2 of the points-based system.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Pilot Sojourner Scheme to be continued to protect victims of domestic violence

14 March 2011: The Home Secretary has announced that spouses and partners of UK residents who are victims of domestic violence will now be able to access vital support services to help them escape the relationship.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Full treaty rights to be granted as Worker Registration Scheme closes

14 March 2011: In an announcement made on 10 March 2011, the Immigration Minister Damian Green has confirmed that the Worker Registration Scheme will be closed on 30 April 2011.        [Read More ...]

       
 

MAC recommends reduced shortage occupation list

04 March 2011: The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published a new report on the shortage occupation list for Tier 2 visas which recommends removing eight occupations from the list.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Dominica and St Lucia visa waivers

03 March 2011: Following a review of visa requirements the UK the government has confirmed that visitors from St Lucia and Dominica will still be able to travel to the UK without the need for a visa.        [Read More ...]

       
 

New family returns process launched

01 March 2011: The United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) has announced a new four-stage process for returning families to their countries of origin. Immigration Minister, Damian Green, has announced this along with a new Independent Family Returns Panel which will be part of the new process.        [Read More ...]

       
 

Immigration fees to increase again in April 2011

01 March 2011: The Immigration Minister, Damian Green, has issued a written ministerial statement proposing increases to immigration and nationality application fees for everyone applying to visit, study, work or remain in the UK.        [Read More ...]