17 September 2008

The UK Border Agency's sponsor guidance for Tiers 2, 4 and 5 have been amended.

16 September 2008

The UK Border Agency has today released its long awaited codes of practice for Tier 2 of the Points-Based System. Employers will need to have careful regard to the relevant code of practice before they employ non-EEA nationals.

29 August 2008

The UK Border Agency has today announced that, from 25 November 2008, identity cards will be issued to foreign nationals applying for further leave to remain in the UK as a student, or the husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner of someone holding permanent residence (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK.

23 July 2008

The Home Office has today announced that it will be increasing the age at which someone can apply for a marriage visa from 18 to 21.

2 July 2008

Plans to speed up travel between the UK and the US for trusted people who move regularly between the two countries were announced today by the Home Office.

25 June 2008

The UK government has today announced that it intends to impose new requirements in relation to family visit visas.

23 June 2008

The UK Border Agency has today announced that on Monday 30 June 2008, Tier 1 of the new points-based system will be launched globally.

6 May 2008

The UK Border Agency has today issued the long awaited Statement of Intent for Tier 2 (Skilled Workers) of the Points-Based System. The Statement of Intent should be read in conjunction with the UKBA's Guidance for Sponsor Application.

3 April 2008

The government today launched a new unified Border Agency.

1 April 2008

New visa fees were today introduced for individuals seeking to enter the UK. Full details are available on the UKvisas web site.

29 February 2008

The biggest shake-up of the immigration system in 45 years got underway today with the introduction of a points based system (PBS), new licenses for businesses who want to employ migrants and large on-the-spot fines for those not obeying the rules and found hiring illegal workers.

8 February 2008

The Border & Immigration Agency has today announced that it will be issuing new and revised immigration application forms to be used for applications for certain immigration categories made on or after 29 February 2008.

6 February 2008

Details of the new points based immigration system (PBS) were announced today as the Government published the rules for highly skilled foreign workers applying to come to the UK.

5 February 2008

The Border & Immigration Agency has today announced significant reductions to the national shortage occupation list for work permits.

4 February 2008

Applicants who apply for settlement ('indefinite leave to remain' or "permanent residency") but do not meet the knowledge of language and life requirement currently have their applications considered instead as an application to extend temporary permission to stay in the UK (ie as an application for "further leave to remain").

28 January 2008

The Worker Registration Scheme (WRS) application form and guidance has been revised.