Blog

UK visa – Kash Legal Services | Immigration lawyer UK visa – Kash Legal Services | Immigration lawyer Starting in 2025, the UK will transition from biometric residence permits to eVisas. At Kash Legal Services, we are committed to keeping our clients informed about the latest UK visa – Kash Legal Services | Immigration lawyer updates in the UK's immigration system. We are excited to share that the UK government has announced plans to modernize its immigration processes by introducing electronic visas (eVisas) in 2025. This change will replace physical documents, such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs), passport endorsements, and vignette stickers, with a digital system. From January 1, 2025, the UK Home Office will stop issuing these physical documents. Instead, eVisas will serve as an online record of your immigration status and the terms under which you are allowed to enter or stay in the UK. To access your eVisa, you will need to register for a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. It is essential to note that updating your physical document to an eVisa will not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permit to stay in the UK. As part of the transition, travelers to the UK will no longer need to carry physical documents, except for a valid passport registered to their UKVI account. However, until the end of 2024, individuals must continue to carry their physical documents when traveling.

New Amendment Proposed to Tackle Crime and Immigration in the UK As a UK immigration lawyer, I am closely monitoring the latest developments in the government's efforts to address the issue of crime and immigration in the UK. Recently, the former immigration minister, Robert Jenrick, proposed an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill that would require the nationality, visa, and asylum status of every offender convicted in English and Welsh courts to be published annually. The proposed amendment aims to prevent the UK from "importing crime" and strengthen visa and deportation policies. If passed, it would create crime "league tables" to rank migrant nationalities with the highest rates of crime. Jenrick believes that the data on migrant crime could aid in making visa applications more stringent for certain nationalities, particularly those with higher rates of crime. At Kash Legal Services, we understand the importance of thorough background checks and the need for stricter visa policies for certain nationalities. The proposal comes as the number of migrants crossing the Channel to the UK has reached a record high. The former immigration minister argues that the public has the right to know who is coming into the country and what the impact of immigration is, including the societal impact of crime. However, there are concerns about the practicality of implementing the proposal, and the Refugee Council has stated that asylum rules in the UK are already very stringent.

n

n

UK visa News update April 2024- Kash legal | Immigration lawyer in Sheffield . The group has said that serious criminals are not allowed to stay in the country. Jenrick's proposal is part of a broader effort to cut net immigration in the UK. The government is introducing a range of restrictions, including a ban on overseas care workers bringing family dependants to the UK and increasing the salary threshold for skilled workers. As a UK immigration lawyer, I believe that this proposal is a significant 1 move to provide greater transparency and accountability in the immigration system. However, it is essential to ensure that the data collected is accurate and not used to discriminate against certain nationalities. At Kash Legal Services, we are committed to providing our clients with the latest information and guidance on UK immigration policies. We will continue to monitor the progress of this proposal and its impact on UK immigration policies. If you have any questions or concerns about your immigration status, please do not hesitate to contact us.

n

n

n

1. Health and Care Visa

1: Applies to healthcare professionals like nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals.

2: Salary threshold increases to £23,200 for national pay scale roles and £29,000 for roles not on national pay scales.

3: Immigration Salary List determines thresholds for specific occupations.

4: Exemption from Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) continues.

5: Dependents can accompany visa holders with the right to work.

6: Only CQC-registered providers in England can sponsor care workers or senior care workers.

2. Skilled Worker Visa

1: Applies to roles not eligible for Health and Care Visa but sponsored by NHS trusts, like IT and finance professionals.

2: New applications require meeting a salary threshold of £38,700.

3: Existing visa holders exempt from new salary levels but subject to updated percentiles upon changes or extensions.

4: Immigration Salary List determines thresholds, with an increased IHS of £1,035 per year per applicant.

5: Dependents retain the right to work.

The aim to ensure that the UK continues to attract skilled professionals, especially in critical sectors like healthcare, while also maintaining a balance between immigration and domestic workforce needs.

1. Level 1 User: This individual has day-to-day responsibility for managing the Sponsor Management System (SMS) on behalf of the organisation. They can perform a wide range of functions such as assigning Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), reporting changes of circumstances for the organisation and sponsored employees, and withdrawing a CoS if necessary. Level 1 Users are essential for the operational management of the licence. 2. Authorising Officer: The Authorising Officer is a senior and responsible person within the organisation who is accountable for the actions of staff and representatives who use the SMS. This role involves ensuring the organisation complies with its sponsorship duties and responsibilities. The Authorising Officer is the main point of contact with the Home Office and oversees the use of the licence, making sure that all sponsorship activities are in line with legal requirements. 3. Key Contact: Often the primary point of communication between the sponsor and the Home Office. The Key Contact deals with administrative tasks and correspondence related to the Sponsor Licence but doesn't have access to the SMS like Level 1 or Level 2 users. 4. Legal Representative: An external entity or individual (e.g., a solicitor or immigration advisor) authorised to act on behalf of the organisation in matters related to the Sponsor Licence.

n

n

n

UK VISA NEW RULES 2024

n

n

UK Visa news , Changes to Skilled Worker Visa- NEW RULES 2024

n

n

UK Visa news, The UK is making changes to its immigration rules, specifically the Skilled Worker Visa category. Starting on April 4, 2024, the minimum salary requirement for this visa will increase from £26,200 to £38,700 annually. However, healthcare workers like doctors and nurses are exempt from this change. There will still be a 30% salary reduction for new entrants to the job market, benefiting those under 26 and post-doctoral researchers. Current Skilled Worker visa holders will not be affected by the new salary threshold for extensions or changes in employment within the visa category.

n

Minimum Income Requirement under the partner routes

n

The minimum income requirement for partner routes is being updated to reflect the current cost of living. This change aims to ensure that families are self-sufficient and do not need to rely on public funds.

n

EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

n

The EU Settlement Scheme is expanding to include more individuals, such as spouses, civil partners, and durable partners with pre-settled status under the EUSS, along with their dependent children.

n

Immigration Salary List and Asylum

n

Changes are being made to allow asylum seekers to request permission to work based on the Immigration Salary List (ISL). This change aligns with the Skilled Worker visa changes being implemented at the same time.

n

Update of the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code system

n

The SOC code system used in the immigration system is being updated from SOC 2010 to SOC 2020. This update will impact the eligibility of occupations for certain visa routes.

n

Changes to the Seasonal Worker route

n

The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage are increasing, which will affect the minimum rate of hourly pay for Seasonal Workers.

n

Changes to The UK Spouse Visa

n

From April 11, 2024, the income requirement for first-time Spouse Visa applicants will rise to £29,000, with anticipated increases in the future. Applicants can still meet the financial requirement through savings. These changes will not affect those already on a Spouse/Family Visa route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or those holding a fiancé visa prior to the changes.

n

Financial Planning for Families

n

n

Spouses and couples should evaluate their finances to ensure they meet the minimum income requirement for the Spouse Visa application. Future applicants need to be aware of the new financial requirements and plan accordingly. The UK immigration rules in 2024 are introducing significant changes across several visa categories. By understanding these changes, applicants can better prepare for the complexities of the UK immigration system.

n

At Kash legal services, we offer assistance to navigate these complexities, providing expert guidance to both students and universities alike. By staying informed about the latest regulations and offering tailored advice, we can help ensure compliance with immigration laws while facilitating access to education opportunities in the UK.

n

n

n

n

n

n

UK Visa, News Update

n

n

UK visa, immigration news update; In a bid to fulfil its pledge of reducing migration and safeguarding the integrity of the UK's immigration system, the government has initiated significant changes, effective immediately. These alterations aim to address concerns regarding the misuse of student visas and the influx of dependants, thereby contributing to a substantial reduction in migration numbers.

n

n

As per recent statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the net migration figure stood at a staggering 672,000 from June 2022 to June 2023. Alarming data revealed a staggering increase of over 930%, with 152,980 visas issued to dependants of students in the year ending September 2023, compared to just 14,839 in the year ending September 2019.

n

Under the new regulations, international students embarking on courses this month will face restrictions on bringing family members to the UK, except for specific circumstances such as postgraduate research courses or courses funded by government scholarships. This move aims to prevent the exploitation of student visas as a pathway to work in the UK and is expected to result in approximately 140,000 fewer individuals entering the country. Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized the government's commitment to curtailing migration, stating that the measures introduced will help reduce migration by tens of thousands and contribute to the broader strategy of preventing 300,000 individuals from entering the UK. Minister for Legal Migration and the Border, Tom Pursglove MP, echoed these sentiments, affirming the need for decisive action to address unsustainable levels of migration. Furthermore, the government is implementing measures to deter illegal migration, including a significant decrease in small boat arrivals and increased raids targeting illegal working. Additionally, agreements with various countries and the introduction of new legislation are being leveraged to manage migration effectively.

n

n

While these changes may pose challenges, the government remains dedicated to maintaining the attractiveness of the UK's higher education sector and recognizing the valuable contribution of international students. Alternative approaches will be explored in collaboration with universities to ensure that the brightest minds continue to be welcomed to the UK while simultaneously reducing net migration. Looking ahead, the government plans to further tighten regulations, including increasing salary thresholds and reviewing the Graduate route to uphold the integrity of the UK higher education system. This comprehensive approach aims to achieve the largest reduction in migration numbers to date, signaling a tough but fair strategy to bring net migration down to sustainable levels. As these measures are gradually introduced throughout early 2024, affected individuals will be given ample time to prepare for the upcoming changes. The government remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition while prioritizing the integrity and security of the UK's immigration system.

n

At Kash legal services, we offer assistance to navigate these complexities, providing expert guidance to both students and universities alike. By staying informed about the latest regulations and offering tailored advice, we can help ensure compliance with immigration laws while facilitating access to education opportunities in the UK.

n

UK Spouse visa, financial requirement is set to increase from net months from £18,600 to £29,000 and from £29,000 to around £34,500 expected to happen in late 2024 and from £34,500 to £38700 is expected to happen in early 2025. Usually, applicant would have to provide 6 months along with payslips, employer letter, bank statement showing deposit into account, if they have been employed with same employer for at least 6 months, however things get more completed once you would have switched from employment to self-employment during the last 12 months. For instance, if A is preparing application for UK spouse visa and were employed for 9 months and then become self-employed for the remaining 5 months, your income from both can be considered together to meet the financial requirements, provided you can produce payslips and bank statement showing evidence of employment and Self-Assessment tax return to other relevant documents to demonstrate earning.

To apply for UK spouse visa, off course all the income must be earned lawfully and make available all the relevant documents for employment and self-employment. Details guidance can be found at Gov UK website https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/financial-requirement-caseworker-guidance.

UK student visa has been extremely attractive for student around the world as of now student can stay two years in the UK for work without sponsor after completing their studies at degree level. However recently UK Home office instructed MAC, Migration advisory committee to conduct review of the graduate route visa, post study work option for international students, to understand effectiveness in attracting and retaining the brightest students around the world come to study in the UK.

The UK Home office introduced Graduate Route allows student to remain in the UK for work after successfully completing their degree programme at higher education provider. The UK Home Office have been open about desire to reduce net migration to the UK, as seen in recent drastic changes in UK Skilled worker visa routes as well as increase in income threshold in UK spouse visa.

The migration advisory committee expecting to complete review by 14 may 2024, the UK home office desire for finding such shorter period then usually commission will take, this speedy process will potentially limit commission ability to conduct review and may be question over quantity and quality of finding of review, this has also raised question whether home office genuine seeking better understanding of the Graduate visa route or simply looking for a reason to withdraw it.

UK visa news update, Recently home office has increased compliance visit will potentially surge in sponsor licence suspension and revocation. Therefore, it’s important to ensure compliance obligation by keeping all sponsor licence key details up to date including key personnel, location, and other regular workplaces. Ensuring HR system align with office reporting and designated time frame, and record keeping duties, prevent illegal working, conducting right of work check.

However, recent positive news for UK sponsor licence holder alleviating financial and administrative burden associated with renewal process.   The UK home office has announced from 6 April 2024 Sponsor licence holder expiring after this date will be granted an automatic 10-year extension. This means that no action required by sponsor in this regard. Sponsor can check their licence expiry date by using SMS management system for sponsor.

Further information on sponsor licences compliance please get in touch.  www.kashlegalservices.co.uk Email info@kashlegalservcies.co.uk– TEL 01144000340

UK visa update, Despite potential difficulty coming to the UK as sponsor worker, the UK immigration offer several alternative routes that can be considered including, UK graduate visa, allow non-British to work for any employer in any role without salary threshold for two years after UK degree course or three years after completing PHD. High potential individuals visa is another alternative open to graduated from any a top global university to stay in the UK for two years and work. High potential individuals visa allow employer to hire top graduate, this provides opportunity for people who have graduated from world top universities to come to the UK with their dependents in an unsponsored route, allowing the to come to live and work in the UK. The UK government has published global universities lists which can be accessed here, potential employee should check for eligible universities and off course other eligibility criteria applies to qualify for entry to UK.

Similarly, Youth mobility UK visa, has expanded to new categories of applicants in January 2024. Anyone who has exceptional talent or have potential to become on global leader in certain field including science, engineering, and digital technology, can possibly apply for global talent visa.

Need further information on UK Visa

For further information or question on UK visa and immigration, visit www.kashlegalservcies.co.uk or contact us 01144000340, email info@kashlegalservices.co.uk