News

Hong Kong and Taiwan: First Youth Mobility Scheme visa ballot opens for 2025

Caroline Sykes
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A total of 1000 places are available for Taiwan youth aged 18-30 and a further 1000 places are available for Hong Kong in 2025, however applicants must first be selected in a ballot. Two ballots are held each year. The first ballot for 2025 will open from 12:01am on 4 February 2025 and close at 12:01am on Thursday 6 February 2025.

EU Settlement Scheme: Automated settled status process introduced

Caroline Sykes
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On 17 January 2025 the Home office introduced a new process to automatically convert eligible pre-settled status holders to settled status without the need for a further application.

Planned increase to some Home Office fees announced

Alex Piletska
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The Home Office has announced an increase to some fees, including the naturalisation fee and fees for Certificates of Sponsorship.

Can Skilled Workers work on a contract basis?

Natalia Facco
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Does your business hire workers on a contract basis? Can Skilled Workers work on a contract basis? Natalia Facco from the Business and Skilled Immigration team explores this topic in the article below.

Home Office launches 24/7 eVisa passenger helpline

Alex Piletska
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The helpline is intended for use by passengers travelling imminently after 31 December 2024 who have issues with their eVisa.

DCoS Delays for Care Providers: Navigating Home Office Scrutiny

Yukino Posthuma de Boer
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Defined Certificate of Sponsorship made by sponsors from the care sector and the Hospitality sectors are now subject to close scrutiny. Yukino Posthuma de Boer from the Business and Skilled Immigration team explores this topic her Q&A below.

Important changes to the Skilled worker route

Eliana  Barrera
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New Sponsor Guidance updates have been published on 31 December 2024 on recouping fees and Level 1 user requirements. How will this affect sponsors? Eliana Barrera from the Business and Skilled Immigration team explores this topic.

Overstayers: what is the 20 year rule?

Caroline Sykes
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The Immigration Rules allow some people to apply to stay in the UK based on long residence. Under the 20-year rule, you need to have lived in the UK continuously – not necessarily lawfully – for 20 years.

ETA scheme rollout: everything you need to know

Caroline Sykes
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  • Author

By April 2025, all non-visa nationals will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK. The scheme is part of the UK government’s plans to digitise the border and immigration system. This is a significant change for non-visa nationals including European and US nationals who do not currently need advance permission to travel to the UK.

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