Immigration Insights

April 6, 2022

The Home Office has released an update to the UK visa fees, effective 6 April 2022, with increases to work visas and student visas.

April 6, 2022

The Home Office’s latest publication of sponsorship transparency data up to and including Q4 2021 confirms what immigration practitioners predicted and are now witnessing: that Brexit, supercharged by a post-pandemic recovery of the UK economy, has resulted in a surge in UK organisations applying for sponsor licences (to hire foreign workers) which, in turn, has drastically impacted processing times and lead to a rapidly growing register of sponsors.

April 5, 2022

The Dutch Immigration Authority (IND) is to reach out to recognized sponsors (companies that are considered as trustworthy partner of the IND) to request they complete a statement to confirm whether the company has any connections with Bela(Russian) mother companies.

April 4, 2022

On 11 April 2022, the Intra-Company Transfer and Intra-Company Graduate Trainee routes are being replaced by two new Global Business Mobility routes. Further guidance on the transitional arrangements to ease the introduction of these new routes has now been published.

March 31, 2022

On March 29, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced three measures that seek to reduce wait times, expand premium processing to additional form types, and streamline the process for those waiting for employment authorization documents.

March 25, 2022

From 1 July 2022, certain short-term 482 and 457 visa holders will have a pathway to permanent residency in Australia. Grandfathering provisions have also been preserved for legacy 457 visa holders.

March 24, 2022

Following the Home Office’s Statement of Changes of 15 March 2022, in this alert we focus on scheduled miscellaneous administrative policy changes to the Immigration Rules.

March 23, 2022

Following the Home Office’s Statement of Changes of 15 March 2022, in this alert we focus on those scheduled changes to the Immigration Rules specifically impacting, and representing opportunity for, individuals.

March 22, 2022

Following the Home Office’s Statement of Changes of 15 March 2022, in this alert we focus on those scheduled changes to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) provisions of the Immigration Rules.

March 21, 2022

In line with the UK Government’s “Plan for Growth”, the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules introduces changes relating to Appendix Student, Appendix Short-term Student and Appendix Graduate of the Immigration Rules.

March 18, 2022

The European Commission (EC) issued new Operational Guidelines for the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) (2001/55/EC), which are aimed at both supporting the Member States in implementing the Directive and helping “those arriving to have a consistent and effective level of rights…”

March 18, 2022

Following the Home Office’s Statement of Changes (StoC) of 15 March 2022, in this alert we focus on those scheduled changes to the Immigration Rules providing new routes for individuals coming to the UK for business purposes under both sponsored and non-sponsored routes.

March 18, 2022

Following our recent webinar, Newland Chase experts answer the most pressing questions on the challenges and solutions of Singapore's Fair Consideration Framework and immigration essentials for business.

March 17, 2022

Under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, people in the UK will be able to nominate an individual or family to stay with them rent-free, or in another property, for at least six months. Organisations such as charities and churches will also be able to sponsor refugees.

March 16, 2022

On 15 March 2022, the Home Office published its latest Statement of Changes, introducing far-reaching changes to, and across the breadth of, the UK immigration rules.

March 16, 2022

The UK Home Office has announced the temporary suspension of the priority and super priority services for new study, work and family visas. This is to focus efforts on applications arising from the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The suspension currently applies to Entry Clearance applications only – those submitted outside the UK.

March 15, 2022

The way employers carry out right to work checks is due to change from 6 April 2022, with the draft revised guidance having been published in recent days. Newland Chase summarises the most significant updates being proposed (note these may be subject to change).

March 15, 2022

Following our recent webinar, Newland Chase experts answer the most pressing questions on the challenges and solutions of the EU Blue Card Directive.

March 14, 2022

The ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme will extend provisions for Ukrainian nationals to obtain UK visa status. Details announced today confirmed that with no current tie to the UK needed, the new initiative will allow individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to sponsor visa status for Ukrainians fleeing the crisis.

March 10, 2022

The Home Secretary has this morning announced a significant change to the visa process for those applying under the Ukraine Family Scheme. Following pressure to address delays and the limited availability of biometric appointments in the region, from March 15th Ukrainians with passports will now have access to a fully digital application process.