Since 1 October 2026, some businesses must perform right to work checks on people described as self-employed contractors, although the rules do not cover every independent supplier. The expanded scheme includes workers engaged under a worker’s contract, individual sub-contractors and certain service providers introduced through online matching services. Responsibility can also extend to organisations further […]
There is no separate “self-sponsorship visa” in the Immigration Rules. The term usually describes a Skilled Worker application where you own or control a genuine UK business, the business obtains a sponsor licence, and it sponsors you for a genuine eligible job. Ownership is not itself prohibited, but the Home Office will look closely at […]
Choosing a referee who does not meet the Home Office requirements can slow a British citizenship application because the applicant may be asked to provide a replacement. Adult naturalisation applicants need two referees, and the rules for each are different. The referees help establish identity; they do not decide whether you meet the substantive requirements […]
If your British citizenship application has already been submitted, you cannot later pay £500 to upgrade it to the Nationality Priority Service. Home Office guidance confirms that an existing application cannot be converted into a paid priority application. However, the Home Office can still give discretionary priority treatment to an existing nationality application where there […]
Yes. From 20 July 2026, eligible applicants applying for British citizenship from within the UK can use the Home Office Nationality Priority Service. The service costs an additional £500 and normally aims to provide a decision within 30 working days. Without priority, the Home Office says citizenship applications are usually decided within six months, although […]
If you hold a Skilled Worker visa and are approaching five years in the UK, the current route to indefinite leave to remain remains open. The proposed earned-settlement model, which would make 10 years the default qualifying period for many migrants, is not yet in force. Until the Immigration Rules change, eligible Skilled Workers can […]
From 1 January 2027, the Graduate visa will be shorter for most UK bachelor’s and master’s graduates. Applications made on or before 31 December 2026 can still lead to 2 years of permission. Applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will usually give 18 months. PhD and other doctoral graduates will continue to receive […]
Start with the numbers, because they are what worry most people. If earned settlement becomes law, the standard qualifying period would rise from 5 to 10 years for many migrants. Some workers in roles below RQF Level 6 could face a 15-year baseline. High earners could reduce the wait, while people who have claimed public […]
From 1 June 2026, universities and other Student sponsors have been working under tighter Home Office compliance rules. The practical result is simple. Your chosen institution may check your Student visa application more closely before it issues your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, known as a CAS. The rules do not change who qualifies for […]