16 June 2026
Using the Skilled Worker route to recruit students on visas - tips for employers
With lots of students finishing their exams at this time of year, we often receive queries from hiring teams, looking to understand the Student visa category and how these candidates could transition into longer-term roles.
We set out below the different stages at which a Student visa holder might be hired, and how this impacts their right to work and the future process to join the business longer-term.
15 June 2026
Any benefits of the new ‘concierge service’ for high-growth businesses would be completely outweighed by the earned settlement proposals
Comments from Chancellor Rachel Reeves in January at Davos have materialised into two new schemes to attract more high-growth businesses to the UK.
Announced as part of London Tech Week, the two new ‘concierge service’ schemes include visa fee reimbursements and a fast-track for Office for Investment-backed overseas businesses.
These schemes are announced as migrants, employers and prospective inward investors continue to hold their breath over whether the government will follow through on its drastic earned settlement proposals, as early as this Autumn. Uncertainty is exacerbated by the possible leadership contest in the near future which could mean a change in direction on immigration policy.
9 June 2026
Looking Beyond Stereotypes: Credibility in Sexual Orientation Based Asylum Claims
The start of Pride Month in the UK provides an opportunity for immigration lawyers to reflect on the challenges facing LGBTQ+ asylum-seeking clients.
Still fresh in our minds is April’s BBC investigation, which suggested the existence of a shadow industry of legal advisers encouraging migrants to falsely claim to be gay in order to make asylum claims that would enable them to remain in the UK. While allegations of abuse of the asylum system should be investigated, the way sexuality‑based asylum claims are discussed in public debate matters. Focusing on isolated examples of alleged abuse risks misrepresenting how these claims are actually assessed and reinforcing assumptions that cause real harm to LGBTQ+ people seeking protection.
This type of reporting raises concerns as it obscures the reality of the system. It exaggerates the prevalence of fraud and risks embedding a culture of disbelief that already presents significant barriers for genuine claimants.
3 June 2026
Can an employer pay a sponsored worker more than a non-sponsored worker?
One question clients often ask is whether an employer can lawfully pay a sponsored worker more than a non-sponsored worker doing the same role, particularly given the increases to minimum salary thresholds under the Skilled Worker route.
29 April 2026
Migration Advisory Committee Reviews the Global Talent and Innovator Founder Routes - Have Your Say
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) wants to know what needs to change for the UK to be competitive about attracting Global Talent.
The MAC has launched a call for evidence on the Global Talent and Innovator Founder visa routes. The deadline is 11:59pm on 1 May 2026. Here's why this matters - and why you should respond
