16 September 2025
Permission to Visit - Goldilocks and the Three Bank Statements
From UKVI’s published statistics on immigration applications, in the most recent reported quarter (March to June 2025) UKVI received 938,527 visit visa applications – the highest ever reported in at least the last 20 years. In that quarter, UKVI also refused 156,659 visit visa applications (and issued 790,708 visas), unsurprisingly, also the highest number reported. The refusal rate for this quarter (which will not cover all applications received) was just shy of 20%.
4 September 2025
Suspension of the UK’s Refugee Family Reunion scheme: an afront to the principle of family unity
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (“SSHD”) Yvette Cooper has trained her crosshairs squarely on foreign national families in her recent announcement, declaring the suspension and reform of the refugee family reunion scheme and a review of “the application of Article 8 in the immigration and asylum system.” The suspension came with a statement of changes to the Immigration Rules today at 3pm.
22 July 2025
What to do if you receive a civil penalty for illegal working
UKVI can issue a whopping fine of up to £60,000 to a company that is alleged to have employed someone illegally in the UK. The size of the fine is partly determined by whether the breach is a first for the business or not.
16 July 2025
Why more Americans are seeking British citizenship in 2025
As political and economic uncertainties continue to shape the global landscape, a growing number of Americans are setting their sights on the United Kingdom, not just for travel or business, but for a new life altogether.
25 June 2025
The UK Government’s plan for AI and the UK immigration White Paper
At the start of the year, the Prime Minister outlined the UK Government's vision for making the UK a global leader in AI innovation in its response to the AI Opportunities Action Plan. But does the UK really have a competitive offering for AI talent?