Search

How can we help?

Icon

End of the Year – Immigration Updates

The UK immigration system has incurred major changes this year. These changes aim to transform and simplify the immigration rules, system and policies.

Digital status

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is working to fully digitalise the Immigration system by 2024. The first step in achieving full digitalisation has been to stop the production of physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). Recently issued BRPs have an expiry date of 31 December 2024 irrespective of the actual leave to remain/leave to enter end date stated in the Home Office approval letter. From the 1 January 2025 migrants will have to digitally evidence their UK immigration status, irrespective of their nationality.

In-country applications

The Home Office has announced delayed processing times for in-country visa applications. Current processing times via the standard service are delayed from 8 weeks to approximately 16 weeks, from the date of a biometric appointment. This is in large part due to the ongoing problems and glitches resulting from the digitisation of the Immigration system. Whilst some applications are being decided within the published service standard, others have been taking much longer to be decided. This has caused major concerns and complaints mostly coming from many purchasing the priority service and not receiving a decision within the expedited timeframe, which should be within 5 working days from the date of a biometric appointment.

Sponsor licence application

The sponsor licence application standard service has been subject to Home Office delays, increasing from 8 to 10 weeks, which is expected to last until the beginning of March 2023. To eliminate this issue, the Home Office is hiring and training additional personnel, however, this hiring process is not due to be completed until the new year or later.

Monica Mastropasqua

Trainee Solicitor

View profile

+44 20 7539 8021

The UK immigration system has incurred major changes this year. These changes aim to transform and simplify the immigration rules, system and policies.

Immigration Skills Charge: new exemption

Subject to Parliamentary approval, from the 1 January 2023, sponsors hiring individuals coming from a linked EU business for less than 36 months, will be exempt from the payment of the Immigration Skills Charge. This should result in them saving up to £3000 per sponsored individual.

Work start date

The relevant Home Office guidance has been updated to confirm that a sponsored worker may commence their employment as soon as they receive their permission to enter or stay in the UK, whether this is before or after the work start date stated on their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). It has also been confirmed that a sponsor does not need to report a change of start date via the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) unless the worker’s start date is delayed for more than 28 days following the initial CoS’ start date.

Travelling to the UK: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme

The Secretary of State has introduced a ‘Permission to Travel scheme’ in 2023, to further strengthen the UK border. This means that all travellers to the UK will need permission in advance of travel. The Nationality and Borders Act 2022 introduced the power to require travellers to the UK to hold an ETA (digital approval to travel to the UK). This mimics the approach used by many countries, including the USA (ESTA), Canada (ETA), Australia (eTA) and New Zealand (NZeTA). The European Union is expected to launch a similar scheme in 2023 (ETIAS).

Individuals applying for an ETA will provide their biometric and contact details in addition to answering a short set of suitability questions. This information will be checked against the UK’s immigration systems and will be assessed to determine whether the person has permission to travel to the UK.

Events this year, ranging from Liz Truss’ resignation to the Immigration’s system’s digitalisation, have had a significant impact on the decision-making process for both UK sponsors and migrant workers. Further changes to facilitate the migration of ‘highly skilled’ individuals to the UK are expected to take place in 2023.

If you have any questions on the above, or need any help, please feel free to contact us.

About this article

Disclaimer
This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice. Please refer to the full General Notices on our website.

Monica Mastropasqua

Trainee Solicitor

View profile

+44 20 7539 8021

About this article

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

Pub
  • 28 July 2025
  • Employment

Talking Employment Law: The Employment Rights Bill – Part 3

In part three of the Employment Rights Bill podcast series, Louise Keenan and Lucy White, members of the employment team, will discuss changes to fire and re-hire practices, harassment, zero-hour contracts and tribunal limitation periods.

art
  • 21 July 2025
  • Employment

When the ‘Kiss Cam’ Captures More Than Just a Moment: Romantic Relationships in the Workplace and the Legal Risks

Imagine this: A packed Coldplay concert. Tens of thousands of fans. Suddenly, the “kiss cam” camera pans to the crowd and lands on a man and woman sharing an affectionate embrace.

art
  • 15 July 2025
  • Employment

Employment law reform: UK Government launches review of parental leave and pay

On 1 July 2025, the Government announced that it would be conducting a full review of parental leave and pay, which includes maternity and paternity leave; parental leave; shared parental leave; adoption leave and others.

art
  • 11 July 2025
  • Employment

Silenced No More: The Future of NDAs in UK Employment Law

On 8 July 2025, the government announced plans to put forward measures to ban the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements (“NDAs”) to silence employees subjected to harassment or discrimination.

art
  • 04 July 2025
  • Employment

Update: The ‘Employment Rights Bill Implementation Roadmap’

The Employment Rights Bill is a draft law which is poised to expand the rights of employees, signifying a major overhaul in employment law. The ERB has already been passed by the House of Commons and is currently at the ‘Report Stage’ in the House of Lords.

art
  • 02 July 2025
  • Employment

Day One Rights: What the New UK Employment Bill Means for You and Your Workplace

Let’s unpack what’s changing in the UK Employments Rights Bill, and why it matters, and what both employees and employers should expect.