News & Updates
New statement of changes to the immigration rules published on 14th March 2024 by the government
The government published the statement of changes and explanatory memorandum to the immigration rules which will bring into effect some of the recent news about increasing the income threshold for Skilled Worker visas. We have outlined some of the main changes below.
The Home Office have announced some implementation dates for upcoming changes to the immigration rules
The Home Office has issued a new announcement outlining the implementation dates of the upcoming new changes which were published recently. Click here for the Home Secretary’s latest statement.
23 Dec 2023 - Update on Skilled Worker route and other immigration categories
On 21 December 2023, UK government provided further updates since their initial announcement on 04 Dec 2023 on Skilled Worker Route, Spouse/ partner Route, Graduate Route review and Shortage Occupation List.
4 Dec 2023 - Skilled Worker visa salary threshold increase and other immigration changes
On 04 Dec 2023, the UK Government has announced wide-ranging measures aimed at reducing legal migration to the UK. These changes will affect the Skilled Worker Route, Shortage Occupation list, family visa and reviewing the Graduate route.
Immigration Health Surcharge increase to come into effect no earlier than 16 January 2024
On 16 January 2024 (or 21 days after the measure is finalised, whichever is later), subject to parliamentary approval, the immigration health surcharge will increase for all visa applications.
Updates to the immigration rules - Statement of Changes 17th July 2023
The UK government published changes to the immigration rules on 17th July 2023. Some of these changes took effect from 3pm on 17th July 2023. Click on the link above for more information.
Visa concession for Ukrainians - updated 16.03.2022
- Ukrainian nationals on an existing points-based system route (such as a Student visa or a Graduate Route visa) can extend their leave in the UK
- Ukrainian nationals on an existing visitor visa can exceptionally switch into a points-based system immigration route without having to leave the UK
- Ukrainian nationals on an existing visitor visa can apply under the family route for further leave without meeting the immigration status requirement, provided they meet the requirements for leave based on exceptional circumstances
- Ukrainian nationals on an existing seasonal worker visa will have their leave in the UK extended to 31 December 2022
- Ukrainian nationals in temporary HGV/pork butcher jobs will have their leave in the UK extended to 31 December 2022 and will also be allowed to apply to the skilled worker route
- The concession also makes a provision for Ukrainian nationals and their dependants to waive the requirement to provide documentary evidence. This concession applies when you are making a permission to stay application and are unable to provide the required documents. If you wish to rely on this concession, the guidance advises that you will need to provide a written explanation as to why you cannot provide the document that you would normally be required to submit to support your application.
- To be eligible under the documentary evidence concession, you must have lawfully entered the UK prior to 24 February 2022, or made an entry clearance application and arrived in the UK after this date.
EEA Nationals continuing study at Warwick: Important Updates
The EU Settlement Scheme Deadline is 30 June 2021 - Act Now to protect your immigration status if you haven't already.
If you haven't applied for the EUSS yet, and are eligible, or not sure if you are eligible:
- Refer to the government's information, and the university's information on the EU Settlement Scheme, and contact the Immigration Service if you are unsure of your eligibility. It is possible to apply from inside or outside of the UK.
- The UKVI have recently updated their coronavirus concession guidance. Some people will still be able to apply even if they have been absent from the UK for longer than 6 months for an important reason. See our FAQ for more details.
- If eligible, you must make your application by 30 June 2021.
If you are not eligible for status under the EU Settlement Scheme:
- You will require a visa to come to the UK and continue your studies. If you are studying a full-time course longer than 6 months, you can apply for a student visa. To obtain a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) for this purpose, contact:
- ugvisa@warwick.ac.uk if you are on an undergraduate course which started in 2020 or 2021
- pg.visa@warwick.ac.uk if you are on a postgraduate course which started in 2020 or 2021
- The Immigration Service if you are on a course which started before 2020 - You will not be able to enter the UK using an EU, EEA or Swiss National ID Card from 1 October 2021. You must use a passport instead.
- If you enter the UK without obtaining a visa in advance, or you obtain a visa and enter the UK before its start date, you will be classed as a visitor. You cannot study on a course of 6 months or more as a visitor, therefore, if this applies to you, you may be withdrawn from your course until you have obtained appropriate immigration permission and exited/re-entered the UK.
If you have been granted Pre-Settled or Settled Status:
- If you are intending to enter the UK using a passport or national ID document that was not included on your EUSS application (e.g., because you have obtained a new passport), you must update this information on your Digital Status Portal before travelling to facilitate your re-entry to the UK.