Immigration Skills Charge UK
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) is a fee imposed on UK employers who sponsor certain categories of migrant workers under the UK’s points-based immigration system. Introduced on 6 April 2017 under the Immigration Skills Charge Regulations 2017 made pursuant to section 70 of the Immigration Act 2014, the ISC was designed to encourage employers to […]
UK Visit Visas: Employer Overview
Section A: Overview of UK Visit Visas Employers and HR managers in the UK increasingly encounter situations where overseas nationals require temporary entry to the UK for business or other short-term purposes. Unlike work visas, visit visas are designed for individuals who intend to come to the UK for a limited stay, subject […]
Legacy UK Work Visas Explained for Human Resources
This article examines the closure of several key UK work visa routes which are now considered legacy categories. Over the past decade, the Home Office has restructured the immigration system, withdrawing older routes and replacing them with new options aimed at greater control, clarity and compliance. For HR directors and employers, understanding these legacy visas […]
Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme for Employers
The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE) was introduced by the UK government to allow Ukrainian nationals and their family members, who previously received permission to remain under one of the Ukraine visa schemes, to extend their stay. The scheme is part of the UK’s humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine, providing continued security and […]
Chinese Tour Group Visa UK
The Chinese Tour Group Visa is a specific route that allows Chinese nationals to visit the UK as part of an organised travel group. It exists under the Approved Destination Status (ADS) arrangement between the UK and China to facilitate tourism and cultural exchange. The visa is only granted to groups arranged through accredited Chinese […]
Homes for Ukraine Scheme UK
The Homes for Ukraine scheme allows eligible Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members to come to the UK with a UK-based sponsor who can provide accommodation. For employers and HR teams, the route offers a practical way to hire without sponsorship while placing clear duties around right to work compliance and workforce planning. Government […]
Direct Airside Transit Visa UK
International travel frequently involves connecting flights through the UK. For some employees, this can trigger immigration requirements, even if they do not plan to leave the airport. The UK Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) is designed for specific foreign nationals who are transiting through a UK airport without passing through border control. Understanding when and […]
Transit Visa UK Guide
This article explains the UK transit visa routes for HR personnel and employers. It focuses on when these visas are required, the different visa options available, and the associated compliance implications. The aim is to provide HR directors, managers, and business owners with a clear understanding of how transit visas could impact staff or job […]
Ukraine Family Scheme Visa
The Ukraine Family Scheme visa was introduced in March 2022 as part of the UK’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It allowed eligible Ukrainian nationals with qualifying family in the UK to enter or remain with their relatives. Although the scheme closed to new applications on 19 February 2024, many employees still hold leave […]
Permitted Paid Engagement Visa Guide
The UK immigration system offers a range of short-term visa options for foreign nationals, each designed with specific purposes and restrictions. For HR directors and managers, understanding these routes is critical to ensuring compliance with the law when hosting or engaging overseas talent, even for brief periods. One such route is the Permitted Paid Engagement […]