Hong Kong BNO Visa
The Home Secretary has announced additional information about the new Hong Kong BN(O) Visa which will be offered from January 2021. The new visa is going to allow British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) citizens resident in Hong Kong to move to the UK for work or study.
Landmark Change to EU Citizenship Rules
Northern Irish citizens are now able to be officially be classed as Irish for the purposes of immigration, meaning non-EEA family members can join them using the EU Settlement Scheme. Read our article in full on the landmark change to EU citizenship rules
Home Office Scraps Algorithm
The Home Office has scrapped a controversial algorithm that was said to discriminate against certain nationalities. The system will now be redesigned to consider the “issues around unconscious bias and the use of nationality” in automated applications for visas.
British Lawyer Refused Visitor Visa
A British lawyer was refused a Visitor Visa despite making an application for a Spouse Visa. The lawyer had acted as a sponsor on his wife’s Spouse Visa application, but now has no right of appeal against the visa – which he didn’t apply for.
Home Office Contacts UK Sponsors
The Home Office has granted employers with UK sponsors licences that are due to expire before the end of the year more time to complete the renewal process.
No Big Increase in Businesses Getting Sponsor Licences
From January 2021, EU free movement will end in the UK, and employers who recruit from overseas will have to get a licence to sponsor work visas. While the government has enabled businesses to apply for a licence early, are they prepared to use the sponsorship system to hire people from France, Germany and Spain?
Update on the UKCVAS App
An update has been provided from UKCVAS about the reopening of the UK immigration system. The new IDV app allows biometric information to be sent straight to UKVI without the need for a face-to-face interview.
EU Settlement Scheme Rejects the Majority of Zambrano Carers
The Home Office has rejected the majority of EU Settlement Scheme applications made so far that are reliant on Zambrano rights. Official figures show that 770 of 1,260 Zambrano carers who have applied for leave to remain under the scheme were rejected.
Applications From Within The UK
Here is the latest Coronavirus information about making applications from within the UK.
Visa Extension And Other Concessions Update
Here is the latest Coronavirus information about visa extension and other concessions.