Tag: Liezel Comendador

Is a new UK Investor visa coming? 

LET’S DO BUSINESS The quickest way from A to B is usually a conversation. So, if you want to find out more about how Legend Financial can boost your business, get in touch. We’ll give straight answers so you can make a confident decision, fast. [ninja_form id=’38’] Targeting Key Growth Sectors Per recent proposal, the UK government has made it clear that it will now only allow strategic investments that will significantly contribute to the UK’s future. These sectors will most likely include:  Artificial Intelligence & Deep Tech  Life Sciences and Healthcare Innovation  Green Technology & Net Zero Initiatives  Advanced Manufacturing  National Infrastructure Projects  What This Means for Investors If you are a high net-worth individual who wants to establish a presence in the UK, this will give you a strategic immigration pathway. The exact criteria and investment thresholds for a new investor visa are yet to be finalised, but most likely, you will:  Face more rigorous due diligence on the source of funds.  Be required to actively participate or invest in specific strategic sectors.  Potentially have a longer path to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), unlike the previous.  If you are considering investment in the UK, or require guidance on any other immigration matter, contact Legend Consults today. Our expert team is ready to provide tailored advice to align your aspirations with the UK’s strategic future.  The UK is reportedly reintroducing a new kind of investor visa. It will not return the “Golden Passport,” formerly called the Tier 1 Investor Visa, which was scrapped in February 2022. The new UK visa may introduce more strategic criteria and investment thresholds.  Let’s recall why the previous Tier 1 Investor Visa came to an end, the speculations around reintroduction, and what this means to you if you are an investor.   Why the Shift? The end of the original Tier 1 (Investor) visa was a direct response to concerns that it was being misused and not genuinely benefiting the UK economy.  Investments often went into passive assets, such as government bonds or existing companies, rather than fostering new growth, innovation, or job creation. There were also significant concerns regarding the source of funds.  This gave the UK government a newer, clearer philosophy—that any future investor visa should contribute directly to strategic national priorities.   This means moving away from a “cash for residency” model towards one where investment serves as a catalyst for economic development in targeted, high-growth sectors. 

Difference Between Spouse Visa and Dependant Visa UK

LET’S DO BUSINESS The quickest way from A to B is usually a conversation. So, if you want to find out more about how Legend Financial can boost your business, get in touch. We’ll give straight answers so you can make a confident decision, fast. [ninja_form id=’38’] Table of Contents Is Spouse Visa and Dependant Visa Same? These two visas are different. Spouse Visas, as its name suggests, are specific—only for spouses or civil partners. Dependant Visas are broader; it includes any eligible family members, not just the spouse, and comes in various types. Both, however, are under the UK Family Visa routes.   The major difference between spouse visa and dependent visa lies on the visa status of the main applicant:  If your spouse is a British citizen or with a settled status in the UK, you apply for Spouse Visa.   If your spouse in the UK holds any of the temporary visa categories (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa), you apply for Dependant Visa.  Apparently, any other family members use the Dependant Visa.  Another thing to clear up: is spouse a dependant? Dependant is a broad category, and that includes the spouse. In their case, they have two options, as above. It greatly depends on their partners’ visa status.  Let’s explore more about these routes. What is a Spouse Visa? Spouse Visa is a specific category under the UK Family Visas. This is your option if you married or are a civil partner with someone of British citizenship or settled status in the UK (without immigration limitations on residency).   If you are not yet married, you can apply for a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner visa, which gives you a 6-month validity to marry. Afterwards, you will need to apply for the Spouse Visa.  The Spouse Visa is typically granted for 2.5 years (if applying from inside the UK as leave to remain) or 33 months (if applying from outside the UK for entry clearance). It can be extended to 2.5 more years, which makes a total of 5 years residency as a spouse.  After 5 years in the UK on this visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) to become a permanent resident.  Spouse Visa holders have the right to work in the UK without restrictions and can also pursue further education. You also have access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).  Check out UK Spouse Visa Guide in 2025.  Requirements of Spouse Visa Age Both applicant and spouse must be 18 or over.  Legal Relationship You need to be legally married or in a civil partnership recognised in the UK. Genuine Relationship You need to prove your marriage is legal, genuine, and ongoing, usually through marriage certificate and other evidence of a committed relationship. Unmarried partners need to show cohabitation for at least 2 years.   Intention to Live Together Both partners must intend to live permanently in the UK, evidenced by joint commitments.  Financial Requirement Your combined annual income must be at least £29,000, OR you have sufficient savings. Lower thresholds applied if the UK partner receives specific disability benefits or if the initial partner visa application was before April 11, 2024.  Adequate Accommodation You need to prove suitable housing for you, your spouse, and any dependants, meeting UK living standards and not overcrowded.  English Language Proficiency Applicant must meet a specific English language standard through an approved test or a degree taught in English equivalent to a UK bachelor’s or higher. Exemptions apply in limited circumstances (e.g., age 65 or over, certain disabilities, exceptional circumstances, or nationality from a majority English-speaking country).  UK-Based Sponsor Status Your UK-based partner must be a British citizen, hold Indefinite Leave to Remain, or have settled or pre-settled status, or hold a Turkish Businessperson/Worker visa or refugee status/humanitarian protection.  Continuous Residence (for ILR) After 5 years on the Spouse Visa, you can apply for ILR, requiring continuous residence in the UK.  What is a Dependant Visa? The Dependant Visa is the broader route, which allows not only spouses but also other eligible family members to join the main visa holder (work visas, student visas, ILR).   Eligible dependants typically include:  Spouse or civil partner (Dependent Visa for wife or husband)  Unmarried partner (if in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years)  Dependent children under 18 (Child Dependant Visa)  In certain cases, dependent children over 18  In specific, limited cases, parents (Adult Dependant Relative Visa)  Each dependant will need to apply separately.   The validity of this visa is linked to the primary visa holder’s permit. Dependants can usually apply for extensions alongside the main applicant.  Generally, dependants can live, work (with some restrictions), and study in the UK, but usually cannot access public funds.  Relevant read: PBS Dependant Visa.  Requirements of Dependant Visa The main visa holder must hold a valid visa in a category that allows dependants (e.g., Skilled Worker, some Student visas, Innovator Founder, Global Talent).  Dependants must intend to live with the main visa holder in the UK.  Financial requirements must be met to show dependants can be supported without public funds.  Proof of the relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate, cohabitation evidence) is essential.  Dependants generally do not need to meet an English language requirement (unlike Spouse visas).  Read the latest UK Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules.  Difference Between Spouse Visa and Dependant Visa Here’s a quick look at their differences:  Feature Spouse Visa Dependant Visa Purpose For spouses/partners of British citizens or those with settled status in the UK. For family members of individuals with UK visas for work, study, etc. Main Applicant Status British citizen or settled person. British citizen or settled person. Relationship Husband, wife, civil partner, fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, unmarried partner (2+ years cohabitation). Spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner (2+ years cohabitation), children under 18 (sometimes over 18), in limited cases parents. English Language Requirement Must meet a specific standard (A1 level initially, B1 for extensions/ILR). Generally, no specific English language test

UK immigration system proposals via white paper released [12 May] 

LET’S DO BUSINESS The quickest way from A to B is usually a conversation. So, if you want to find out more about how Legend Financial can boost your business, get in touch. We’ll give straight answers so you can make a confident decision, fast. [ninja_form id=’38’] The new immigration systems are part of the UK’s Plan for Change, this time, to legitimately act on bringing net migration down and restoring control and order to the immigration system.   This means stricter rules for all visa routes, affecting main applicants, dependants, UK-based sponsors/employers (e.g., businesses, universities, non-profit organisations), and international students/graduates. Immigrant workers and healthcare businesses are hit the hardest.   Disclaimer: The white paper is yet a proposal from the UK goverment, subject to further consultation later this year; hence, changes are not effective immediately. Be sure to stay updated to see if they pass as law or not.   Here are the key areas of the proposed reform:  Increased Skills Threshold for Work Visas The main Skilled Worker route will require roles at RQF level 6 (broadly equivalent to a bachelor’s degree), up from the current combination of RQF 3 to 5.   Salary thresholds will also increase. A Temporary Shortage List will allow for some lower-skilled roles, contingent on a domestic training plan.  Closure of Social Care Visa Route New applications from abroad for adult social care roles will be closed. Carers already in the UK can extend until 2028. This does not affect skilled medical roles (doctors, nurses, etc.).  Reduced Duration of Post-Study Visa The Graduate visa will be shortened from two years (or three for doctorates) to 18 months. Graduates need to secure skilled employment within this period or switch visas/leave.  Enhanced Compliance Sponsorship Standards for the Education Sector Universities and colleges face higher compliance thresholds and will be graded on a traffic-light system. Poor ratings trigger more reporting or licence revocation.  Forthcoming Policy Revisions of Family Migration A consultation will reshape the family route, potentially restricting access to public funds and introducing stricter English language and income requirements for dependents.  Staged Model for English Language Requirement A staged English proficiency model is proposed: A1 on entry, A2 at extension, and B2 for settlement. Skilled Worker applicants would enter at B2. This affects both main applicants and adult dependents.  Extended Qualification for ILR from 5 to 10 years Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will generally require 10 years of continuous lawful residence, up from 5. A points-based system may allow for earlier settlement based on contributions.  Aside from the reform proposals above, the white paper also discussed the following:  Strengthened enforcement and border management to deter irregular migration and expedite removals.  A fully digital immigration status (eVisa) to record entries/exits, feeding real-time data to employers, landlords, banks, and HMRC.  More officers are to be equipped with technology. Penalties for employing/housing irregular migrants to increase.  Policy designers are to refuse or curtail leave where a migrant already present on a visa claims asylum without a demonstrable change in their home country’s circumstances.  A conviction for a sex offence to result in the automatic denial of refugee status; furthermore, deportation thresholds are to be reduced to include non-custodial sentences.  A newly established Fair Work Agency to investigate instances of exploitation and empower sponsored workers with the right to change employers upon verification of abuse.  Immigration planning to be integrated with broader social policy, mandating that employers sponsoring non-resident workers provide evidence of domestic upskilling initiatives.  The proposed changes will be introduced in phases, with visa changes expected to take effect over 2025. This may result in an estimated 50,000 fewer lower-skilled visas.  UK-based sponsors are expected to invest more in the local workforce before they bring workers from overseas. Stay updated with the latest immigration proposals and changes here at Legend Consults.   Last Monday, 12 May 2025, the UK government published a white paper proposal for new UK immigration systems that aim to restore border control, which, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer puts it, the “experiment is over” — time to return “migration policy to common sense.”  Full publication found here: Restoring control over the immigration system white paper. 

Ultimate UK Expansion Worker Visa Guidance 2025

LET’S DO BUSINESS The quickest way from A to B is usually a conversation. So, if you want to find out more about how Legend Financial can boost your business, get in touch. We’ll give straight answers so you can make a confident decision, fast. [ninja_form id=’38’] Table of Contents What is a UK Expansion Worker Visa? The Expansion Worker visa is one of the specialised work visa routes within the Global Business Mobility (GBM) category, which caters to established overseas companies that want to expand into the UK market by sending senior or specialist employees to establish a new UK branch or subsidiary.   This visa is not for new business ventures or entrepreneurs already trading in the UK. For the latter, other visa routes (e.g., Skilled Worker/Senior or Specialist Worker visa) are more appropriate. A major requirement for the overseas employer is to obtain a Sponsor Licence, which is a prerequisite before employees can apply for the visa.  The Expansion Worker route offers a strategic way for companies to expand internationally and for employees to gain international experience.  More About GBM: Other work visas within the Global Business Mobility category include Senior and Specialist Worker Visa, Graduate Trainee Visa, Service Supplier Visa, and Secondment Worker Visa.  Benefits of UK Expansion Worker Visa Both employer and employee benefit immensely from this route. For the employer, they:  Get streamlined entry into the UK market  Access opportunities for revenue, partnerships, and investments  Effectively manage local operations through their senior representative in the UK  Have simplified compliance process to UK standards and practices  For the visa holder, they generally have the freedom to:  Work for the sponsoring employer in the specified job  Study  Bring eligible partner and children  Do voluntary work  Travel abroad and return  What You Cannot Do with the Expansion Worker Visa However, you cannot do the following with this visa:  access most public funds or the State Pension  change jobs (unless you update your visa)  hold a second job  apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)  Validity Period of Expansion Worker Visa UK The UK Expansion Worker visa is granted for the shorter of:   12 months after the job’s start date on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)  the time specified on your CoS plus 14 days  You can extend this visa for an additional 12 months, but only once, which means you have a maximum of 2 years stay in the UK with an Expansion Worker visa.  This visa does not provide a direct route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). However, you might be able to switch to another visa category that does offer a path to UK settlement.  Expansion Worker Eligibility and Requirements To qualify for the UK Expansion Worker route, you generally need to meet the following criteria:  Be at least 18 years old  Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer  Have worked for your employer outside the UK  Be currently working for your overseas employer  Your job is on the list of eligible occupations  Your job pays the minimum eligible salary  Have at least £1,270 to support yourself (held for 28 days)  Meet general UK guidance immigration rules  Proof of English language skills is not required. We discuss all the UK Expansion Worker visa requirements in detail below.   Sponsorship Requirements Securing your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number is one of the major requirements before you can apply for the visa. You get this from your UK-based employer granted a Sponsor Licence. You need to apply for your UK Expansion Worker Visa within 3 months of getting the CoS.  The CoS is an electronic record with information about your UK job description, which the Home Office uses to assess the genuineness of the job need, your skills and experience for the role, and the sponsor’s compliance history.  Your CoS will be largely dependent on your employer’s (or sponsor’s) compliance to maintain the Sponsor Licence. Unless you previously held this visa with the same sponsor or are the Authorising Officer applying for UK entry clearance, the sponsor must have an A-rating.  The sponsor licence obtained by your employer is only valid for 4 years. It cannot be renewed for the Expansion Worker route. After 2 years, your employer should apply for a different type of Sponsor Licence if they wish to continue sponsoring you.  Job-Specific Requirements This includes your skill level, salary, and work experience.  Skill Level You need to be sponsored in a job listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations eligible for the Global Business Mobility route.  The job must be skilled at least to RQF Level 6 (graduate equivalent), although a degree is not always required.  The job description on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) must accurately reflect the actual duties. Generic templates may lead to refusal.  Salary Threshold Each eligible occupation code has its own annual ‘going rate,’ but you need to be paid at least £48,500 per year, or whichever is higher. Salary includes guaranteed basic gross pay (up to 48 hours/week) plus guaranteed allowances. All weekly hours are considered when checking against the going rate.  Work Experience You need to have worked for your employer outside the UK for at least 12 months before your application. This 12-month period does not need to be immediately before the application or consecutive, as long as you have been continuously employed for at least 12 months prior.  There are permissible breaks to this 12-month rule (i.e., statutory leave, sick leave, jury service). You may be exempted from this rule if you meet the following:  You earn over £73,900 per year.  You are a Japanese national working for a Japanese company expanding to the UK under the UK-Japan agreement.  You are a national or permanent resident of Australia working for an Australian company expanding to the UK under the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement.  If asked, you will need to provide proof of payment from your overseas employer (i.e., payslips, bank statements, letter from sponsor).  Financial Requirements You need to have at least £1,270 cash

Complete UK Innovator Founder Visa Guidance 2025 

LET’S DO BUSINESS The quickest way from A to B is usually a conversation. So, if you want to find out more about how Legend Financial can boost your business, get in touch. We’ll give straight answers so you can make a confident decision, fast. [ninja_form id=’38’] Table of Contents What Is Innovator Founder Visa UK? The UK Innovator Founder Visa, formerly in two Innovator types such as British Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1) or Start-Up, allows you to establish an innovative, viable, and scalable business as a non-UK resident for up to 3 years, with a path to settlement (for you and your family). There are two types of application:  Entirely ‘new’ business idea, yet to endorse  ‘Same’ business idea, already endorsed  Either way, you need to get an endorsement letter from a Home Office-approved authority first before you can proceed with the visa application and put your business ideas into practice.   Need to Know! Points Based System The Innovator Founder Visa is one of the visa routes that use the Points Based System (PBS). If you gain enough points, you will be granted the visa. This was introduced in 2021, post-Brexit, to align immigration with national interests by prioritising individuals who can positively contribute to the UK.  What Are the Benefits of the Innovator Founder Visa? Here are some advantages you can enjoy when you hold a UK innovator founder visa:  After 3 years, you can pursue Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.  There is no fixed minimum investment amount, just proof that you have sufficient funds for your business needs.  You can bring your partner and children (under 18) to the UK, with the right to work and study.  You can take on additional employment in skilled roles (RQF Level 3 or higher, like those on the Skilled Worker eligible occupations list).  You can undertake a course of study alongside running your business.  Your family members can also undertake almost any type of work (employed or self-employed) and study.  You can establish, operate, and fully manage your business without restrictions on business activities.  You can work as a director or self-employed within your own enterprise.  You have access to various incentives, tax reliefs, grants, and funding programs for innovative businesses.  You also get access to the UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for collaborations and funding.  You can travel abroad and return to the UK. What You Cannot Do with an Innovator Founder Visa On the other hand, here are some restrictions you should know:  You cannot apply for most ‘public funds.’  You cannot work as a professional sportsperson – for example, as a sports coach.  Overview of Innovator Founder Visa Requirements Initially, you need to meet the following:  Be 18+ years old  Have a business plan and an endorsement letter  Have enough funds to support yourself  Passing English language proficiency  Passing general immigration requirements (history, criminal record)  Read on for detailed information about the requirements, including points allocation.  Innovator Founder Visa Endorsing Bodies Requirements Securing endorsement is the very first step of your visa application. This comes in the form of an endorsement letter from an authorised UK endorsing body confirming your business idea is:  • Innovative New to the market, original, and different; you must be driving the innovation, not outsourcing it.    • Viable Realistic and achievable business plan with potential for growth, based on your resources and skills; must have a market for your product and affordable start-up costs.  • Scalable Potential for significant growth, job creation, and expansion into national and international markets with structured planning and researched projections.  Only organisations authorised by the Home Office can provide endorsement. Currently, they include the following:  Envestors Limited  UK Endorsement Services  Innovator International  The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP – invitation only)  These authorised bodies do not only provide initial endorsement but also monitor your business progress to ensure ongoing compliance.  Innovator Founder Visa New Business Requirements If your business idea is new, you need to get approval from the endorsing body first through the following:  • New Idea Present a business idea that has not been endorsed before (awarded 30 points); it is deemed innovative, viable, and scalable (awarded 20 points).  • Funding Proof Show you have enough funds and where they are coming from.  • Your Contribution Prove you have generated or significantly contributed to the ideas in the plan.  • Day-to-Day Role Show you will be actively involved in running the business. • Contact Meetings Agree to at least 2 regular check-in meetings with your endorsing body.  • Founder Role You must be the sole founder or a key member of the founding team. You will get the endorsement letter if the endorsing body is satisfied that you meet the requirements above.  Innovator Founder Visa Same Business Requirements This option is available to applicants who are:  extending their stay in the UK; or  switching to the Innovator Founder visa whilst continuing a business that was already endorsed under a previous eligible visa (e.g., Start-up, Innovator, Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur).  As you are continuing an endorsed business, you only need confirmation from the original endorsing body that your business is making progress and meeting its goals.   The letter must confirm that you meet the following:   • Previous Assessment Your business was previously assessed by an endorsing body (current or ‘legacy’); you hold previous permission on a relevant visa route (awarded 10 points).  • Contact Point Meetings (if applicable) If you previously had Innovator Founder permission, you must have attended at least 2 regular contact point meetings with your endorsing body (or similar checkpoints with a legacy body) and agree to at least 2 more.  • Active and Trading Active and Tradingyour business is currently active, trading, and sustainable (awarded 20 points).  • Companies House Registration Your business is registered with Companies House, and you are listed as a director or member.  • Progress on Business Plan You have made significant progress against your original business plan.  • Active Management You are actively involved in the day-to-day

Expired Biometric Residence Permits still usable until 1 June 2025

LET’S DO BUSINESS The quickest way from A to B is usually a conversation. So, if you want to find out more about how Legend Financial can boost your business, get in touch. We’ll give straight answers so you can make a confident decision, fast. [ninja_form id=’38’] After this extension, you can no longer use your BRPs or BRCs to prove your immigration status when traveling to the UK, except for:  Getting your share code to prove your immigration status  Creating a UKVI account to set up access to your eVisa  Applying to stay in the UK  Even the above are only allowed up to 18 months after your card’s expiry date.  Be sure to set up your eVisa account now. Need personalised advice? Contact Legend Consults today!  The Home Office extended the usability of Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) from 31 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 for UK travel. That’s less than two months from now.   Millions have already switched to eVisas from physical documents in March, but it can still be challenging for those in the context of international travel, hence the new extension. Per the UK Gov, you are eligible for the extension if both of the following apply:  your BRP expired on or after 31 December 2024  you still have permission to stay in the UK 

UK Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules [2025] Explained 

LET’S DO BUSINESS The quickest way from A to B is usually a conversation. So, if you want to find out more about how Legend Financial can boost your business, get in touch. We’ll give straight answers so you can make a confident decision, fast. [ninja_form id=’38’] The Home Office updates UK immigration rules regularly. The most recent changes are published under the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 733). It outlines key changes, including the following:  Removal of Trinidad and Tobago from the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme from 12 March 2025. A transition period for existing ETAs applies until 23 April 2025.  Further ETA adjustments, but regarding exemptions. ETA is no longer required on children visiting as part of a French school group from 2 April 2025 and British nationals (overseas) from 9 April 2025.  The minimum wage for a skilled worker increases from £23,200 to £25,000 per year.  From 9 April 2025, sponsors of care workers must prioritise recruiting the existing overseas care workers in the UK whose former sponsor lost licence (or other reasons for displacement), instead of from abroad.   Changes in Ukraine Visa scheme: (1) parents joined by a child must be lawful residents in the UK; (2) removal of ‘step parent’ from the definition of ‘parent,’ effective from 9 April 2025.  Amendments to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), wherein applicants outside the European Economic Area (EEA) are allowed to use their expired biometric residence permit/card as proof of identity for 18 months after the expiry date.  Find out more about the UK new immigration rules 2025 below.   Visit Visa Requirement for Trinidad and Tobago Nationals This is one of the major changes to the immigration rules this year, Trinidad and Tobago being removed from the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, i.e., visa-free privilege. This took effect on 12 March 2025, but with a six-week grace period to transition to the new rules up to 23 April 2025.   For Trinidad and Tobago nationals, this means:  They can no longer apply for ETA to travel into the UK; they need to secure a Visit visa prior to arrival.   They can still visit the UK without a visa (only existing valid ETAs) until 23 April 2025, 3 pm, if they have booked for travel before the new rules were announced.   They need to secure a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) if they transit the UK airside.   What triggered this new visa regime? This was due to a considerable increase of Trinidad and Tobago nationals in the UK, most common cases being asylum claims. The UK immigration rules do not allow visitors to live and work in the UK, more so to claim asylum.  With this new rule, like any other visit visa applicants, Trinidad and Tobago nationals are subject to regular immigration screening—refused if not compliant with the requirements and granted a visa if they pass.   Other Changes to Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Aside from Trinidad and Tobago being removed from the ETA scheme, other adjustments were made. The following, originally not required a visa, will also no longer need to apply for an ETA:  Children who visit the UK as a part of a French school group  British Nationals (Overseas) or BN(O)  Minimum Salary Changes for Skilled Workers Starting 9 April 2025, skilled workers will see an increase of minimum wage from £11.90 to £12.82 per hour. That means they will make £25,000 per year, from £23,200. This aligns with the data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) to ensure competitiveness in pay and that overseas workers are not exploited.   Others you need to know:   Going rates for specific occupations, especially healthcare and education, are yet to be clarified.  It is now clear that deductions from an applicant’s salary will include payments for loans, investments, and other financial commitments. Some aspects await further clarification.   Those who apply for the ‘new entrant’ salary rates are now required to come from a UK-based institution.  New Rules to Protect Care Workers Care workers get displaced when their sponsors can no longer offer them sufficient work or have a revoked/suspended sponsor licence. The latest Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules aims to protect these ‘displaced’ care workers. If you are a care or domestic worker sponsor in England, the new rules mean:  You need to recruit from the existing pool of overseas foreign workers first before attempting to hire new recruits from abroad.  You can only start recruiting new care workers from overseas once you have confirmed to the relevant regional or sub-regional partnership that you have prioritised hiring existing ‘displaced’ workers but were not able to find.   This only applies in England, effective from 9 April 2025. Care jobs in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland are not affected.  Changes to the Global Talent Route The Global Talent visa route is for talented, promising individuals who excel in the fields of arts and culture, science, and digital technology and want to further their careers in the UK. The changes were requested by the Arts Council England and their sub-endorsing bodies, specifically regarding their visa requirements.   If an individual is included in the Prestigious Prizes list, they automatically qualify for the Global Talent visa without having to secure endorsement from the Global Talent endorsing bodies.  Changes to the Ukraine Schemes The UKR Permission Extension Scheme (UPE) was launched on 4 February 2025, which allows Ukrainian families already in the UK to extend their stay. From 9 April 2025, parents joined by a child must prove that they are lawfully residents in the UK.  Another scheme for Ukrainians, the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, also had an adjustment. This update is about removing ‘step-parent’ or ‘adoptive parent’ from the definition of ‘parent.’  EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) allows EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals, including their family, to continue living in the UK after Brexit. They may hold either a settled status or a pre-settled status. Here are the adjustments under this scheme:  From