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Key UK Immigration Updates for 2025: What You Need to Know

In 2025, the UK government remains focused on refining its immigration framework, prioritising skills-based immigration, streamlining application processes, and strengthening border security. A series of significant updates have been introduced to the immigration system, aiming to meet the evolving needs of the UK economy while maintaining national security. Below are the key changes to the immigration system and their implications for visitors, skilled workers, employers, global talent, families, and UK residents.

1. eVisa and Digital Immigration Status

The UK is moving to a fully digital immigration system, eliminating the need for physical documents like BRC and BRP. Immigration status will be accessible digitally via eVisa platforms.

However, due to ongoing technical issues, the Home Office has extended the grace period for BRPs and BRCs until 1 June 2025 for travel purposes. It is advisable to retain these documents and carry a printout of your visa approval letter, showing the expiry date, as secondary evidence.

While the grace period exists, an estimated 600,000 people still need to create their UKVI account to access their eVisa. If you fall within this group, you are strongly urged to act now by transitioning to eVisa at the earliest opportunity, as well as ensuring your passport details are updated in your UKVI account before travel.

2. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

The UK has implemented an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visitors from visa-exempt countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong (excluding BNO passport holders), Malaysia, the UAE, and others.

From 2 April 2025, nationals from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland will also be required to obtain an ETA to visit the UK. The current cost of an ETA is £10, with plans to increase it to £16 in the future. The ETA permits multiple entries to the UK, allowing stays of up to six months at a time for up to two years or until the holder’s passport expires—whichever comes first. Importantly, there is no “6-month in 12 months” rule, each visit simply cannot exceed the six-month maximum.

3. EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) – Automatic Conversion of Pre-Settled to Settled Status

The Home Office has implemented a streamlined process for eligible holders of EUSS Pre-Settled Status without the need for an application to be submitted. Several thousand individuals have already been successfully transitioned to Settled Status through automated checks, and they will be notified of their status change or provided with further instructions if they are ineligible. This process will expand further throughout the year.

While the conversion will occur in phases, individuals eligible for Settled Status are advised to apply early to avoid delays. A key benefit of obtaining Settled Status is the ability to apply for British citizenship, as applicant must have held Settled Status for at least 12 months before applying (unless married to a British citizen).

4. Skilled Workers

The Skilled Worker visa remains the primary route for employment in the UK, designed to address labour shortages post-Brexit and attract skilled professionals. Operating on a points-based system, it assesses applicants based on qualifications, salary, and English proficiency.

Top Industries for Skilled Worker Visas in 2024

• Healthcare & Social Work – The largest share of skilled worker visas went to nurses, doctors, and social care workers, reflecting the urgent demand in these sectors.
• Information Technology (IT) – A strong demand persists for software developers, cybersecurity specialists, and data analysts, with ongoing skill gaps in the sector.
• Engineering – Although no longer on the shortage occupation list, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers continue to receive a significant number of visas due to industry demand.
• Construction – Skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers, and project managers remain crucial for ongoing infrastructure projects.
• Education – Teachers, particularly in STEM subjects and special education, have been a focus of skilled worker visa allocations.

The UK prioritises high-demand fields such as healthcare, IT, and education while introducing initiatives to attract artificial intelligence (AI) and life sciences talent. Despite engineering’s removal from the shortage list, the persistent demand suggests ongoing workforce challenges.

Key changes include prioritising care workers in England and increasing the minimum salary threshold for health and education roles from £23,300 to £25,000. The government is also considering requiring industries with high reliance on immigration (such as healthcare, IT and engineering) to commit to domestic workforce training.

With these changes in place, applicants should act promptly to secure their Skilled Worker visas before further adjustments take effect.

5. Sponsor Licence Regulations

Between 2021 and 2024, the number of registered sponsors increased significantly from 38,800 to 110,500. In response, the Home Office has intensified compliance measures, introducing digital audits, risk identification systems, and enhanced scrutiny of suspicious payments.

Employers are now prohibited from passing sponsorship-related fees onto sponsored workers. This includes fees such as Certificate of Sponsorship charges, Immigration Skills Charges, and other associated costs. These changes aim to prevent employers from shifting the financial burden onto the workers they sponsor. Violating these regulations could result in revocation of the sponsor licence and financial penalties. Employers must review agreements and internal policies to ensure compliance and avoid disruptions.

The Home Office has also tightened scrutiny on “self-sponsorship” and start-up company applications, frequently rejecting them on grounds such as genuineness and compliance failures (e.g. right-to-work checks, pension requirements). However, current guidance does not prohibit self-sponsorship, provided a genuine role exists and the company demonstrates financial viability. Both start-ups and established businesses can still succeed in obtaining a Skilled Worker sponsor licence with proper preparation.

6. Global Talent

Global Talent Visa remains a key route for highly skilled professionals in digital technology, arts, culture, and academia. Several changes have been introduced for 2025, including updates to processing times, fees, and endorsement criteria.

Within Arts Council England and its sub-endorsing bodies, evidential requirements have been refined. Applicants must now submit CVs to clarify career stages, meet stricter support letter criteria, and provide clearer evidence of media recognition and international sponsorship. Awards must be for individual achievements, supported by evidence from at least two separate productions. The Prestigious Prizes route continues to exempt applicants from endorsement if they have won internationally recognised awards, with ongoing reviews of the qualifying prize list.

A significant change is the closure of Tech Nation as the endorsing body for digital technology applications from 1 May 2025 due to funding constraints. The government is seeking a successor to maintain continuity. Tech professionals should stay informed and submit applications before this transition to avoid potential disruptions.

7. British Citizenship ‘Good Character’ Requirement

To naturalise as a British citizen a person must, among other things, be of good character. The Home Office strengthened good character policy for citizenship to make it clear that anyone who enters the UK illegally or made dangerous journeys (e.g. small boats or hidden in vehicles) will normally be refused British citizenship, regardless of how much time has passed.

Each citizenship application will continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis and the Home Office may choose to apply discretion on an exceptional basis where there are particularly exceptional, compelling or mitigating circumstances, such as significant contributions to society or where necessary to comply with international obligations.

There is ongoing debate on this issue. Critics argue the policy is discriminatory and are calling for a review, while SNP MP Pete Wishart has proposed an amendment to disregard illegal entry when assessing good character.

8. Family Visa

The minimum income requirement for sponsoring family members to come to or stay in the UK is £29,000, or £88,500 if relying on cash savings, with exemptions for those receiving disability or carer benefits. Initial plans to raise this threshold to £3,500 and then to £38,500 and then to £38,700 in 2025 have been paused. Under the same formula, the required savings would be £101,000 and £112,750, respectively. The savings may be held in a combination of accounts, including those in the sponsor’s spouse’s, or joint name.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is reviewing the financial requirements, with any future changes depending on its findings and government decisions. Home Office sources have indicated that the review may take approximately nine months, but no firm timeline has been confirmed. Those considering an application are advised to submit before any future increases take effect.

9. Ukraine Visa Schemes

Since the launch of the Ukraine visa schemes, the UK has provided sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians. The Home Office continues to review these schemes to ensure stability for those already in the UK. In 2025, the eligibility criteria under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme were amended to allow parents or legal guardians to sponsor their children to join them in the UK. Additionally, the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme offers eligible Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members an 18-month extension of their immigration permission.

There are currently no plans for settlement options, so those on the scheme should explore other immigration routes for permanent residency.

Conclusion

As the UK immigration policies continue to evolve, it is crucial for applicants and organisations to remain informed and proactive in navigating forthcoming changes. With the introduction of digital immigration statuses, revised visa requirements, and potential fee increases, it is advisable to submit applications as soon as eligibility is met. For guidance on how these changes may affect immigration objectives, consulting an immigration lawyer is recommended to ensure compliance and optimise opportunities within this shifting legal landscape.

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Self-Sponsorship Visas: A Pathway for Entrepreneurs to Establish a UK Presence

The UK remains an attractive destination for entrepreneurs seeking to establish and expand their businesses. However, with the closure of the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa and the restrictive requirements of other business immigration routes, many aspiring business owners face challenges in securing a viable immigration pathway.

Self-sponsorship has emerged as a strategic alternative, allowing entrepreneurs to set up and operate a business in the UK, providing long-term stability and growth opportunities.

At Quastels, we advise entrepreneurs on navigating the complexities of self-sponsorship, ensuring that both immigration and business compliance requirements are met.

Understanding Self-Sponsorship

Self-sponsorship enables an entrepreneur to establish a UK company, obtain a Sponsor Licence, and sponsor themselves for a Skilled Worker visa. Unlike traditional visa routes, self-sponsorship does not require:

• A third-party employer to act as a sponsor
• A fixed investment amount, as required for the Innovator Founder visa
• An endorsement from a UK government body or business accelerator.

Instead, this route provides greater flexibility, allowing business owners to take control of their own immigration status while actively managing their company.

Who is Eligible for Self-Sponsorship?

To successfully secure a self-sponsored visa, an entrepreneur must meet key criteria across three areas:

1. Business Viability and Sponsor Licence

• The applicant must establish a genuine UK business that can sponsor skilled workers.
• The business must obtain a Sponsor Licence from the Home Office.
• A credible business plan and operational structure must be in place.

2. Skilled Worker Visa Requirements

• The applicant must hold a skilled role within their business (e.g., Director or CEO).
• The role must meet the minimum salary threshold.
• The applicant must demonstrate English language proficiency at CEFR Level B1 or equivalent.

3. Financial and Operational Readiness

• The business must be financially viable, with the capacity to pay salaries.
• The applicant must show the business has commercial potential and can contribute to the UK economy.

The Self-Sponsorship Process: Step by Step

1. Establishing a UK Business

The first step in self-sponsorship is registering a UK company with Companies House. The business must have:

• A defined commercial purpose and structured business plan
• A UK-based office address
• A UK-resident Director, which can be the applicant or another individual

2. Applying for a Sponsor Licence

To sponsor themselves, the entrepreneur must apply for a Sponsor Licence. The Home Office assesses whether the company:

• Has a genuine need for skilled workers
• Is financially stable and compliant with UK employment laws
• Has appropriate HR and compliance systems in place

A robust business plan and supporting financial documentation are crucial at this stage.

3. Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once the Sponsor Licence is granted, the business can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the entrepreneur. This document is required for the Skilled Worker visa application and must include:

• The job title and salary
• A description of the role and responsibilities
• Confirmation that the role meets the required skill level

4. Applying for the Skilled Worker Visa

With the CoS in place, the entrepreneur can apply for a Skilled Worker visa. The application typically requires:

• Proof of English language proficiency
• Financial evidence demonstrating the business’s sustainability
• Supporting documents confirming business ownership and sponsorship status

If successful, the applicant is granted a Skilled Worker visa for up to five years, with the possibility of applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) thereafter.

Advantages of Self-Sponsorship

• Greater Control and Flexibility
  • Unlike traditional employment-based sponsorship, self-sponsorship allows entrepreneurs to establish and lead their own business without being dependent on an external employer.
• No Fixed Investment Required
  • Unlike the Innovator Founder visa, which requires a minimum £50,000 investment and endorsement, self-sponsorship does not impose a pre-set investment threshold.
• Pathway to Settlement
  • After five years under a Skilled Worker Visa, self-sponsored entrepreneurs can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), offering long-term security in the UK.
• Expansion and Growth Opportunities
  • Once established, the business can sponsor additional skilled workers, enabling further expansion and development.

Challenges and Considerations

• Sponsorship Compliance
  • The Home Office imposes strict compliance requirements for businesses holding a Sponsor Licence. Entrepreneurs must ensure they meet reporting, record-keeping, and employment obligations to maintain their sponsorship status.
• Genuine Business Requirement
  • The business must be actively trading and demonstrate a genuine commercial need for skilled workers. The Home Office closely scrutinises applications to prevent misuse of the visa system.
• Ongoing Visa and Tax Obligations
  • Entrepreneurs must comply with UK tax regulations, employment laws, and immigration rules to sustain their business and visa status.

How Quastels Can Assist

At Quastels, we offer tailored legal support to entrepreneurs navigating the self-sponsorship route. Our services include:

• Advice on structuring and registering a UK business for immigration purposes
• Assistance with Sponsor Licence applications and compliance requirements
• Skilled Worker visa application management and strategic guidance
• Ongoing support to ensure business and immigration law compliance

With extensive experience in both business and immigration law, we help clients secure their UK presence while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

Self-sponsorship offers a flexible and structured pathway for entrepreneurs to establish and expand a business in the UK. By obtaining a Sponsor Licence and securing a Skilled Worker visa, business owners can take control of their immigration status while contributing to the UK economy.

Given the complexities of the application process, expert legal guidance is essential to ensure compliance and maximise the chances of success. At Quastels, we provide comprehensive support to entrepreneurs at every stage of their self-sponsorship journey.

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A Comprehensive Guide to Sponsor Licence Processing Times and Priority Services for UK Employers

Securing a sponsor licence is a critical step for UK businesses seeking to employ skilled workers. Understanding the processing times and available priority services is crucial for employers aiming to make a smooth application and use the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) efficiently.

Below is a comprehensive overview of the processing times for Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence applications, as well as the post-licence procedures for making amendments to sponsorship details. Understanding these timelines and options is crucial for ensuring a smooth application process and the efficient use of the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).

Sponsor Licence Applications

Upon submission of a sponsor licence application online, businesses must ensure that all required supporting documents are provided electronically to the Home Office within five working days.

• Standard Sponsor Licence: Typically, a decision is made within 6-8 weeks from the submission of the application. However, the processing time may be extended depending on the complexity of the application or the need for further checks.
• Priority Service: The Home Office offers an expedited processing service for an additional fee of £500. This service aims to process applications within 10 working days. While the service provides a faster turnaround, it is important to note that this timeframe is not guaranteed and is subject to capacity and processing demands.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Application: After obtaining the sponsor licence, employers will need to apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the proposed worker. A standard CoS application is processed within one working day. A Defined CoS (DCoS) generally takes up to one week, though this may be extended if additional checks or information are required by the Home Office.
• Skilled Worker Visa Application: For Skilled Workers, visa applications are generally processed within 15 working days for applications made outside the UK. For in-country applicants, processing time generally takes up to 8 weeks. Priority services are available to expedite this process.

Previously, securing a priority slot was highly competitive, with applicants needing to log in at precisely 08:59 am each weekday to secure one of the limited 30 day priority slots. However, the Home Office has since removed the reference to this fixed daily cap, possibly indicating that there may no longer be a set limit on the number of available priority slots. This remains subject to formal confirmation.

In my experience, securing a sponsor licence and successfully obtaining a Skilled Worker visa can be completed in as little as one to two weeks, particularly when utilising the priority service.

Once granted, a sponsor licence remains valid, provided the business continues to meet all regulations.

Post-Licence Applications

Following the issuance of a sponsor licence, businesses may need to make amendments to their sponsorship details. The priority change of circumstances service allows sponsors to fast-track certain post-licence requests, ensuring that modifications are processed efficiently.

Eligible Requests for Post-Licence Priority Service:

• Allocation of an additional Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• Annual Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) allocation
• Adding or changing a Level 1 user
• Replacing or amending the Authorising Officer (AO)
• Replacing or amending the Key Contact (KC)
• Adding a representative
• Amending organisational details (e.g. relocation to new premises)

Priority Service:

• Priority Service operates Monday to Friday, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• A fee of £200 applies for each request.
• A maximum of 100 priority service requests will be accepted each day. Any amendments to the limit will be communicated through the SMS message board.

If a request is accepted, the applicant will receive an email notification and must complete payment within 72 hours. The processing period for the request will begin on the next working day following the payment confirmation. Generally, the Home office will process the request within five working days. However, should the request be deemed complex or require further verification, the processing time may extend beyond the standard five-day period. In such cases, the Authorising Officer will be notified via email.

Conclusion

For businesses applying for a sponsor licence or making amendments to an existing licence, understanding the processing times and priority service options is essential. While the enhanced pre-licence service and post-licence priority service can expedite decisions, it is important to recognise that availability and response times are contingent on UKVI’s capacity. Employers must remain vigilant and stay informed of any updates from the Home Office to ensure smooth navigation through the sponsorship system.

If you require guidance for a sponsor licence application, contact our corporate immigration team using the form below.

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