Planning to recruit international talent before the end of the year? We explain the immigration and sponsor licence considerations, key visa timelines and practical steps UK employers should take to avoid recruitment delays. For employers aiming to hire an international professional before the end of 2026, immigration planning should begin alongside the recruitment process – … Continued

It is natural to feel uneasy if, having submitted a UK visa application, you then come across a headline announcing a new immigration policy. It would be completely understandable to find yourself asking questions such as “Does this development apply to my case?” or “Will my application now be assessed against requirements that did not … Continued

On 17 July 2026, the Home Office published draft guidance to employers on the UK’s right-to-work check scheme, which is due to come into force on 1 October 2026. This guidance reflects the expanded right-to-work scheme, which brings new categories of working arrangements into scope and introduces extended liability provisions. With just over two months … Continued

Reading time: 10 minutes Diplomats, consular officials and representatives of international organisations often benefit from different immigration arrangements when travelling to the UK. However, one of the most common misconceptions is that simply holding a diplomatic passport automatically grants exemption from UK immigration control. In reality, eligibility depends on an individual’s accredited role, the purpose … Continued

On 23 July 2026, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) published its Stage 2 Final Report on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL), setting out which medium-skilled occupations it recommends should receive temporary access to the Skilled Worker route in the UK. The recommendations are not yet in force, but they provide an indication of the future … Continued

It is widely known that UK employers who want to hire foreign professionals through the Skilled Worker visa route must first obtain a sponsor licence from the Home Office. However, what is frequently overlooked is that once a licence is in place, UK employers will still have ongoing obligations to comply with. Amongst other things, … Continued

The Home Office has recently released a new Priority Service for British citizenship applications. Learn how this new Priority Service works and how it can speed up your application. The standard processing time for a British citizenship application used to be 6 months. From 6 July 2026 , applications to Naturalise as a British Citizen … Continued

If your business engages workers in the UK, whether directly employed, agency-supplied, subcontracted, or hired through a platform, a major change to right-to-work compliance is coming on 1 October 2026. This is one of the most significant shifts in this area of immigration law in recent years, and its reach extends far beyond the traditional … Continued

Reading time: 6 minutes UK visa delays continue to be a concern for many applicants in 2026, making priority processing an increasingly sought-after option. Understanding who can access these services, how they work, and what to watch out for can make a real difference to your application experience. Why delays happen and why they matter … Continued

Do UK employers need to carry out right-to-work checks on contractors and consultants? On 20 May 2026, the Home Office issued a U-turn, removing right-to-work check requirements for employers, confirming that unsponsored, non-employed workers they ‘directly engage’, i.e. contractors and gig workers, is not required. Previously, this requirement was set in the guidance published in … Continued

The unspoken visa route: unlocking the Scale‑Up visa,  the reimbursement scheme and the fast-track route that has been launched by the Government The Scale-up Worker route remains one of the UK’s more flexible sponsored work visa options for high-growth businesses, however, it is a route that has been placed under the radar and not usually often spoken of. It was designed for companies … Continued

For international families, British citizenship can provide long-term security, stability and a permanent connection to the United Kingdom. However, the route to citizenship requires careful planning, particularly where family members have different immigration histories, absences from the UK, overseas-born children or dual nationality considerations. Gherson’s specialist nationality and immigration lawyers help families assess eligibility, prepare … Continued