UK to phase out visa vignettes for work and study routes

June 27, 2025

UK immigration is becoming more and more digitalised. And if you are used to having that familiar 90-day passport sticker (the ‘physical visa vignette’) to work or study in the UK, then this article will tell you what you need to know about the changes that are coming in from 15 July 2025. It’s also important for employers to take note of this as well.

So, from 15 July, the UK will stop issuing physical visa vignettes to many work and study visa applicants as the government shifts to a digital eVisa system. This will achieve a number of goals, not least streamlining the visa application process and ending the need to return to visa application centres to collect documents.

Instead, the eVisa will be a more secure, digital record of your immigration status which can be accessed through a newly created UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. So, it’s quite a substantial change in how individuals both enter the UK and prove their right to be here.

Before we get started on these latest updates, if you want to read more about the wider shift to eVisas you can read my earlier blog here. It’s also worth checking out last month’s article about the penalties involved in not making the switch to an eVisa in time.

So, let’s start with who will be affected – both applicants and employers – by these changes from physical visa vignette to eVisa.

Ending physical visa vignettes: Will you be affected by the move to eVisas?

Starting 15 July 2025, the following visa routes will move to eVisa-only entry clearance:

  • Skilled Worker (including Health and Care visa)
  • Global Business Mobility
  • Temporary Worker
  • International Sportsperson
  • Dependants and applicants for other visa types will continue to receive both a physical vignette and an eVisa during this phase of the rollout.

Vignette to eVisa: What employers and applicants should do now

To ensure a smooth transition, it’s essential to take the following steps:

Update internal processes: Employers should ensure HR and compliance teams are ready for the shift. Familiarity with eVisas and digital right-to-work checks will be vital.

eVisas: Part of a larger shift in UK immigration

As mentioned, this change is part of the UK government’s goal of building a modern, digital immigration system that enhances both security and improves user experience.

In practical terms, it should mean fewer administrative tasks and faster processing for applicants, while employers and sponsors get a more efficient method to verify immigration status.

This shift is a complete change in how the UK manages and communicates immigration status. While the transition may require some initial adjustments, the long-term benefits in terms of efficiency and accessibility should be significant for all concerned.

Now is the time for employers to get ahead of the curve to make sure your systems, staff, and processes are ready for a digital-first immigration future.

Working with an immigration lawyer

Working with an immigration lawyer who is ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest changes to UK immigration regulations brings great peace of mind.

As it stands, over four million people have already created their UKVI account, with around 300,000 people still needing to do so. I can’t stress enough that for anyone living in (or frequently travelling to) the UK, staying ahead of these requirements is essential. This means setting up your UKVI account and making sure you check it regularly to ensure all your details are up to date.

As you can see if you look back over my blogs from this year so far, regulations are moving incredibly quickly and don’t seem to be slowing down. I strongly recommend keeping an eye on updates on the UK government website. And if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. Having a professional immigration advisor – particularly one with a legal background – can be invaluable in helping you navigate and interpret these complex regulations. With an unrivalled success rate, YI Solutions works with both individuals and businesses to ensure you are able to complete your immigration applications successfully. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Written by:

Steph Revelle

Director

Hi everyone, and welcome. I’m the Founder and Director of Your Immigration Solutions. Whether you’re an individual or a corporate company, I’m here to help you with your entire visa application process.

Biometric and eVisa changes in the UK – don’t risk the penalties

May 30, 2025

There are new and extremely important updates to UK immigration which have just come into force, along with penalties for non-compliance. These updates include new regulations on providing your biometric data at the UK border, the requirement for most people to update their facial biometrics every ten years, as well as a reminder on the timeline to switch your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to an eVisa.

It’s part of the UK government’s drive to digitise the immigration process but it has an impact on anyone who either holds a BRP or will be arriving in the UK on any visa. The reason it’s so significant is that the penalties for non-compliance will range from fines to loss of immigration status.

The rules and updates to UK immigration policy in 2025 are coming thick and fast and we’re not even halfway through the year. The only way to ensure that you are fully compliant is to work with an immigration lawyer who is able to notify you and also interpret the latest legal changes so you can have complete peace of mind that you and your family are compliant.

Okay, let’s look at what all these updates mean for you.

 

Giving your biometric data at the UK border

When we talk about ‘biometrics’ we’re generally speaking about fingerprints and facial images. Going forward, all arrivals at the UK border who are not British or Irish citizens will need to give their biometric information.

Those who refuse to provide this data may be refused entry or have their existing immigration status cancelled. So it’s important both to be aware – but not alarmed – if you find yourself giving your fingerprints and having your photograph taken the next time you enter the UK.

Changes to eVisas: Do I need to update my facial photograph?

As we covered in a previous article, eVisas are now replacing BRPs as the official evidence of permission to remain in the UK.

What this specific update relates to, however, is the requirement for eVisa holders (from the age of 16 to 70) to update their facial photograph at least once every ten years. If you’re under 16, it’s every five years, while the over 70s are exempt.

Failure to do so will have serious consequences, including being unable to generate a share code to prove your right to work, rent a flat or house, or access other important services. It could also mean refusal of any pending visa applications or even cancellation of your existing immigration status. Civil penalties could be up to £1,000.

Switch to an eVisa before deadlines hit — penalties apply

The clock is ticking for those needing to switch over from a BRP to an eVisa. Almost all BRPs expired at the end of last year and individuals who hold them have been given a maximum of 18 months from that date to create and activate their eVisa account.

What this means in real terms is that most people have until 30 June 2026 to make the switch.

However, if your BRP expired before the end of 2024 then your deadline will be much sooner. It’s important to double check. In all cases, if you fail to switch to an eVisa by the deadline, there will be penalties including the potential cancellation of your Leave to Remain status.

While people over 70 years-old are not required to make the switch to an eVisa it is still highly recommended in order to avoid any problems returning to the UK from a trip abroad or applying for other services that require a share code. In other words, it just makes life easier and smoother to get an eVisa.

You can get more information about eVisas on the UK government website.

Keeping your details updated with UKVI

Alongside updating facial images per the new regulation, individuals must also update them at any point if their appearance has significantly changed. This can be done through your UKVI account. In addition, you must keep your passport details up to date, home address, contact information, and changes to your legal name, or changes in your nationality.

Failure to maintain accurate records on your UKVI account could result in being refused to board airlines (if your UKVI account does not match your travel documents) and could potentially disrupt employment or any housing arrangements that require a share code.

You can update your UKVI account here.

Am I exempt from updating my photo on my UKVI account?

In addition to those 70 or older, individuals may be temporarily excused from the penalties if they can provide valid reasons such as medical emergencies.

Avoid penalties – work with a professional

The 2025 amendments mark a major turning point in the UK’s immigration regulations. By embedding biometric compliance and eVisas into its border strategy, the government is not only digitising immigration status but also adding penalties for non-compliance.

For anyone living in (or frequently travelling to) the UK, staying ahead of these requirements is essential. This includes setting up a UKVI account, checking it regularly, as well as ensuring all your details are accurate and up to date. Failure to do so could result in a number of issues, not least the potential loss of the right to remain in the UK.

As I mentioned at the start, the updates to regulations are moving incredibly quickly this year and show no signs of slowing down. I strongly recommend keeping an eye on updates on the government website. And if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. Having a professional immigration advisor – particularly one with a legal background – can be invaluable in helping you navigate and interpret these complex regulations. With an unrivalled success rate, YI Solutions works with both individuals and businesses to ensure you are able to complete your immigration applications successfully. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Written by:

Steph Revelle

Director

Hi everyone, and welcome. I’m the Founder and Director of Your Immigration Solutions. Whether you’re an individual or a corporate company, I’m here to help you with your entire visa application process.

New UK visa application fees 2025 [Latest updates]

April 29, 2025

If you’re applying or thinking of applying for a UK visa, then this guide will cover what you need to know about the fee changes which came into effect on April 9th. As we discussed in an earlier blog, there were a number of changes to UK immigration rules announced just recently, but in this article we will focus specifically on the changes to application fees and what this means for you.

 

The exact amount you’ll need to pay will be based on a number of factors, including the type of visa or immigration route you are applying under. It will also depend on whether you are applying from within or outside the UK. Finally, if you’re selecting a premium processing service this will also affect the total cost.

 

The application fee is part of the overall application process, and a fee will apply to you whether you’re wanting to extend your stay in the UK, applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), or just planning a short term visit. These, and most other routes, all include a cost which has recently been updated. The increases apply to both applications for entry clearance submitted from outside the UK and applications submitted from within the UK.

 

So, in this guide we will break down the latest UK visa application fees that came into effect on 9 April 2025. Let’s get started.

UK visit visa fees

  • Short-term Visit Visa (up to 6 months)
    • Old fee – £115 
    • New fee – £127
  • Long-term Visit Visa (up to 2 years)
    • Old fee – £432
    • New fee – £475
  • Long-term Visit Visa (up to 5 years)
    • Old fee – £771
    • New fee -£848
  • Long-term Visit Visa (up to 10 years)
    • Old fee – £963
    • New fee – £1,059

Skilled Worker application fees

  • Applying from outside the UK Up to 3 years
    • £769
  • Applying from outside the UK More than 3 years
    • £1,519
  • Applying from inside the UK (extend/switch/update) Up to 3 years
    • £885
  • Applying from inside the UK (extend/switch/update) More than 3 years
    • £1,751

Health and Care Worker visa application fees

  • Applying from inside or outside the UK Up to 3 years
    • £304
  • Applying from inside or outside the UK More than 3 years
    • £590

Innovator Founder Visa

  • Old fee – £1,191
  • New fee – £1,274

Note: The fee for securing an endorsement under the Innovator Founder route will not change and remains at £1,000 (ex VAT). 

High Potential Individual Visa

  • Old fee – £822
  • New fee – £880

UK Expansion Worker Visa

  • Old fee – £298
  • New fee – £319

Global Talent Visa

  • Old fee – £716
  • New fee – £766

Scale-up Visa

  • Old fee – £822
  • New fee – £880

Graduate Visa

  • Old fee – £822
  • New fee – £880

UK Partner & Family visa fees

  • Spouse, Civil Partner, and Unmarried Partner Visa
    • Old fee – £1,846
    • New fee- £1,939
  • Adult Dependent Relative Visa
    • Old fee £3,250
    • New fee £3,413

UK Study Visa fees

  • Student Visa
    • Old fee – £490
    • New fee – £524
  • Child Student Visa
    • Old fee – £490
    • New fee -£524
  • Short-term Study Visa (English language courses)
    • Old fee – £200
    • New fee – £214

UK Settlement and Nationality fees

  • Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
    • Old fee – £2,885
    • New fee – £3,029
  • Naturalisation (British citizenship)
    • Old fee – £1,500
    • New fee – £1,605

 

Note #1: The cost of applying for settlement or non-settlement visas outside the UK via Priority Visa Service will remain the same at £500.  The cost of applying via the Super Priority Service from within the UK will also remain the same at £1,000.

Note #2: The fee for an application to register a child as a British citizen will remain unchanged at £1,214.

 

Sponsorship fees

  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for Skilled Workers and certain other categories
    • Old fee –  £239
    • New fee – £525
  • Certificate of Sponsorship to a Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier or Secondment Worker route, a Scale-up Worker or an International Sportsperson (up to 12 months).
    • Old fee – £25
    • New fee – £55

Sponsor Licence fees

  • Large sponsors
    • Old fee – £1,476
    • New fee – £1,579
  • Small sponsors and charities
    • Old fee – £536
    • New fee – £574

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

  • Old fee – £10
  • New fee – £16

We have covered the details of the new ETA to visit the UK. If you’re unsure about whether it applies to you, you can read our blog on ETA rules here.

 

Understanding what you need to pay

The reforms to UK visa application fees, which were put in place as of April 9, 2025, are part of the UK government’s ongoing changes to the UK immigration system. As we know, this rise in fees affects a number of visa types such as visitor visas, work visas, partner and family visas, student visas, settlement applications, and so on. If you are making your application from inside or outside the UK, you must understand these new costs, so that you can be adequately prepared for your application.

The percentage increase to fees varies between different visa categories, some seeing substantial increases, such as the Certificate of Sponsorship fee for Skilled Workers, whilst others just minor rises. It’s also important to say, however, that some fees, such as the fee to register a child as a British citizen or the fee to apply through the Priority and Super Priority services, have not been raised.

Understanding these shifts will assist you in planning and budgeting. If you want to apply for a visa for the UK, it’s important to be aware of these changes in order to avoid any surprises when you apply.

Working with an immigration lawyer

When things are changing so quickly, as they are in UK immigration matters, both individuals and businesses can get better results and real peace of mind knowing their application is in the hands of a professional. That’s why it’s worth working with an immigration expert. When you work with an immigration lawyer you benefit from increased speed of application approval, a personal service tailored to your needs, advice and guidance after the initial application, as well as help with appeals and litigation. In short, it gives you the peace of mind that your application is in the best possible hands. With an unrivalled success rate, YI Solutions works with both individuals and businesses to ensure you are able to complete your immigration applications successfully. Contact us for a free consultation today.

 

Written by:

Steph Revelle

Director

Hi everyone, and welcome. I’m the Founder and Director of Your Immigration Solutions. Whether you’re an individual or a corporate company, I’m here to help you with your entire visa application process.

Home Office issues new immigration rules: Statement of Changes with effect from April 2025

March 28, 2025

Back in January we discussed updates to regulations coming in during 2025 as well as the introduction of the digital authorisation (ETA) for non-visa nationals visiting the UK. But as we move into the second quarter of the year, a huge number of additional changes are coming down the pipe which are significant for both individuals and businesses dealing with UK immigration in 2025.

The changes take effect from 9 April 2025 and focus primarily around sponsored workers, care providers, and visitors from Trinidad and Tobago. They are outlined in the UK Home Office’s Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 733) on 12 March 2025. So that’s what I’ll explain in this article – the changes that are being made by the UK Home Office and what they might mean for you. As always, if you’re confused about any of the updated regulations, it’s always best to speak to an immigration lawyer to ensure your application has the best possible chance of success.

Let’s dive in.

Changes to salary calculations for sponsored workers

One of the most notable updates affects deductions from a Sponsored Worker’s salary. Previously, certain deductions were allowed as long as they complied with employment law. Under the new rules, deductions related to immigration costs (such as visa fees or the Immigration Health Surcharge) will now be excluded from salary calculations for visa eligibility.

This means employers who provide loans to workers for immigration expenses and recover them through payroll deductions will no longer be able to count these amounts as part of the worker’s qualifying salary.

The changes also address self-sponsorship practices. If a worker has invested money into a business, the investment amount – averaged over the duration of the visa – will be deducted from their effective gross salary for visa purposes. This could significantly impact business owners or investors seeking Skilled Worker sponsorship to work within their own enterprises.

Salary threshold increases

The general salary threshold will rise from £23,200 per year (£11.90 per hour) to £25,000 per year (£12.82 per hour). This change affects Skilled Workers in the following cases:

  • Those applying with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) assigned before April 4, 2024, who scored points for a STEM PhD, a job on the Immigration Salary List, or being a new entrant.
  • Those sponsored for jobs in health or education occupations.
  • Those applying for settlement based on previous CoS points for a job on the Immigration Salary List or Shortage Occupation List, or a listed health or education job.
  • Those applying for settlement with time spent as a Tier 2 (General) worker in specific science or teaching jobs.

It should also be noted that occupation-based going rates below £25,000 (£12.82 per hour) will also be adjusted accordingly.

New requirements for health and care workers

A major change affecting the health and care sector mandates that care providers must first seek to recruit from the existing pool of care workers already in the UK before sponsoring workers from overseas. This measure is intended to assist care workers whose sponsorships have lapsed due to employer non-compliance or loss of sponsor licences.

The requirement does not apply to:

  • Workers outside England.
  • Employers sponsoring someone who has already been working for them for at least three months under another immigration route.

In addition to this recruitment rule, the minimum salary for Health and Care visas will increase from £23,200 to £25,000 per year, aligning with the overall Skilled Worker salary adjustment.

Trinidad and Tobago removed from the non-visa national list

Effective from 12 March 2025, nationals of Trinidad and Tobago will now require a visitor visa to enter the UK. Additionally, those transiting through the UK en-route to another destination will need a Direct Airside Transit Visa. The UK government has not provided specific reasons for this change, but such measures are often implemented in response to concerns about irregular migration or security risks.

Changes to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

Several adjustments have been made to the EU Settlement Scheme, including:

  • Allowing non-EEA applicants to use, as proof of identity, a UK-issued biometric residence card or permit that has expired by up to 18 months.
  • Confirming that individuals with a pending administrative review of an EUSS decision will not be removed from the UK if they have not left the country or have been granted re-entry (except under immigration bail conditions).
  • Enabling refusal of an EUSS application on suitability grounds, even without a deportation or exclusion order, if the applicant’s conduct before the Brexit transition period meets the relevant EU public policy test.

Exemption of British Nationals (Overseas) from ETA requirements

British Nationals (Overseas) will no longer need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to or transit through the UK. While this exemption is now in place, the government has stated that it will continue to review this policy.

Impact on employers and visa applicants

These upcoming immigration changes will have a significant impact on businesses, particularly those in the healthcare sector and those employing Skilled Workers. Employers must ensure compliance with new salary calculation rules and be mindful of recruitment priorities when hiring care workers.

For visa applicants, particularly those seeking self-sponsorship, the new investment deduction rules could pose additional hurdles. Prospective Skilled Workers should carefully evaluate whether their salaries meet the revised minimum thresholds after deductions.

The Home Office is expected to provide further clarification on how these rules will be implemented before the changes take effect on 9 April 2025.

Get the right immigration advice for you

When a large number of reforms are brought in, it can be overwhelming for both individuals and businesses trying to keep up – particularly when it’s a very small window before the changes take effect. That’s why it’s worth working with an immigration expert. When you work with an immigration lawyer you benefit from increased speed of application approval, a personal service tailored to your needs, advice and guidance after the initial application, as well as help with appeals and litigation. In short, it gives you the peace of mind that your application is in the best possible hands. With an unrivalled success rate, YI Solutions works with both individuals and businesses to ensure you are able to complete your immigration applications successfully. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Written by:

Steph Revelle

Director

Hi everyone, and welcome. I’m the Founder and Director of Your Immigration Solutions. Whether you’re an individual or a corporate company, I’m here to help you with your entire visa application process.

ETA when travelling to the UK: Everything you need to know [2025]

February 28, 2025

If you’re thinking of travelling to the UK there are some important new developments you need to be aware of. Many people will now need an authorisation – known as an ETA – before they travel. The ETA is a digital authorisation linked to an applicant’s current, valid passport, allowing travel to the UK for up to six months for a variety of purposes including tourism, business, or short-term study.

This development was first announced in March 2023 and we covered some of the basics in our blog last month. But here we’re going to get into much more detail about what it means for you, your family, and your trip to the UK.

So, this month I want to do a deep dive into ETAs and discuss everything you need to know about them, who needs one, who doesn’t need one, and how you get one. we will also take you step-by-step on how to apply for one.

Who needs an ETA to visit the UK?

As part of the UK government’s drive to digitise the immigration process to enhance border security, the requirement for an ETA (officially an ‘Electronic Travel Authorisation’) applies to non-visa nationals who do not have immigration permission and are planning to visit the UK.

Whether you need to obtain an ETA depends on the traveller’s nationality and the date of travel.

  • Currently, the ETA is required for:
    Gulf nationals: Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are required to obtain an ETA.
  • All other non-European nationals: Nationals from non-European countries including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea are also required to obtain an ETA.
  • Nationals from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland will also need to apply for an ETA. Applications for these nationals will open on 5 March 2025 and will be used for travel from 2 April 2025 onwards.

Who does not need an ETA to visit the UK?

There are several categories of individuals who are exempt from the requirement to obtain an ETA when traveling to the UK:

  • British or Irish citizens as well as British Overseas Territories citizens (including those with dual nationality).
  • Visa holders who are required to submit a visitor visa application or seek other immigration permissions.
  • Individuals with valid UK immigration permission such as those with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK.
  • Individuals legally resident in Ireland who are traveling to the UK from Ireland, or from other locations within the Common Travel Area, such as Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
  • Individuals exempt from immigration control as defined by UK immigration laws.

Note: The UK government has agreed to a temporary ETA exemption for passengers who are transiting through the UK airside (meaning they do not pass through UK border control). However, passengers who cross through the UK border – rather than staying airside – will still be required to obtain an ETA if it is necessary for their nationality.

How to avoid mistakes when applying for an ETA to visit the UK

When applying for an ETA to travel to the UK, it is essential to keep the following points in mind:
ETAs are not visas nor are they immigration permission and so they do not guarantee entry to the UK. Border officials have the final authority to decide whether to grant entry upon arrival.

  • Each traveller, including children and infants, must have their own individual ETA. A single ETA cannot cover multiple passengers, regardless of age.
  • ETA holders who obtain a new passport will need to apply for a new ETA. The ETA is linked to the passport, so a change of passport renders the old ETA invalid.
  • Travellers with multiple nationalities should ensure they use the passport that is linked to their ETA when traveling to the UK. This is crucial to ensure that the border control process runs smoothly.
  • Individuals travelling to the UK for non-visitor reasons, such as to live or work in the UK, should not rely on an ETA. Instead, they must apply for the appropriate UK immigration permission under the relevant visa or immigration route.

How do I apply for an ETA to visit the UK?

To apply for an ETA for the UK, applicants can choose between using the UK ETA app or filling out an online form. The app is the fastest method for submitting an application.

  • The requirements for the ETA application are as follows:
    Valid passport (the same passport that will be used for travel to the UK).
    Recent digital photograph. Applicants can upload a photo or take one directly through the app.
    Valid email address for communication and confirmation of the application status.
    Credit or debit card to pay the £10 fee (which will increase to £16 later in 2025).

The ETA application process generally takes up to three working days though processing times may vary and could take longer in some cases. Once approved, the ETA is issued electronically, and the applicant will receive an email confirming that their application has been approved.

How to apply for an ETA – a step-by-step guide

  • Step 1: Download the UK ETA app.
  • Step 2: Take a photo of the passport you will be using when travelling to the UK.
  • Step 3: Scan the biometric chip in your passport. You will hear a beep once your passport has been recognised.
  • Step 4: Scan your face using the camera on your phone.
  • Step 5: Take a picture of yourself in even lighting against a plain, light-coloured background.
  • Step 6: Answer a series of questions about your address, job, criminal history, and other nationalities you hold.
  • Step 7: Pay the application fee and receive confirmation of submission.

How long does an ETA last?

The ETA is granted for a period of 2 years from the date of approval or until the expiry of the passport used in the ETA application, whichever comes first.

A valid ETA allows multiple journeys to the UK to enter as:

  • A visitor seeking entry for up to six months
  • A creative worker coming for no more than three months

What happens if my ETA to visit the UK is refused?

It is important to note that if an ETA is refused, there is no right to administrative review or appeal. In such cases, individuals would need to submit a full immigration application.

ETAs: A new era in UK immigration

The ETA system offers a more efficient and secure way to manage travel to the UK, benefiting both authorities and travellers. While it simplifies the process for many, it is crucial for applicants to understand the specific requirements and limitations of the ETA, such as its validity, application procedure, and restrictions on the use of multiple passports. As the ETA becomes mandatory for more nationalities in the coming years, it is important to stay informed about updates to the process and ensure compliance to avoid travel disruptions.

Getting the right immigration advice

Have you thought about working with an immigration expert? Working with an immigration lawyer has many benefits, including increased speed of application approval, a personal service tailored to your needs, advice and guidance after the initial application, as well as help with appeals and litigation. In short, it gives you the peace of mind that your application is in the best possible hands. With an unrivalled success rate, YI Solutions works with both individuals and businesses to ensure you are able to complete your immigration applications successfully. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Written by:

Steph Revelle

Director

Hi everyone, and welcome. I’m the Founder and Director of Your Immigration Solutions. Whether you’re an individual or a corporate company, I’m here to help you with your entire visa application process.