Latest news with #IndefiniteLeavetoRemain
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Is Scottish care sector at risk from immigration shake-up?
Whilst aimed at improving oversight and reducing exploitation, these new rules, along with further proposed restrictions, could intensify recruitment and compliance pressures on care providers already struggling with chronic workforce shortages. In February 2022, the Skilled Worker visa route was expanded to include care workers, triggering a rapid rise in overseas recruitment; numbers jumped from 37,000 in 2022 to 108,000 in 2023. Alongside this, 120,000 dependants also entered the UK, an imbalance that has prompted government action. Throughout 2024, the Home Office cracked down on care sector sponsors, revoking 1,494 licences, which was a significant shift from 337 in 2023. This left around 40,000 migrant workers in the UK without valid sponsorship, many of whom remain ready to rejoin the workforce if given the opportunity. (Image: Carolyn Bowie is a Principal Associate and Business Immigration specialist) Which 2024/2025 key reforms is the care sector already grappling with? Dependents Banned: From 11 March 2024, care workers are no longer allowed to bring dependents to the UK. The government argues this helps control net migration, eventhough it makes the UK a less attractive destination for skilled overseas carers. Mandatory CQC Registration: Care providers hiring via the Skilled Worker route must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This aims to prevent unethical employers from exploiting workers, ensuring greater oversight. Rising Costs: From 9 April 2025, the Certificate of Sponsorship fee increased from £239 to £525. This cost cannot be passed on to the worker, adding financial pressure on employers. Application fees across immigration routes, including Skilled Worker visas and settlement, are also rising. Domestic Recruitment Priority: Care providers must now demonstrate attempts to hire from within the UK, especially among displaced international workers, before sponsoring new recruits from overseas. While intended to reduce dependency on foreign labour, it may hinder providers in areas with limited local applicants and put burden onto councils and carers. Minimum Salary Increased: The minimum salary for a Health and Care Visa has risen to £25,000, up from £23,200, to align with labour market conditions. White Paper proposals: What are we expecting? Ending Overseas Recruitment: Perhaps the most controversial proposal is the phased removal of the care worker route for new overseas applicants. If implemented, this would prevent care providers from sponsoring new migrant workers altogether, raising alarm in a sector already grappling with staff shortages. Limited Transition Period: Current overseas care workers will be allowed to remain, change sponsors, and apply for settlement under a three-year transition period; however, this timeframe, and the policy itself, will remain under review. Settlement Delayed: The time required to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain may double, from five to ten years, for many care workers, impacting long-term workforce planning and staff retention. What employers should do now ■ Review Sponsorship Systems: Ensure full compliance with record-keeping, reporting, and monitoring duties. ■ Train HR Teams: Equip recruitment staff with up-to-date knowledge of immigration rules and processes. ■ Plan for Domestic Recruitment: Begin developing local training and recruitment pathways to reduce reliance on overseas workers where possible. ■ Audit Pay Structures: Ensure staff salaries meet the updated minimum thresholds. ■ Engage Sponsored Staff: Hold discussions with current employees about their status and future options. The challenges ahead? These reforms underscore the government's commitment to reducing net migration and curbing visa misuse. However, the new restrictions carry significant risks for care providers; tighter eligibility criteria, higher costs and more administrative burdens, all at a time of high demand for care workers. Smaller providers may be disproportionately affected, lacking the resources to navigate complex compliance demands or absorb the additional costs; this could affect thousands in care. The UK's evolving immigration policy represents a turning point for health and social care. Whilst efforts to improve standards and support domestic recruitment are welcome, a blanket reduction in overseas recruitment risks destabilising a sector already under pressure; this could directly impact the quality (and quantity) of care received by reliant on care provision. A more balanced approach, supporting ethical international hiring alongside investment in local skills, will be essential to sustaining care services in Scotland and across the UK. Carolyn Bowie is a Principal Associate and Business Immigration specialist with leading national law firm, Weightmans
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
The stark reality of studying abroad in 2025: It's all about immigration power plays
For decades, countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have dominated international education. But in 2025, that dominance is facing a serious test — not from academic competitors, but from their own immigration policies. As visa requirements grow more complex, restrictive, and uncertain, many international students are rethinking where — and whether — to invest their futures. Across the globe, immigration policy has emerged as the most critical factor influencing where students choose to study. In earlier years, academic prestige or cultural familiarity might have guided those decisions. Today, it's about post-study work rights, long-term stability, and how welcoming a country feels — both on paper and in reality. International education is no longer just about where you want to go. It's about who wants you to stay. That single factor is reshaping the world map for students everywhere — and nations that recognise it will be the new education superpowers of the next decade. Here is how the 'big four' destinations of international education are shifting their reforms for students from around the world. The United States The United States' image as a top destination for international students is under growing threat, as sweeping immigration changes under President Trump's second term disrupt thousands of academic journeys. Harvard University has become a political target. The Trump administration threatened to revoke its right to host foreign students and freeze $2.3 billion in federal research funding. Harvard hit back with a lawsuit, securing a temporary restraining order — but tensions remain high. At the heart of the storm is the latest escalation in student visa scrutiny — including mandatory public access to applicants' social media profiles. Under new State Department guidelines, even a lack of online activity can be grounds for rejection, a move critics say sets a dangerous precedent for surveillance and profiling. The administration's AI-powered 'Catch and Revoke' program is already at work, monitoring students' digital lives and revoking over 1,000 visas with little warning. For many students, the U.S. dream is becoming a legal minefield. As fear and uncertainty rise, alternative destinations like Germany, Singapore, Ireland, New Zealand, and Hong Kong are gaining ground. United Kingdom The United Kingdom's recent immigration reforms under Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government are reshaping the landscape for international students, particularly those from India. As per the recent reforms introduced by Starmer, the government has decided to retain the Graduate Route visa, allowing international graduates to stay and work in the UK for two years post-study (three years for PhD holders). However, other policy changes have introduced new challenges. Key among these is the extension of the residency requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain from five to ten years, affecting the pathway to permanent settlement. Additionally, the minimum salary threshold for skilled worker visas has been raised from £26,200 to £38,700, potentially making it more difficult for recent graduates to qualify. The ban on bringing dependents for most international students, introduced in January 2024, remains in place, impacting students' family life and support systems. These changes have led to a significant drop in student visa applications, with a 16% decrease noted in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the previous year. Indian students, who constitute a substantial portion of the UK's international student population, are particularly affected. While the retention of the Graduate Route visa offers some relief, the cumulative effect of the new policies may prompt prospective students to consider alternative destinations with more favourable immigration pathways. Canada Canada, once a favoured destination for Indian students seeking higher education, is witnessing a shift in its immigration policies that could impact future applicants. In 2025, the Canadian government introduced stricter visa regulations, leading to a sharp decrease in study permits granted to Indian nationals compared to the previous year. This significant reduction has raised concerns among prospective students and their families about the country's evolving stance on international education. The tightening of visa rules is part of a broader strategy to manage the influx of international students and address domestic challenges such as housing shortages and pressure on public services. The new policies include a cap on study permits, stricter eligibility criteria, and increased scrutiny of applicants' financial backgrounds. These changes have prompted many Indian students to reconsider their plans to study in Canada, with some exploring alternative destinations that offer more favourable immigration policies and post-study work opportunities. As Canada recaliberates its approach to international education, the long-term implications for its global reputation as a welcoming study destination remain to be seen. Australia Australia's 2025 immigration reforms have significantly impacted Indian students planning to study there. The Australian government has introduced measures such as increased visa fees and stricter eligibility criteria to curb misuse of the student visa program. Earlier in April 2025, the Australian government announced the goal to curb at least 25% of permanent migration of students to free up nearly 40,000 homes for the residents of the country. These changes aim to protect the integrity of Australia's international education system, which has faced challenges due to the proliferation of "ghost colleges"—institutions that enrol students primarily for visa purposes without providing genuine education. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has acknowledged Australia's sovereign right to implement such policies but emphasized the importance of fair treatment for all applicants. As Australia tightens its immigration policies, Indian students are increasingly considering alternative destinations with more favourable visa regimes and post-study work opportunities. The long-term implications of these reforms on Australia's reputation as a welcoming destination for international students remain to be seen. The new study abroad map As traditional destinations harden their visa policies, new players are stepping forward with a different approach: Make it easier. Japan, for example, has declared a goal of attracting 400,000 international students by 2033 — nearly doubling its current number. To do this, it's introducing more English-medium courses, streamlining visa applications, and offering clearer paths to long-term residency. With a declining population and labor force, top universities including Kyoto University and University of Tokyo in Japan are looking at international students not just as guests, but as future citizens. Singapore, ever pragmatic, has relaxed permanent residency requirements for international graduates and is promoting itself as a global education and innovation hub. With English as an official language, high-quality universities, and a strong job market, it's becoming a serious contender for students who once wouldn't look beyond London or Boston. This shift in global study preferences isn't just about academics. Students are making decisions like policymakers: weighing risks, analysing immigration law, and calculating ROI on education not just by tuition cost, but by the chances of staying, working, and settling. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
NDTV
21-05-2025
- NDTV
Planning To Study In UK? Here's How To Apply For Right Visa
Students planning to move to the UK must check their visa eligibility before applying. A visa is generally required to enter the UK for studying, working, visiting, or joining family-depending on the applicant's nationality, reason for travel, duration of stay, and personal circumstances. Types of UK Visas and Their Uses: For Study: Standard Visitor visa: For courses up to 6 months. Short-term Study visa: For English language courses lasting 6 to 11 months. Student visa: For long-term academic programs at licensed institutions; allows limited work rights. Child Student visa: For students aged 4-17 attending independent schools. Those aged 16 and above may be allowed to work part-time. For Working: Several work visas are available depending on one's qualifications, job offer, sponsorship, and job type. Options include short- and long-term work permits and the Innovator Founder visa for entrepreneurs. For Joining Family: Individuals can apply for a family visa to join relatives with British citizenship or UK settlement status. Applicants may later qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Those with relatives in the UK on a visa may also be eligible, provided they are a spouse, partner, or minor child. Family Reunion For Refugees: Partners or children separated due to conflict may apply to join a relative in the UK who has been granted asylum or humanitarian protection. For Visiting: A Standard Visitor visa allows entry for up to six months-for tourism, short business trips, or short courses. Those visiting to get married must apply for a Marriage Visitor visa. Visitors are not permitted to take up employment. For Transit: Travellers with layovers in the UK en route to another country may need a transit visa. EU, EEA, and Swiss Citizens: Eligible individuals with a close family member living in the UK before 31 December 2020 can apply for a free EU Settlement Scheme family permit. This permit allows a 6-month stay with rights to live, work, and study, after which individuals can apply to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme. Commonwealth Citizens: Those with a UK-born grandparent can apply for an Ancestry visa to work in the UK. Some may also have the right of abode. Individuals unsure of their status can check eligibility under the Windrush scheme. Returning Residents: A Returning Resident visa is required for those who previously held Indefinite Leave to Remain but have lived outside the UK beyond the permitted period-over 5 years (or 4 for Swiss citizens) for EU Settlement holders, and over 2 years for others. Before making any travel plans, applicants must ensure their visa application is approved.
Western Telegraph
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Fact check: Report estimated 686,000 migrants would settle over 3.5 years
On several social media channels, the party wrote: '2 Million Immigrants. That's how many people could get British Citizenship next year.' Evaluation This figure appears to come from a report which measured the number of people who could get Indefinite Leave to Remain – not citizenship – spread over a 3.5-year period between January 2026 and June 2029 – not just next year. The figure was calculated by counting all those who arrived in the UK between January 2021 and June 2024 on a long-term visa which makes them eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain. To this was added those who arrived in that period on an ineligible visa, but later switched to an eligible visa. That produced a figure of two million. But that is before taking into account people who leave the country, or who stay but never apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. After taking into account such possibilities, the report's authors estimated that around 686,000 of those two million would receive Indefinite Leave to Remain over the 3.5-year period. The facts In a press release shared with the media on May 15 – the same day that the claims were posted on social media – the Conservative Party pointed towards an analysis from the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) think tank. That report deals not with citizenship, but with Indefinite Leave to Remain. ILR – also called settlement – gives a person the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as they like. Most people are eligible for ILR if they have lived and worked in the UK for five years, depending on their visa type. Although many people are eligible after being in the UK for five years 'some wait considerably longer before applying,' the CPS report said. Once someone has ILR they get the right to apply for British citizenship after a further 12 months. What time period did the CPS report deal with? The CPS report did not say that two million people could get ILR in 2026. Instead it looked at the number of long-term visas issued between January 2021 and June 2024 – a total of around 3.8 million. Those of the 3.8 million who arrived in 2021, have stayed since then and have the right visas, will become eligible for ILR in 2026. Those who arrived in 2022 will be eligible in 2027 and so on. Where does the two million figure come from? The CPS estimated that around two million people from the 2021-2024 cohort could be eligible for ILR over the 3.5 years between January 2026 and July 2029. Assuming they are still in the country. The think tank got to this figure by excluding visas that would not make people eligible for ILR after five years. That left 1.7 million out of 3.8 million total long-term visas issued between January 2021 and June 2024. To this number it added those who had switched from a ineligible to an eligible visa after some time in the UK – for instance changing from a student to a work visa. By adding in these people who have switched visa the CPS estimated that a further 289,000 students who arrived in the UK between January 2021 and June 2024 could become eligible for ILR between January 2026 and June 2029. That takes the total to around two million. By CPS estimates, a little under 400,000 of those could become eligible in 2026. What proportion of the two million are likely to get ILR, according to the report? Not all the two million are likely to have stayed in the country for the full five years, and some of those who do stay for the full period will still not apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. The CPS report estimated that out of the cohort of two million, around 686,000 people will obtain ILR between January 2026 and June 2029 and a further 115,000 by 2040. That is a total of 801,000 of those who came between January 2021 and June 2024. The CPS warned that some of its estimations were based on what proportion of people on certain visas had in the past eventually gained ILR. These proportions might be different in the cohort that arrived between January 2021 and June 2024. The CPS report's 'new paradigm' scenario where it assumes that the 2021-2024 cohort is much more likely to gain ILR sees around 1.2 million of them being granted Indefinite Leave to Remain. The video In a video accompanying the posts by the Conservatives on social media, the party's leader Kemi Badenoch says that the two million could claim citizenship 'from next year' – not in 2026 as the text in the posts claimed. Although it avoids the text's mistake, this still does not take into account that it will take these people a year from getting ILR before they are eligible for citizenship. That means that they will not be able to apply for citizenship until at least 2027. Links Post on LinkedIn (archived) Post on X (archived post and video) Post on Facebook (archived) CPS – Here To Stay? Estimating the Scale and Cost of Long-Term Migration (archived) – Check if you can get indefinite leave to remain (archived)
Glasgow Times
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Fact check: Report estimated 686,000 migrants would settle over 3.5 years
On several social media channels, the party wrote: '2 Million Immigrants. That's how many people could get British Citizenship next year.' Evaluation This figure appears to come from a report which measured the number of people who could get Indefinite Leave to Remain – not citizenship – spread over a 3.5-year period between January 2026 and June 2029 – not just next year. The figure was calculated by counting all those who arrived in the UK between January 2021 and June 2024 on a long-term visa which makes them eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain. To this was added those who arrived in that period on an ineligible visa, but later switched to an eligible visa. That produced a figure of two million. But that is before taking into account people who leave the country, or who stay but never apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. After taking into account such possibilities, the report's authors estimated that around 686,000 of those two million would receive Indefinite Leave to Remain over the 3.5-year period. The facts In a press release shared with the media on May 15 – the same day that the claims were posted on social media – the Conservative Party pointed towards an analysis from the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) think tank. That report deals not with citizenship, but with Indefinite Leave to Remain. ILR – also called settlement – gives a person the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as they like. Most people are eligible for ILR if they have lived and worked in the UK for five years, depending on their visa type. Although many people are eligible after being in the UK for five years 'some wait considerably longer before applying,' the CPS report said. Once someone has ILR they get the right to apply for British citizenship after a further 12 months. What time period did the CPS report deal with? The CPS report did not say that two million people could get ILR in 2026. Instead it looked at the number of long-term visas issued between January 2021 and June 2024 – a total of around 3.8 million. Those of the 3.8 million who arrived in 2021, have stayed since then and have the right visas, will become eligible for ILR in 2026. Those who arrived in 2022 will be eligible in 2027 and so on. Where does the two million figure come from? The CPS estimated that around two million people from the 2021-2024 cohort could be eligible for ILR over the 3.5 years between January 2026 and July 2029. Assuming they are still in the country. The think tank got to this figure by excluding visas that would not make people eligible for ILR after five years. That left 1.7 million out of 3.8 million total long-term visas issued between January 2021 and June 2024. To this number it added those who had switched from a ineligible to an eligible visa after some time in the UK – for instance changing from a student to a work visa. By adding in these people who have switched visa the CPS estimated that a further 289,000 students who arrived in the UK between January 2021 and June 2024 could become eligible for ILR between January 2026 and June 2029. That takes the total to around two million. By CPS estimates, a little under 400,000 of those could become eligible in 2026. What proportion of the two million are likely to get ILR, according to the report? Not all the two million are likely to have stayed in the country for the full five years, and some of those who do stay for the full period will still not apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. The CPS report estimated that out of the cohort of two million, around 686,000 people will obtain ILR between January 2026 and June 2029 and a further 115,000 by 2040. That is a total of 801,000 of those who came between January 2021 and June 2024. The CPS warned that some of its estimations were based on what proportion of people on certain visas had in the past eventually gained ILR. These proportions might be different in the cohort that arrived between January 2021 and June 2024. The CPS report's 'new paradigm' scenario where it assumes that the 2021-2024 cohort is much more likely to gain ILR sees around 1.2 million of them being granted Indefinite Leave to Remain. The video In a video accompanying the posts by the Conservatives on social media, the party's leader Kemi Badenoch says that the two million could claim citizenship 'from next year' – not in 2026 as the text in the posts claimed. Although it avoids the text's mistake, this still does not take into account that it will take these people a year from getting ILR before they are eligible for citizenship. That means that they will not be able to apply for citizenship until at least 2027. Links Post on LinkedIn (archived) Post on X (archived post and video) Post on Facebook (archived) CPS – Here To Stay? Estimating the Scale and Cost of Long-Term Migration (archived) – Check if you can get indefinite leave to remain (archived)
