A criminal record has always had a potential impact on a foreign national’s ability to enter and live in the UK. However, from January 2025 it becomes a whole lot more significant for a large percentage of the global population, as citizens of most countries (except for EU / EEA members, for whom the change will happen in April 2025) will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK.

The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) allows young individuals to live, work, and experience life in the UK for two or three years. This visa route is tailored for those who wish to gain life experience, broaden their career prospects, and immerse themselves in British life and culture.

Part 9 of the Immigration Rules outlines suitability requirements which will result in the refusal of an immigration application; these are known as the general grounds for refusal. Some routes, such as the partner route, have their own specific suitability requirements, but most applications for entry clearance and permission to stay in the UK will simply refer to the general grounds.

Immigrating to the UK can be a daunting process, but a relocation service can significantly reduce the stress, time, and often the cost associated with such a move. By providing bespoke guidance, support, and expertise throughout your relocation journey, these services ensure a smoother transition to your new life in the UK.

If you’ve lost settlement due to an extended absence, the Returning Resident visa offers a pathway to regain it. As with most immigration applications, there are three categories of requirements to meet: validity, suitability, and eligibility.

If you are in the UK on a spouse visa, as a dependant on your partner’s visa (such as a Skilled Worker or Global Talent visa), or with pre-settled status as the partner of an EU national, you must inform the Home Office when you divorce your partner. Even if you do not, you will be unable to extend your status or apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) / settled status.

If you are applying for a visa to come to the UK, you need to make sure you have all the necessary documents at the ready. There are a number of supporting documents required to prove your identity and demonstrate that you meet the eligibility criteria for any UK visa application. However, each visa is subject to different requirements and the documents you will need to supply as evidence differs in each case.

The UK’s Global Talent Visa is a unique immigration route designed for individuals who have already made significant contributions to their fields or show promising potential. It provides a flexible path to living and working in the UK without the need for a job offer, offering opportunities for long-term settlement.