Megan Moorhouse

The UK Government has confirmed significant changes to the UK's settlement system, introducing a new "earned settlement" model that will reshape how many migrants become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as ‘Settlement’. Under the current rules, individuals on eligible visa routes can generally apply for ILR after five years of lawful residence. Under the new framework, however, the standard qualifying period will increase to 10 years, with greater emphasis being...

A civil penalty for illegal working can expose an employer to a fine of up to £60,000 per illegal worker. Although effective Right to Work checks are the first line of defence, employers must also be aware of how to respond if the Home Office issues a penalty. This article outlines the process following a Civil Penalty Notice and sets out the steps employers can take to challenge such notices. Identifying a breach: What steps will the Home Office take? The Home Office draws on a range of...

The Home Office has introduced a number of important updates to the Sponsor Guidance which will impact how organisations manage their sponsor licences and SMS users. Key changes sponsors should be aware of include: ✅ Level 2 Users New Level 2 users can only be added to a sponsor licence until 9 September 2026. Existing Level 2 users must be converted to Level 1 users (where eligible) or deactivated by 8 March 2027. ✅ Inactive SMS Users SMS users must access their accounts regularly and keep...