Immigration News - Sep / Oct 2023 update

 

We are here to support you with any immigration matters and remove some of those challenges associated with Immigration compliance.

Should you need any advice or support, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Working in the UK

Increased Visa Application Fees for Work Visas

The Home Office (UKVI) has announced an increase to many Immigration and Nationality fees for applications for Work visas made from outside and within the UK. These new fees will be payable by applicants that are applying on or after 4^th October 2023.

The table below shows the increases to visa application fees for those applying for a Skilled Worker visa or Health and Care visa from outside the UK.

Fees category	Current Fee	New Fee from 4th Oct 2023	Fee change
Skilled Worker visa – CoS issued for 3 years or less	£625	£719	£94
Skilled Worker visa – CoS issued for more than 3 years	£1,235	£1,420	£185
Skilled Worker visa (shortage occupation) – CoS issued for 3 years or less	£479	£551	£72
Skilled Worker visa (shortage occupation) – CoS issued for more than 3 years	£943	£1,084	£141
Skilled Worker - Health and Care visa – CoS issued for 3 years or less	£247	£284	£37
Skilled Worker - Health and Care visa) – CoS issued for more than 3 years	£479	£551	£72

The table below shows the increases to visa application fees for those applying for a Skilled Worker visa or Health and Care visa from inside the UK.

Fees category	Current Fee	New Fee from 4th Oct 2023	Fee change
Skilled Worker visa – CoS issued for 3 years or less	£719	£827	£108
Skilled Worker visa – CoS issued for more than 3 years	£1,423	£1,500	£77
Skilled Worker visa (shortage occupation) – CoS issued for 3 years or less	£479	£551	£72
Skilled Worker visa (shortage occupation) – CoS issued for more than 3 years	£943	£1,084	£141
Skilled Worker - Health and Care visa – CoS issued for 3 years or less	£247	£284	£37
Skilled Worker - Health and Care visa) – CoS issued for more than 3 years	£479	£551	£72

The list of the Home Office immigration and nationality fees can be viewed here.

The Home Office (UKVI) have also announced that the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) will also increase from £624 to £1,035 per year for workers and their families (dependants). Whilst it has not yet been confirmed when this increase will be effective from, we anticipate that notice will be given considering the scale of the increase and the impact this will have on applicants.

There are also increases to sponsorship fees for Worker / Temporary Worker sponsors, which can be viewed in the separate Sponsorship section of this update or by clicking here.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table

 

Right to Work - Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) / expiry date

This is a reminder that physical BRPs can no longer be accepted as evidence of right to work in the UK. An online right to work check must be conducted instead. Where a BRP or eVisa has been issued, the prospective or current employee must provide you with a share code so you can conduct an online right to work check.

In the case of prospective workers, the online right to work check must be conducted prior to the employee commencing work for you.

You must also ensure that you log and monitor the expiry date of the visa. The expiry date logged must be the expiry of the visa / permission and not the expiry date of the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

From 1st January 2025, the Home Office (UKVI) intend for immigration permission / status to be evidenced digitally via an online system without a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). For this reason, where someone is issued with BRP for a visa expiring after 31^st December 2024, the expiry date on the BRP will say 31^st December 2024 even where the actual visa expires after that date.

Further information will be published by the Home Office (UKVI) in due course about the new digital online system.

 

Changes to the Immigration Rules: Prison Service Officers

The role of Prison Service Officers will now be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. This occupation meets the skills threshold, and workers can be sponsored where the Civil Service nationality requirements are met.

The full Statement of Changes can be viewed here.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1780-7-september-2023

  

Current Visa Processing Times - Work Visas

The Home Office (UKVI) have published their current decision waiting times for those applying from inside or outside the UK.

Those applying to switch or extend their work visa from within the UK, should receive a decision within 8 weeks of attending their biometric appointment or the date the application / documents were received by the UKVI (if no appointment is required). Applications made under the Health and Care Visa normally receive a decision within 3 weeks if applied for from inside the UK. The latest processing times for those applying from inside the UK can be viewed here.

Those applying for a work visa from outside the UK, should get a decision within 3 weeks once they have either attended their appointment at the visa application centre (VAC)or used the ID Check app and submitted their application/supporting documents. The latest processing times for those applying from outside the UK can be viewed here.

Applicants may be able to pay an additional fee to expedite their applications for a quicker decision.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-processing-times-applications-outside-the-uk

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-processing-times-applications-inside-the-uk

 

Enhancements to the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS)

A Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules was laid in Parliament on 7^th September 2023, which will bring about changes in relation to the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS).

The key changes with respect to the YMS are as follows:

• The UK’s existing reciprocal bilateral arrangements with Australia and Canada have been enhanced by expanding the age range from 18 – 30 to 18 – 35 and the length of stay is being increased from 2 to 3 years.
• A minor technical amendment is also being made to clarify the limitations on self-employment on this route.
• The UK has negotiated a YMS arrangement with Andorra, so this will be added to the list of countries / territories participating in this route and the Rules will be amended to reflect the requirements for Andorran citizens coming to the UK.

The full Statement of Changes can be viewed here.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1780-7-september-2023

 

Changes to the Immigration Rules: Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) route

A Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules was laid in Parliament on 7^th September 2023, which has proposed amendments to the Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) route.

The following key changes are being made to Appendix Government Authorised Exchange:

• Removing the ‘Scottish Government Interchange Scheme’ that is now redundant.
• Updating the sponsor for the ‘Chevening and Marshall Sherfield Fellowships Programmes’ to British Council
• A minor amendment is also being made to correct a drafting error in GAE. 6.1(b).

The full Statement of Changes can be viewed here.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1780-7-september-2023

 

Changes to the Immigration Rules: Graduate route

A Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules was laid in Parliament on 7^th September 2023, which has proposed amendment to the Student and Graduate routes.

The following key changes are being made:

• A technical amendment is being made to the validity section of the Immigration Rules for Graduate main applicants and dependants to clarify the intention that where an applicant has held permission which relied on scholarship or sponsorship by a government / international scholarship agency, they must obtain consent from that government or agency to extend their permission.
• The amendment to GR 1.5 of Appendix Graduate will bring the clause in line with comparable clauses in Appendix Student and Appendix Child Student. The amendment will make clear that the rule’s scope should include students who have held permission for which they had applicable sponsorship in the 12 months before their Graduate application where the sponsorship or scholarship began more than 12 months before the date on which the Graduate application was made.

The full Statement of Changes can be viewed here.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1780-7-september-2023

 

Changes to the Immigration Rules: Seasonal Worker route

A Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules was laid in Parliament on 7^th September 2023, which will make a minor technical amendment to the rules in relation to Seasonal Workers. The amendment to the rules will clarify the minimum 32 hours pay per week requirement for the Seasonal Workers in Horticulture and seasonal poultry workers.

The full Statement of Changes can be viewed here.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1780-7-september-2023

 

Studying in the UK  

Increased Visa Application Fees for Study Visas

The Home Office (UKVI) has announced increases to the visa application fees for many immigration visa routes and nationality applications. These new fees will be payable by applicants that are applying on or after 4^th October 2023.

There is no fee increase to those applying for a Student or Child Student visa from inside the UK, nor to those applying for a Short-Term Study (English Language) visa. However, there is an increase of £127 for those applying for a Student or Child Student visa from outside the UK, as they will now pay the same fee as those applying inside the UK (i.e. £490).

The table below shows the fees that will be payable for study visas on or after that date.

Fees category	Current Fee	New Fee from 4th Oct 2023	Fee change
Student – main applicant and dependants	£363 (outside UK)   £490 (inside UK)	£490   £490	£127   £0
Child Student	£363 (outside UK)   £490 (inside UK)	£490   £490	£127   £0
Short-Term Study (English Language)	£200	£200	£0

The Home Office (UKVI) have also announced that the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) will also increase from £624 to £1,035 per year for students and their families (dependants). Whilst it has not yet been confirmed when this increase will be effective from, we anticipate that notice will be given, considering the scale of the increase and the impact this will have on applicants.

There are also increases to sponsorship fees for Student / Child Student sponsors, which can be viewed in the separate Sponsorship section of this update or by clicking here.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table

 

Changes to the Immigration Rules: Student route

A Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules was laid in Parliament on 7^th September 2023, which has proposed amendment to the Student / Child Student route. The full Statement of Changes can be viewed here.

The following key changes are being made:

• A technical amendment is being made to the validity section of the Immigration Rules for Student dependants to clarify the intention that where an applicant has held permission which relied on scholarship or sponsorship by a government / international scholarship agency, they must obtain consent from that government or agency to extend their permission.
• The amendments to ST 28.3 will bring the clauses in line with comparable clauses relating to main applicants in Appendix Student and Appendix Child Student. The amendments will make clear that the rule’s scope should include dependants who have held permission for which they had applicable sponsorship in the 12 months before the date on which their Student application was made.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1780-7-september-2023

 

Student visa applications - Proof of finances

The Home Office (UKVI) are concerned by an increase in the number of forged financial documents received by them in relation to Student visa applications.

As this can have a detrimental impact on the reputation of schools, colleges, and institutions, it is imperative that you have robust student recruitment processes in place to ensure the credibility of students applying for a place at the institution and to avoid issuing CAS to students who may potentially be at high risk of refusal.

We strongly recommend that you review the financial information prior to issuing any CAS.

 

Changes to the Immigration Rules: Short-Term Student (English Language) 

A Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules was laid in Parliament on 7^th September 2023, which has proposed amendment to Appendix Finance with respect to the Short-Term Student (English Language) visa route. The full Statement of Changes can be viewed here.

Appendix Finance is being updated to clarify that Short-Term Students (English Language) can rely on funds in the account of a parent or legal guardian.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1780-7-september-2023

 

Right to Study - BRPs with expiry date of 31st December 2024

From 1st January 2025, the Home Office (UKVI) intend for immigration permission / status to be evidenced digitally via an online system without a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). For this reason, where a student is issued with BRP for a study visa expiring after 31^st December 2024, the expiry date on the BRP will say 31^st December 2024 even where the actual visa expires after that date.

When logging and monitoring visa expiry dates, it is important that you enter the date the actual visa expires and not the expiry date of the BRP.

It is also good practice to ask for a copy of the decision email / letter the student received from the Home Office (UKVI) when their visa was granted. This will not only confirm the expiry date of their visa, but will also detail any conditions of their visa (e.g. permission to work). We recommend that you always request a copy of this decision email / letter and retain on file along with the BRP or indeed the eVisa.

Further information will be published by the Home Office (UKVI) in due course about the new digital online system.

 

Current Visa Processing Times - Study visas

The Home Office (UKVI) have published their current decision waiting times for those applying from inside or outside the UK for a study visa.

Those applying to switch or extend their study visa from within the UK, should receive a decision within 8 weeks of attending their biometric appointment or the date the application / documents were received by the UKVI (if no appointment is required). The latest processing times for those applying from inside the UK can be viewed here.

 

Those applying for a Student/Child Student visa or Short-term study visa from outside the UK, should get a decision within 3 weeks once they have either attended their appointment at the visa application centre (VAC) or used the ID Check app and submitted their application/supporting documents. The latest processing times for those applying from outside the UK can be viewed here.

Applicants may be able to pay an additional fee to expedite their applications for a quicker decision.

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/visa-processing-times

 

Sponsorship - please note ...

Increased number of UKVI compliance visits

We understand that the number of UKVI compliance visits is increasing for both education providers and employers. This has also been recently communicated at a number of Immigration stakeholder events.

It is imperative that sponsors are prepared for any such compliance visits and that your policies and procedures are up-to-date and accurate, to ensure that you can demonstrate that you are meeting all your duties and responsibilities as a sponsor. 

You may wish to undertake internal audits/reviews to ensure that you are complying with all UKVI requirements, particularly following recent policy changes.

Many education providers and employers are taking this opportunity to schedule independent mock UKVI compliance visits. Veristat provides such compliance visits, so please do not hesitate to get in touch for further information or a quote for an audit.

 

Increased cost of sponsorship (Student/Child Student sponsors)

From 4^th October 2023, a fee of £25 (increase of £4) will need to be paid by Student / Child Student sponsors when assigning a Confirmation for Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The full list of the Home Office immigration and nationality fees can be viewed here.

There are no changes to the fees payable for applying for a sponsor licence/renewing a licence, or for sponsor action plans.

There are also increases to sponsorship fees for those applying for a study visa, which can be viewed in the separate Studying in the UK section of this update or by clicking here.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table

  

Increased cost of sponsorship (Worker / Temporary Worker sponsors)

From 4^th October 2023, a fee of £239 (increase of £40) will need to be paid by Worker / Temporary Worker sponsors when assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

There are no changes to the fees payable for applying for a sponsor licence, renewing a licence or for sponsor action plans.

At present, there has been no announcement that the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) will increase, but we will inform you of any such changes via this update as soon as we become aware of this.

The full list of the Home Office immigration and nationality fees can be viewed here.

There are also increases to sponsorship fees for those applying for a work visa, which can be viewed in the separate Working in the UK section of this update or by clicking here.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations

 

Applying for 'defined' Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)

When applying for ‘defined’ CoS via the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) you are now required to enter the number of hours the individual(s) will be working in the ‘Summary of Job Description’ field. This will enable the Home Office (UKVI) To check that the salary you will be paying is above the appropriate salary threshold and the pro-rated “going rate” for the occupation (SOC) code that the role falls under.

Where you are paying a reduced salary due to tradeable points (e.g. New Entrant), you must also specify that information in the ‘Summary of Job Description’ field, so the Home Office (UKVI) are aware as to why the salary is below the general salary threshold and pro-rated “going rate” for the SOC code.

If you fail to provide the above information on any application for a ‘Defined’ CoS, you will most likely not be granted the CoS and would subsequently need to submit another application which can ultimately delay the recruitment / employment of the sponsored worker.

We are aware of several sponsors who have recently applied for a ‘defined’ CoS and not been aware of the above requirement, so to avoid your request for a ‘defined’ CoS being refused, it is important this information about the working hours and any justifications for a salary reduction are inserted in the ‘Summary of Job Description’ field.

We would also like to remind sponsors that the “going rate” salaries specified in Appendix Skilled Occupations to the sponsor guidance are now calculated on a 37.5-hour working week (not 39 hours as was the case previously).

 

Other Immigration News

Planned increases to the Visa Application Fees / Immigration Health Surcharge

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury has announced plans to increase the rates of the Immigration Health Surcharge, despite high inflation and wider pressures facing the economy. The main rate of Immigration Health Surcharge will increase to £1,035 (currently £624) per year, and the discounted rate for students and under-18’s will increase to £776 (currently £427) per year. Additionally, it has been announced that there will be an15% increase in fees across a range of immigration and nationality routes.

In slightly more welcome news, it has been announced that the £19.20 fee for biometric enrolment previously paid for some applications is being abolished.

It has not yet been announced what date these new fees will be effective from.

You can read the full statement from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury here.

https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2023-07-13/debates/677D41A0-5A85-4869-8167-69044929D759/PublicSectorPay

  

Changes to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and EUSS Family Permits

A Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules was laid in Parliament on 7^th September 2023, which will bring about amendments to the rules / requirements in relation to the EU Settlement Scheme and EUSS Family Permits.

The key changes are as follows:

• The changes in respect of Appendix AR and Appendix AR (EU) remove the right of administrative review for all decision types where it currently applies for the EUSS, the EUSS Family Permit and the S2 Healthcare Visitor visa. The changes will apply to all relevant decisions made on or after 5^th October 2023.
• Some minor technical amendments are also being made to the Immigration Rules for the EUSS in Appendix EU to clarify the existing policy position that where a dependant parent or child has already been granted limited leave under Appendix EU, they will not need to evidence dependency for any future applications under Appendix EU.

The full Statement of Changes can be viewed here.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1780-7-september-2023

  

Current Visa Processing Times - Family route visa applications

The Home Office (UKVI) have published their current decision waiting times for those applying from inside or outside the UK for a family route visa . The latest visa processing times can be viewed here.

For those applying to switch to or extend their Family route visa from within the UK, they should receive a decision within 8 weeks once they’ve attended their biometric appointment or applied online/provided documentation (if no appointment is required). It may be possible to expedite the applications for a quicker decision by using either the Priority or Super Priority services if they are available at the time of application. The latest processing times for those applying from inside the UK can be viewed here.

Those applying for a Family route visa from outside the UK, should get a decision within 24 weeks once they have either attended their appointment at the visa application centre (VAC)or used the ID Check app and submitted their application/supporting documents. If paying extra to use the priority visa services, you would normally expect to receive a decision within 6 weeks of the biometric appointment, although delays are still being experienced in some cases. The latest processing times for those applying from outside the UK can be viewed here.

For those applying for the Homes for Ukraine or Ukraine Family Scheme from outside the UK, a decision will be made by the Home Office (UKVI) as quickly as possible.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-processing-times-applications-outside-the-uk

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-processing-times-applications-inside-the-uk

 

Changes to the Immigration Rules about Long Residence

A Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules was laid in Parliament on 7^th September 2023, which will bring about changes in relation to applications for indefinite leave to remain on the basis of long residence.

In April 2023, the definition of ‘lawful residence’ for the purposes of long residence was changed to exclude time spent on immigration bail, as a visitor, short-term student, or seasonal worker. The rules are now being changed to clarify that this exclusion extends to time spent on previous versions of immigration bail (temporary admission and temporary release) and previous visitor, short-term student, or seasonal worker routes.

The full Statement of Changes can be viewed here.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1780-7-september-2023

 

Changes to the Immigration Rules: Introduction of Appendix Children

A Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules was laid in Parliament on 7^th September 2023, which will introduce a new Appendix Children that will include common requirements (relating to age, independent life, care arrangements, and relationship requirements) for both children applying as dependants of a lead applicants and children applying in their own right.

A common parental consent requirement will apply where a child is applying for entry clearance or permission to stay in their own right.

A full list of the immigration routes that Appendix Children will relate to can be found in the full Statement of Changes, which can be viewed here.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1780-7-september-2023

 

Changes to the Immigration Rules: Electronic Travel Authorisation

A Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules was laid in Parliament on 7^th September 2023, which has proposed amendments to the Appendix Electronic Travel Authorisation.

The key changes in relation to Appendix Electronic Travel Authorisation are as follows:

• An amendment is being made to remove NHS debt as a ground for refusal of an ETA application. A successful ETA application does not guarantee that an applicant will be granted permission to enter at the UK border. Any travellers who have outstanding NHS debts, and who do not take the necessary steps to settle their debts in advance of travel, may be refused entry at the UK border on arrival.
• A policy change is being made to clarify that the ETA exemption for applicants lawfully resident in Ireland who are travelling within the Common Travel Area (CTA) will require a person aged 16 or over to demonstrate residency in Ireland, if required by a UK official, to benefit from this exemption.

The full Statement of Changes can be viewed here.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1780-7-september-2023

 

Changes to the Immigration Rules: Part 9 - grounds for refusal

A Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules was laid in Parliament on 7^th September 2023, which has proposed amendments to Part 9 of the Immigration Rules regarding the grounds for refusal. The full Statement of Changes can be viewed here.

Part 9 sets out general grounds for refusal and currently states that a 10-year re-entry ban applies if someone ‘was deported or removed from the UK’ at public expense. However, the 10-year re-entry ban for those who have been deported or removed was removed from Part 13 of the Spring 2013 change to Immigration Rules. Considering this, paragraph 9.8.7(e) of Part 9 of the Immigration Rules is being amended so that it aligns with Part 13

Additionally, the Immigration Rules that were amended after the Spring 2023 Rules changes, do not specify an amount of time (10 years or otherwise) following which consideration will not be given to applications for entry clearance or permission to enter. There is no minimum period provided in the Rules for the maintenance of the deportation order and therefore having a minimum 10-year period for refusing entry clearance or permission to enter in Part 9 is inconsistent with the new Part 13.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1780-7-september-2023

 

Changes to the Immigration Rules: English Language

A Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules was laid in Parliament on 7^th September 2023, which has proposed amendments to Appendix English Language. The full Statement of Changes can be viewed here.

Appendix English Language of the Immigration Rules is being amended to allow an applicant to demonstrate they meet the English Language requirement for an additional 6 immigration routes if they have a GCSE, A Level, Scottish National Qualification at Level 4 or 5 or Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English. The 6 additional routes are as follows:

• Representative of an Overseas Business
• T2 Minister of Religion
• UK Ancestry
• Global Talent
• Domestic Workers in a Private Household
• Hong Kong British National (Overseas)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1780-7-september-2023

 

Veristat Services

Training on IDSPs, the Skilled Worker or Student routes/Right to Work/Forgery

We provide comprehensive training on all aspects of immigration, including; IDSPs, the Student route, the Skilled Worker route, Right to Work and the identification of fraudulent documents.

We can also deliver a session simply focusing on the recent changes being brought about by the new points-based immigration system and how employers and education providers can be prepared moving forwards.

The new routes have brought about significant changes for sponsors and our training outlines these changes and helps prepare employers and education providers for sponsoring employees and students under these routes.

All training can be provided in person on the client’s site or remotely via Microsoft teams/Zoom.

If you think your organisation would benefit from training in any of these areas, please contact us for a quote by emailing us at  enquiries@veristat.co.uk. If you would like to discuss the contents of our training packages or require a bespoke training package to be delivered, please call us on 01344 624016 or email us as above.

  

Sponsor licence applications

With the introduction of the 2021 immigration system, employers or education providers wishing to employ EEA/EU nationals or non-EEA nationals who do not have right to work need to apply for a Sponsorship licence.

We provide a comprehensive advice and support package to employers and education providers applying for a licence. This can include preparation for a Home Office (UKVI) visit and training on the new Skilled Worker or Student routes and the SMS system, as well as assistance with applying for Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) or Confirmation for Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and a step by step guide for completing the application itself.

Please email us at enquiries@veristat.co.uk or by telephone on 01344 624016 for further details and/or a quote for helping you with your application. 

 

Audits and Inspections

Veristat is hugely experienced in providing compliance audits across all immigration routes. We have worked with hundreds of employers, ranging from small family businesses to multi-nationals, high street retailers and professional sports/football clubs. In the education sector, we have worked with over 30 universities and a significant number of colleges and schools.

Our audit/inspection service is fully flexible and can be tailored to individual requirements. It is  based on sound practical experience of UKVI’s policies, culture and approach.

• For employers, we offer on-site Skilled Worker or ICT compliance inspections (with staff aware or unaware to simulate an announced or unannounced UKVI visit). We also offer right to work compliance visits.
• For education providers, our service ranges from a “lite” health-check to a comprehensive review of student route activities, assessing compliance with UKVI requirements and sharing best practice. We also offer targeted inspections covering specific issues, such as BCA, Skilled Worker compliance, policies, student unions, relationships with partner institutions, etc.

On completion, we provide a comprehensive, evidence-based report, together with an assessment of how compliant the business or institution is with UKVI’s requirements. We will support the introduction of change if required and offer a ‘spot check’ follow up service at a later date if beneficial to reassure management that recommendations have been implemented.

If you are interested in booking an audit/inspection, please call us on 01344 624016 or email us at enquiries@veristat.co.uk.

Please note we are also now offering remote audits and inspections- please contact us for more details.

 

File Inspection Days

If you’re unsure whether you require a full compliance audit or specific training but would like an independent check of your files to ensure they are fully compliant with Home Office requirements, we can provide a UKVI file compliance inspection of either your staff or student files.

Depending on the number of employees/students you have, we would either check all files or an agreed sample. After the inspection has taken place, we would provide a written report outlining any risks, feedback and recommendations.

For further information or a quote for our file inspection days, please call us on 01344 624016 or email us at enquiries@veristat.co.uk.

 

Advice/Support packages

We offer advice/support packages on either a fixed rate monthly retainer basis or on a fixed-hourly basis, which can include a number of our services, such as: acting as your Level 1 user, issuing of CoS/CAS, immigration audit, etc.  If you do not require ongoing retainer advice/support, we offer either 5 or 10 hour annual support packages at reduced rates.

If you are interested in discussing our retainer or hourly advice/support packages further, then please contact us on 01344 624016 or email us at enquiries@veristat.co.uk.

 

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