Uk Visa
UK issues 411,100 study visas in early 2025, up 4.6% after 2024 policy dip
UK issued 393,000 main applicant study visas in 2024, a decrease of 14% compared to the previous year.
 "UK issues 411,100 study visas in early 2025, up 4.6% after 2024 policy dip")
UK visa applications fall 40% in 2025; student dependant visas down 85%
Applications from health and care workers, once a major contributor to overall visa numbers, have seen one of the steepest declines
UK gig economy employers face £60,000 fines for each illegal worker hired
The new move brings an estimated 4 million people working in the gig economy into the scope of employment checks
 "UK gig economy employers face £60,000 fines for each illegal worker hired")
UK visa fees for visitors, students, workers to rise by up to 28% in April
The UK government on March 19, 2025 announced higher visa fees across all categories
 "UK visa fees for visitors, students, workers to rise by up to 28% in April")
UK tightens care worker visa rules: Firms must hire workers already there
The rules mean social care employers must first demonstrate that they have attempted to recruit international workers already in the UK who need a new employer
 "UK tightens care worker visa rules: Firms must hire workers already there")
UK skilled worker visa has interesting roles like canine beauticians & DJ
Between 2021 and March 2024, a total of 334 skilled worker visas were granted for occupations in animal care services, including roles like dog groomers, dog walkers and kennel assistants
UK study visas: Applications up 13% in January 2025, first rise in a year
The increase in student visa applications follows a period of decline triggered by policy changes introduced in January 2024
 "UK study visas: Applications up 13% in January 2025, first rise in a year")
UK visa: Apply for UK-India Young Professionals Scheme 2025 on February 18
YPS is a reciprocal scheme that allows UK and Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 to live, study, travel, and work in the other country for up to two years
UK citizenship rules: Opposition wants PR ban for low-wage immigrants
Households applying for UK citizenship must prove they are "net contributors" to the economy, meaning they would have to meet a higher earnings threshold, says UK Opposition
Migration to push UK population to 72.5 mn by 2032: Why it may hit Indians
The change is likely to increase pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to tighten immigration policies
 "Migration to push UK population to 72.5 mn by 2032: Why it may hit Indians")
UK to hike immigrant sponsorship fee by 100%: How it impacts job seekers
The UK government estimates that the proposed immigration fee increases could generate an additional £269 million annually
UK plans to relax visa rules for AI workers: Opportunity for Indian techies
The move is part of the government's AI Opportunities Action Plan, unveiled on January 13, 2025
UK bars employers from shifting sponsorship costs to skilled workers
The new policy mandates that businesses cover expenses such as Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), sponsor licences, and other related costs
Cut foreign worker reliance, deport illegal immigrants: UK's crackdown plan
The changes will impact Indians trying to enter the UK illegally and also those who wish to work in the country legally
Switch to UK's new eVisa by March 2025: Here's a step-by-step guide
Over 3.1 million people have already moved to the digital system
 "Switch to UK's new eVisa by March 2025: Here's a step-by-step guide")
UK introduces grace period for transition to eVisa system until March 2025
The UK on Wednesday introduced a grace period until March 2025, during which time expired physical documentation will be accepted for international travel as visa holders make the transition to an entirely online eVisa system. As part of an ongoing Home Office drive, all visa holders including many Indians using a physical biometric residence permit (BRP), a passport containing a visa vignette sticker or ink stamp confirming their indefinite leave to enter/remain in the country, or biometric residence card (BRC) as evidence of their immigration rights, were given until the end of December to make the switch to an eVisa. While the Home Office claims over 3.1 million people have already switched over to an eVisa, there are believed to be several others who have been unable to meet the year-end deadline having encountered technical issues, among other reasons. For those who are yet to switch to an eVisa, a wide range of guidance and support is available, said Seema Malhotra, UK ...
 "UK introduces grace period for transition to eVisa system until March 2025")
What happens when UK study visa expires for Indians? Options explained
Most countries offer post-study work visas, allowing graduates time to find work after completing their studies
UK's Graduate Route visa to stay unchanged; relief for Indian students
Everyone recognises that Indian students are phenomenal. Indian alumni are leading globally, including at the World Bank and beyond," says UK's Lord Karan Bilimoria
UK to start ETA for non-visa travellers in 2025: What this means for you
The UK Home Office has introduced the ETA scheme, which operates similarly to the US ESTA system
UK drops Rs 41 lakh minimum income rule for Family Visa, relief for Indians
The planned hike had raised concerns among analysts about its potential impact on lower-income families
 "UK drops Rs 41 lakh minimum income rule for Family Visa, relief for Indians")
