Staff immigration latest updates

Today, marks a major step in the UK Government's plan to digitise the UK border and immigration system.

From today, all eligible European visitors can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and will need one to travel to or transit (landside) through the UK from 2 April 2025.

• GOV.UK: Check if you can get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
• GOV.UK: Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

This expansion follows the successful phased rollout of ETAs to non-European nationals throughout 2024. The expansion of ETAs to eligible Europeans means, from 2 April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will need an ETA to travel to the UK.

People who require a visa to visit the UK will continue to do so and should not obtain an ETA. Those who are exempt from immigration control will not require an ETA.

• GOV.UK: What's your nationality as shown on your passport or travel document?
• GOV.UK: Exemption from immigration control (Non armed forces)

Applying for an ETA is quick and simple through the UK ETA app, with the vast majority of applicants receiving a decision within minutes.

Almost 1.1 million visitors have been issued with ETAs, and will benefit from smoother, easier travel to the UK for short trips in the future.

You can download the latest Partner Pack of updated promotional materials, model website content, social media assets and factsheets:

• Home Office: ETA stakeholder partner pack - 5 March 2025

We are pleased to provide the latest information about the UK's transition to eVisa, including three important updates:

• Millions have now taken action to access their eVisa
• Over 4 million UK visa holders have successfully created a UKVI account to access their eVisa, according to Home Office statistics published today. An estimated 600,000 people still need to create their UKVI account to access their eVisa and they are urged to act now.
• Those yet to switch are encouraged to create their UKVI account: Online immigration status (eVisa)

More information

• UK Parliament: eVisas, Statement made on 27 February 2025
• GOV.UK: Millions have now taken action to access their eVisa

eVisa: extension of use of biometric permits for travel

To support a continued smooth transition to eVisas, and ensure no one is disadvantaged by it, the Home Office is extending the 'grace period' announced in December 2024 which allows people with a biometric residence permit (BRP) or EUSS biometric residence card (BRC) that expired on or after 31 December 2024, and who continue to hold underlying immigration status, to continue to use their BRP for international travel until 1 June 2025 inclusive.

We committed to keep this transitional measure under review and we are extending the end date from 31 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 inclusive. From the 2 June 2025, expired BRPs and EUSS BRCs will no longer be acceptable evidence of immigration status when travelling to the UK.

People should link their current passport or travel document to their eVisa before travelling:

• GOV.UK: Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details

They may also wish to get a share code in advance of travel, which is valid for 90 days:

• GOV.UK: View and prove your immigration status: get a share code

Update my details - Biographic changes

We have improved the process for updating personal details for those with UKVI accounts and eVisas:

• GOV.UK: Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details

This new feature automates the process for updating name and nationality details for those with biometric-chipped documents, eliminating the need to send physical identity documents to the Home Office.

Why the change

• Simplifies the process for updating biographic details, such as name changes due to marriage.
• Supports eVisas, allowing easy updates to personal details online, for free.

User benefits

• Reduces the need to submit physical passports to the Home Office.
• The services is accessible both in and out of the UK, 24/7.
• French and Dutch nationals can also add married names as listed on their identity documents.

A manual process remains available for those unable to use the automated system.

Information on updating personal details

• GOV.UK: Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details

Written statement from the Minister of State for the Home Office

• eVisas - Statement made on 4 December 2024

The Government has made some changes to the plans to the rollout of eVisas to address some of the areas of concern.

Extending use of expiring BRPs

..."However, we have also listened to concerns about the risk to customers who are travelling after 31 December, where their underlying status has not expired. In order to smooth the transition to eVisas, we have decided to allow carriers to accept a BRP or EUSS BRC expiring on or after 31 December 2024 as valid evidence of permission to travel until at least 31 March and this date will be kept under review. Customers travelling in the early part of the year are therefore advised to continue carrying their expired BRP, as this will add to the range of checking options already available to carriers."

Home Office Confirms Changes to the EU Settlement Scheme – May 2024

The Home Office has confirmed upcoming changes to the EU settlement scheme.  The Home Office will remove the pre-settled expiry date from the digital profile in the one line RTW check.  We are no longer required to conduct a follow up right  to work check on those with pre settled status.  Individuals with pre-settled status will now receive an automatic extension for an additional 5 years, rather than the previously planned 2 years.  The implementation date is yet to be clarified but we will of course keep you updated.

The Government has recently set out a series of initiatives and planned changes to visa arrangements, which include:

• A 48% increase in the skilled worker general minimum salary threshold from £26,200 to £38,700;
• Changes to the Shortage Occupation List to reduce the number of jobs where workers can be paid 20% less than the general minimum salary threshold;
• An increase in the income required to sponsor someone for a spouse/partner visa from £18,600 to £38,700; and
• A review of the graduate visa by the Migration Advisory Committee which enables students to remain in the UK for two years after the end of their studies.

The Government has indicated that these changes will come into effect next Spring.

Professor Richard Black, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said, “We hugely value our international colleagues and students, who bring so much talent and so many important, fresh perspectives to our University community. We are absolutely clear that the University and the country need to continue to attract our invaluable technicians and language tutors and the next generation of world-leading researchers and more, to study and work with us.

“The Government is still working through the details of these initiatives and we are working closely with colleagues from Universities UK and the Russell Group to lobby on a number of fronts for the benefit of both our current and prospective staff and students.”

Colleagues will be kept updated as more detail becomes available and anyone affected or with questions can contact HR on staffimmigration@liverpool.ac.uk for advice and support. Support is also available via the Employee Assistance Programme. Once the full details of the Government’s plans are available, an online briefing session from specialist immigration lawyers will be organised for staff.

The Government has announced the NHS surcharge will increase mid-January 2024. Both houses of Parliament need to approve this.

The proposed change will see surcharges rise:

• From £624 to £1,035 per applicant per year;
• From £470 to £776 for children, students their dependants and those applying under the student and youth mobility visa routes.

If approved, the planned increase is set to come into effect on 16 January 2024 at the earliest.

Increase in visa application fees effective 4 October 2023

From 4 October 2023 the fees associated to visa applications, priority services, and Certificate of Sponsorship will increase by around 15-20%.

The following table provides a summary of the new fees payable for the main applicant and each dependent for some of the visa routes.

Reporting duties

A skilled worker sponsorship is based on the specific role the visa holder is undertaking, any changes in that role must be reported to the Home Office by the staff immigration team.

The department should discuss any proposed changes in a skilled worker visa holder's role with the staff immigration team to check that they are permitted. All changes must be reported within 10 working days.

Contractual changes include:

• Change in start date or late arrival
• Changes in job details, e.g. job title, duties, salary/allowances, hours of work, work location
• Unauthorised absence, authorised unpaid leave and changes in salary due to leave
• Changes in immigration status, e.g. left early.

Please contact staffimmigration@liverpool.ac.uk for further information.

Record keeping

Skilled work and tier 5 visa holders are required to report the following changes to their department/staff immigration team, this does not need to reported to the home office, however the University of Liverpool has a duty as a sponsor to retain a history of their contact details 

• Change of contact details, (UK residential address/personal email address/telephone number/
• Change in name/personal details

Please contact staffimmigration@liverpool.ac.uk for further information.

When should employers carry out right to work checks?

A right to work check of the employee's original documents must be completed the day before their appointment starts. It is generally recommended that departments carry out the check at the interview stage to ensure they are satisfied that the individual can work legally in the UK.  If checks have not been carried out at the interview stage, a right to work check must be completed the day before they start working at the University for all employees. The check must be conducted with the employee present either in-person or via a video call.  Click here for further guidance on how to complete a valid Right to Work Check.