Staff immigration latest updates

Find out the latest from the Staff Immigration team.

Home Office immigration fees increase - 8 April 2026

The government has published the new immigration and nationality fees which will come into effect from 8 April 2026. There are increases across the board, with most fees increasing by 6 or 7%.

The application fee for indefinite leave to remain is going up by £197, from £3,029 to £3,226. That's per person, so a family of four would be looking at application fees of nearly £13,000. That doesn't take into account the cost of the life in the UK test or any English language tests, legal fees, document translation, etc.

Graduate visas - January 2027

The graduate route currently allows eligible graduates who have successfully completed a UK bachelor's degree, master's degree or other relevant qualification to remain in the UK for two years. PhD graduates may stay for three years.

The duration of the stay of those on the graduate route will be reduced to 18 months. The change to 18 months will apply to applications submitted on or after 1 January 2027. PhD graduates will continue to receive three years.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) - February 2026

The Government is making improvements to deliver a more streamlined digital immigration system which will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who travel to the UK each year. This means all eligible visitors must obtain an approved ETA before travelling to the UK. From 25 February 2026 eligible visitors without an ETA will not be able to travel legally to the UK. Applications cost £16 and permits multiple journeys to the UK of up to six months at a time over two years, applications are made via GOV.UK:

English language skills - January 2026

The English language requirement for the Skilled Worker visa will be increased from B1 to B2. This is an A-level equivalent standard in speaking, listening, reading and writing.

The new requirements will apply to those seeking an initial grant of leave. Those who have already obtained permission where they were required to show a B1 level will continue to be subject to a B1 level requirement where they are seeking an extension on the same route.

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Gentle reminders

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.

Further guidance on how to complete a valid Right to Work Check: