Heathrow abolishes 100-ml liquids rule after £1 billion CT-scanner upgrade
Number of UK licensed work sponsors tops 87,000 as Home Office updates register
Student-visa growth masks headwinds for UK purpose-built student housing
Latest News
MAC review prompts debate over £29k family-visa income threshold
A 23 January update notes that the MAC recommends lowering the family-visa income bar to £23k–£25k, but the government has not yet moved from the current £29k. Employers should watch the policy debate, as a lower MIR would make it easier for foreign staff to secure partner visas and remain in the UK.
UK raises English language bar for work visas and confirms full ETA enforcement from 25 February 2026
From 8 January 2026 new Skilled Worker, HPI and Scale-up visa applicants must meet the higher B2 English standard, replacing the longstanding B1 level. Separately, the UK will **fully enforce** its Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme on 25 February 2026, meaning visa-free visitors who arrive without an ETA can be denied boarding and carriers fined. Employers need to build extra time for language tests, update sponsorship paperwork and add ETA checks to business-travel processes.
Home Office flags 2026 fee hikes: ETA to £16 and Certificate of Sponsorship to £525
A Home Office briefing dated 22 January confirms sharp increases to immigration charges: ETA applications will cost £16 and each Certificate of Sponsorship will rise to £525. Naturalisation fees will also go up. Employers should front-load sponsorship and naturalisation applications to avoid the higher costs, while travel teams need to budget for a pricier ETA ahead of its compulsory rollout next month.