The UKBA’s public consultation on reforms to work routes (including routes that lead to settlement, Tier 5 and overseas domestic workers) closes on Friday 9 September.

The consultation sets out the government’s proposals for breaking the link between temporary and permanent migration. Read the full story

Justice 4 Domestic Workers this week led a protest outside parliament, which saw hundreds of migrant domestic workers demonstrating against proposed changes to their visa conditions. Read the full story

A recent study revealed that almost 15% of people who qualify for and hold a UK Ancestry Visa are already British Citizens but don’t  know it! Read the full story

In light of recent announcements made by Immigration Minister Damien Green, 1st Contact Visas is encouraging Tier 1, 2 and 5 visa holders as well as foreign nationals wanting to switch categories, to make the necessary applications soon so as not to be affected by the proposed changes by the UK Border Agency with a suggested date taking effect on 1 April 2012. Read the full story

The UK Government has announced that they have accepted all of the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) recommendations relating to the points threshold for the Tier 1 (General) highly skilled migrant category visa. Read the full story

The UK may well be advised to relax its Tier 1 educational requirement from a Masters qualification to a Bachelors degree, following recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). The suggestion is good news for applicants currently falling behind in points for the Tier 1 visa. Read the full story