RNP Legal

20/03/2026

UK Visa Fees to Increase from April 2026

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has announced that visa application fees will rise from 8 April 2026, affecting key routes including the Skilled Worker visa.

Fees will increase for applications both inside and outside the UK, with similar hikes across Immigration Salary List and Health & Care visas.

Impact:
• Higher costs for employers sponsoring workers
• Increased financial burden on applicants
• Likely surge in applications before the deadline, causing delays

Advice: Apply before 8 April 2026 to save costs and avoid last-minute rush.

02/03/2026

17/02/2026

A child born in Canada is generally granted Canadian citizenship at birth, regardless of the parents’ immigration status, including those on a tourist visa. The birth certificate issued by the province or territory serves as proof of citizenship. However, an exception applies if a parent was working in Canada with diplomatic privileges for a foreign government or international organization at the time of the child’s birth, in which case the child does not automatically acquire Canadian citizenship.

16/02/2026

The latest January 2026 statistics from the Home Office indicate a significant decline in Skilled Worker visa applications following the July 2025 immigration rule changes.

The reforms — including higher salary thresholds and limiting eligibility to RQF Level 6 roles — signal a structural shift in the UK’s work migration system. The UK is moving away from a volume-driven sponsorship model towards a more selective, compliance-focused framework.

For employers, this means increased scrutiny, stricter sponsor licence compliance, and a stronger need for strategic workforce planning and retention.

15/02/2026

The next ballot for the UK–India Young Professionals Scheme has been announced, giving eligible Indian nationals an opportunity to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to two years.

The ballot will open at 2:30 PM (IST) on 17 February 2026 and close at 2:30 PM (IST) on 19 February 2026. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria before entering the ballot.

Prospective candidates are advised to review the official guidance and ensure they qualify before submitting their entry.

14/02/2026

Brief Summary

The Court of Appeal has ruled in R (Kone) v SSHD [2025] EWCA Civ 1653 that a child can apply for immediate settlement under paragraph 297 if one parent is British or settled in the UK, regardless of the other parent’s immigration status.

The judgment overturns the previous practice of the Home Office, which had been granting children limited leave to match the parent with shorter status. The decision is expected to significantly benefit families by removing unnecessary waiting periods for settlement.

13/02/2026

Australia Launches New Skills in Demand Visa

Australia has introduced the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482), replacing the former TSS visa as the country’s primary employer-sponsored work visa.

The new visa allows skilled workers to stay for up to four years, provides a 180-day window to change employers, and offers clearer pathways to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). Multiple streams are available based on skill and salary levels.

Experts advise careful selection of the appropriate stream and early planning for permanent residency to ensure long-term success.

12/02/2026

Permanent Residency: Not Always Truly Permanent

The term “permanent residency” may sound absolute, but its meaning varies across countries. In nations such as Canada and Australia, permanent resident status comes with residency obligations and renewal conditions. Individuals must meet minimum physical presence requirements to maintain their status and travel rights.

In contrast, New Zealand’s Permanent Residence is considered genuinely permanent. Once granted, it does not carry ongoing travel conditions, allowing holders to leave and return even years later without losing their status.

The difference highlights the importance of understanding the legal conditions behind the label “permanent.”

11/02/2026

Client: I’m travelling to the UK soon. Is there any new requirement I should know about?
Lawyer: Yes. From 25 February 2026, the Home Office will carry out extra checks on UK immigration status before boarding.
Client: What should I do?
Lawyer: Make sure your UKVI account shows your correct passport number, expiry date, and nationality.
Client: I recently got a new passport.
Lawyer: Then update your account immediately, otherwise you could face delays or be refused boarding.
Client: How long does it take?
Lawyer: Only a few minutes online through the UKVI portal.

Summary:
Travellers must update their UKVI account with correct and current passport details before 25 February 2026 to avoid travel delays or denied boarding.