Immigration knowledge hub
UK immigration guides
17 plain-English explainers on the rules, requirements, costs and timings, written by the advisers who run the cases. For dated news and analysis, read the blog.
Digital status and right to work
eVisa explained
What an eVisa is, how digital status replaced the BRP, and how to view and share yours.
Read guideUKVI account help
Setting up, signing in to and recovering a UKVI account when the usual details no longer work.
Read guideShare codes
How to generate a share code from your UKVI account and what an employer or landlord sees.
Read guideRight to work checks
The three accepted routes for employers, and how to record a check that gives a statutory excuse.
Read guideWork and sponsorship
Skilled Worker visa requirements
Sponsorship, salary thresholds, skill level and English, in the order they are assessed.
Read guideSponsor licence requirements
What a UK employer needs to hold a licence: eligibility, documents, key personnel and fees.
Read guideSOC codes explained
How SOC 2020 occupation codes work, and how the code sets skill level and going rate.
Read guideSettlement and citizenship
ILR requirements
The qualifying period, absences, English, Life in the UK and the documents caseworkers expect.
Read guideLeave to remain explained
The difference between leave to enter, limited leave to remain and settlement.
Read guideBritish citizenship requirements
Naturalisation rules: residence and absence limits, the ILR wait, good character and the fee.
Read guideLife in the UK Test
Booking, cost, accepted ID and what the test actually covers.
Read guideCosts, timings and choosing an adviser
UK visa fees explained
Application fees, the immigration health surcharge and the costs people forget to budget for.
Read guideUK visa processing times
Standard service standards overseas and in-country, and what priority services change.
Read guideImmigration adviser or immigration lawyer?
Who is regulated by whom, what each can do, and which one a given case needs.
Read guideSponsor licence services compared
What differs between DIY, a low-cost filing service and full representation.
Read guideImmigration questions answered
Short answers to the questions we are asked most, grounded in current rules and published fees.
Read guideStill not sure how the rules apply to you?
Have your case looked at by an adviser
Guides cover the general position. Book a consultation and an IAA-regulated adviser will apply the rules to your documents and circumstances.