Category: Immigration updates

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

Impact of International Student Numbers on UK Migration and Economy

Official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that 728,000 people migrated to the UK in the year ending June 2024 which is a 20% decline compared to the revised figure of 906,000 for the previous year. This drop was sharper than initially expected, reflecting recent policy changes impacting migration patterns. Among those…
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UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for EU Travellers

From 2 April 2025, EU nationals traveling to the UK for tourism or transit must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure. This requirement, previously only for non-EU nationals,​ will now apply to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens including ​those simply passing through the UK. You don’t need an ETA if you are a British…
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US to Sell $5 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visas Under New Plan

US President Donald Trump has announced a new “gold card” visa program, offering permanent residency to affluent foreigners willing to pay $5 million. Speaking at the White House, President Trump described the scheme as providing “green card privileges plus” and a “pathway to citizenship” for those who purchase the card. “Wealthy individuals will come to…
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Isle of Man to Require Digital Travel Permit by Late 2025

Visitors to the Isle of Man from outside the Common Travel Area (CTA) will soon need a digital travel permit, as the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is set to launch by late 2025. The ETA will apply to non-British and non-Irish citizens who do not require a visa to enter the island, mirroring…
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UK-India Young Professionals Visa: 2025 Ballot Dates Announced

The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) 2025 ballot is set to open on 18 February 2025, giving young Indian nationals the chance to live, work, study, and travel in the UK for up to two years. With 3,000 places available under the scheme in 2025, most will be allocated in the February ballot, while the…
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