UK visa news

UKVI will no longer classify these refugees as of "good character"

The UK’s good character requirement for British citizenship has been tightened. Applicants who previously entered the UK illegally—such as without valid entry clearance, using false documents, or via dangerous journeys like small boats—will now "normally" be refused citizenship, regardless of when the illegal entry occurred.

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EU citizens don’t need a UK ETA if...

EU travelers can visit Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man directly from the EU without a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) until October 2025, using just a passport or national ID.

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India-UK FTA: Free Trade Agreement and its effects on UK visas

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement, finalized in May 2025, strengthens economic ties by boosting trade, reducing tariffs on key goods, and opening India’s public procurement market to UK businesses. It also simplifies UK visa processes for Indian professionals and supports sectors like manufacturing, clean energy, and digital trade.

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Yes, you need a "visa" to travel to the UK from Europe now

Starting April 2, 2025, most European travelers (except Irish citizens) will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before visiting the UK for tourism, business, short studies, or certain work activities.

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Trinidad and Tobago nationals now need UK Visa, not ETA

Starting April 2025, Trinidad and Tobago nationals will need a visa to enter the UK, replacing the current Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.

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UK visa fees increase: 17 changes you should know

Starting April 9, 2025, the UK Home Office will increase fees for a wide range of visa applications, nationality services, and related processes, with visit visas rising by up to £96, skilled worker visas by up to £99, and settlement routes increasing by up to £163. Some key fees include £127 for a short-term visit visa, £769 for a skilled worker visa (up to 3 years), and £1,605 for naturalisation. Priority visa and premium sponsor service fees remain unchanged.

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UK passport application fees increase: Changes explained

Starting April 10, 2025, UK passport application fees will rise for both UK and overseas applicants, with standard adult online applications increasing from £88.50 to £94.50 and premium (1-day) services rising from £207.50 to £222.

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UK Masters: Indian PhD student warns about studying in the UK

An Indian PhD student studying in the UK has issued a stark warning to prospective international students about the challenges of studying there, especially for those pursuing a one-year MSc. The student highlighted financial struggles, low-paying part-time jobs, and limited career prospects post-graduation, with many graduates ultimately returning to India due to poor job opportunities despite holding post-study work visas. Concerns were raised about the academic quality of UK Master’s programs.

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Universal UK theme park in Bedford set to become nation’s biggest tourist attraction

The new Universal theme park in Bedford, set to open by 2031, will be Universal’s first in Europe and is projected to become the UK’s largest tourist attraction with over 8.5 million visitors annually. Located on a 192-hectare site near London, the park will create around 20,000 construction jobs and 8,000 permanent roles, boosting the local economy by £50 billion over its lifetime.

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New UK minimum wage increase & changing visa rules

Starting April 2025, the UK will raise minimum wages significantly across all age groups, alongside stricter visa rules that raise the Skilled Worker Visa salary threshold to £38,700, making it tougher for lower-paid migrant workers—especially in hospitality and care—to qualify. Employers must prioritize hiring international care workers already in the UK before recruiting abroad, and tougher enforcement aims to reduce visa abuse. While these changes create challenges, skilled workers in priority sectors who meet new salary requirements still have good opportunities.

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