The UK’s immigration system is undergoing significant transformation in 2025. These changes will reshape how businesses manage their international workforce and handle immigration compliance. Let’s explore the key updates and how they affect your organisation.
Digital Immigration System: Understanding the New eVisa Requirements
The UK government is modernising its immigration system with a complete shift to digital visas. This marks the end of physical immigration documents and introduces a new era of online status verification.
- Physical BRPs being replaced by eVisas
- Employers need to adapt right to work check processes
- New online systems for immigration status verification
- Special arrangements for existing BRP holders until March 2025
- Modified record-keeping requirements
- Enhanced employer responsibilities
New Salary Thresholds: Impact on Skilled Worker Sponsorship
The employment landscape for international workers is changing significantly with new minimum salary requirements. These changes reflect the government’s focus on high-skilled migration and may affect your recruitment strategies.
Important Updates:
- Higher minimum salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas
- New going rates for specific job codes
- Changes to dependent visa rules
- Updates to sponsorship requirements
- Review of recruitment budgets needed
- Impact on existing sponsored workers
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Essential Updates for Business Travel
The introduction of the ETA system brings new requirements for international business visitors. This change affects both EU and non-EU nationals traveling to the UK.
Key Dates and Requirements:
- 8 January 2025: Required for non-EU/EEA nationals
- 2 April 2025: Required for EU/EEA nationals
- Impact on business visitors
- Corporate travel planning changes
- Early application recommended
- Processing time considerations
Workforce Development: Linking Immigration with Training
A new approach to immigration and skills development is emerging. The government is introducing measures that connect visa sponsorship with domestic workforce training.
New Requirements:
- Link between visa sponsorship and UK workforce training
- Skills development obligations
- Focus on domestic talent alongside international recruitment
- Training programme documentation
- Regular progress reporting
- Investment in local skills development
Right to Work Compliance: New Digital Verification Systems
The digitisation of immigration status verification brings new responsibilities for employers. Understanding these changes is crucial for maintaining compliance.
Compliance Updates:
- New digital checking systems
- Updated compliance requirements
- Modified record-keeping obligations
- Enhanced penalties for non-compliance
- Staff training needs
- System integration requirements
How Davenport Solicitors Can Help
Our expert team offers:
Planning for 2025
Action Points for Businesses:
- Audit current immigration processes
- Update compliance procedures
- Consider timing of visa applications
- Plan for increased costs
- Train relevant staff
- Review HR policies
Contact Our Immigration Team
For expert guidance through these changes:
📞 020 7903 6888
📧 contact@davenportsolicitors.com
