In a significant and noteworthy change, the Home Office has updated its caseworker guidance on assessing the good character requirement in nationality applications. This update, which was not announced elsewhere, states that for applications made after 10 February 2025, any person who has previously entered the UK illegally will generally be refused citizenship. This new rule applies regardless of the time that has passed since the illegal entry took place.
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As the year wraps up, I just wanted to take a moment to send warm wishes to you and your family. I truly hope that 2025 brings you loads of success and happiness in everything you pursue!
It’s been such a joy getting to know you and your loved ones this year. We’ve had an eventful 12 months with some significant changes, like: the huge rise in Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees in February, the new Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) for spouse visas in April, the New Labour government that took office in July elections and the new E Visa System fully kicking in with BRP Cards becoming redundant from 31st December 2024.
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The British Nationality Act 1981 ( Section 41A(1)mandates that all applicants for naturalisation as British citizens must be of Good Character. This requirement also applies to individuals aged ten or over who apply for registration as British citizens. The good character requirement for British citizenship includes a long list of factors that could prevent or delay the process. These range from serious criminal offences to non-criminal attributes, such as being bankrupt or having previously violated immigration rules.
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The UK is transitioning to a fully digital immigration system, with the aim of phasing out physical documents by the end of 2024. This new system, known as the eVisa, will provide online evidence of immigration status, making the process simpler, safer, and more convenient for migrants. Here’s what you need to know about the new eVisa system.
An eVisa is a digital document that contains your biometric and biographical information, immigration status, and any conditions of your stay in the UK. Unlike the traditional Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which is a physical card, an eVisa is accessed online through the UK government’s website. This means you can view and prove your immigration status digitally from the moment your eVisa is issued, with the possibility of generating a share code to send to the employer or landlord required to check your visa status.
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As the 4th of July 2024 UK General Election approaches, people are keen to know what changes to UK Immigration the parties will bring, especially to spouse/partner visa requirements, which impact families where one partner is from outside the UK. The minimum income requirement (MIR) for British citizens or residents to bring their non-British partner to the UK has recently been increased to £29,000, with the Conservative Party planning to raise it further to £38,700 by Spring 2025. This has implications for a significant number of British workers. Additionally, visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) have substantially increased.
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