Subscription events calendar

Upcoming topics 

• June - Immigration White Paper: content and Implications for Employers
• July - Legal update and compliance in visa applications: challenges and solutions
• August - Civil penalties: updates for employers and how to avoid severe penalties
• September - Managing Employees on Graduate Visas
• October - Understanding, Managing, and Overcoming Cost Issues for Sponsored Non-UK Workers
• November - Proposed Immigration Bill - A Roadmap for UK Employers
• December - Skilled Worker Changes and Updates

All webinars are on the 2nd Tuesday of the month and run from 1030-1200.  Join us live or download and watch the recording. 

Each immigration webinar will include: 

• Roundup of current immigration developments affecting UK employers
• Legal analysis, checklist and action plans
• Spotlight on affected industries and sectors and possible solutions
• Special focus
• Q&A

Tuesday 10th June - Immigration White Paper: content and Implications for Employers

The UK Immigration White Paper 2025 outlines significant reforms aimed at addressing various aspects of immigration and ensuring the system meets the country's needs. Designed to create a more efficient and responsive immigration system that supports the UK's economic and social goals, here are the areas we’ll examine

• Lowering net migration: new visa rules and border changes
• Training opportunities to reduce foreign labour dependence
• Visa rule changes and updates
• EU Settlement Scheme
• Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) updates and exemptions
• Global Talent Route updates

Tuesday 8th July - Legal update and compliance in visa applications: challenges and solutions

• Introduction to Visa Applications:
  - overview of the visa application process
  - Types of visas relevant to employers and employees
  - Importance of accurate and timely applications
• Common Issues in Visa Applications:
  - Incomplete or incorrect documentation
  - Misunderstanding visa requirements
  - Delays in processing times
  - Changes in immigration laws and policies
• Preparing for the Application Process:-
  - Checklist of required documents and information
  - Steps to ensure all documentation is complete and accurate 
  - Understanding the specific requirements for different visa types
• Role of Key Contacts:
  - Importance of having a well-trained key contact
  - Responsibilities of key contacts in the visa application process
  - How key contacts can help prevent and resolve issues
• Legal and Compliance Considerations:
  - Ensuring compliance with immigration laws and regulations
  - Understanding the legal implications of non-compliance
  - Best practices for maintaining compliance throughout the application process
• Problem-Solving Strategies:
  - Identifying potential issues early in the process
  - Steps to take if an application is delayed or denied
  - How to handle requests for additional information or documentation
• Case Studies and Real-Life Examples:
  - Examples of common issues and how they were resolved
  - Lessons learned from past experiences
  - Practical tips for avoiding similar problems

Tuesday 12th August - Civil penalties: updates for employers and how to avoid severe penalties

The 2025 update to civil penalties introduces several significant changes that impact employers. We’ll explain the key changes and their implications to keep you compliant

• Increased Penalties for Non-Compliance: how to ensure rigorous right-to-work checks and maintain accurate records to avoid hefty fines
• Stricter Right-to-Work Checks: how to implement robust systems for tracking visa expirations and ensuring ongoing compliance
• Enhanced Reporting Requirements: stay abreast of new requirements for reporting changes in employee status, such as changes in job roles or termination of employment
• Increased Scrutiny and Audits: Employers should be prepared for increased numbers of more rigorous UKVI audits by maintaining comprehensive and up-to-date records of their employees' right-to-work documentation
• Higher Costs for Sponsorship: Employers who rely on sponsored workers will need to budget for higher costs and ensure they meet all sponsorship obligations
• Focus on Repeat Offenders: Employers with past compliance issues must rectify any shortcomings and demonstrate adherence to immigration laws

Tuesday 9th September - Managing Employees on Graduate Visas

• Introduction to Graduate Visas:
  - Comprehensive overview of the graduate visa scheme
  - Detailed explanation of eligibility criteria and the application process
  - Information on the duration and conditions of the graduate visa
• Legal and Compliance Requirements:
  - Understanding the legal obligations of employers
  - Ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws and regulations
  - Best practices for record-keeping and reporting requirements.
• Onboarding and Integration:
  - Effective strategies for onboarding employees on graduate visas
  - Supporting cultural integration and adaptation to the workplace
  - Providing essential resources and support for new employees.
• Employment Rights and Benefits:
  - Overview of employment rights for graduate visa holders
  - Ensuring fair compensation and benefits
  - Addressing specific needs and concerns of graduate visa employees
• Career Development and Progression:
  - Opportunities for career growth and development
  - Supporting professional development and training initiatives
  - Pathways to long-term employment and potential visa transitions
• Managing Challenges and Issues:
  - Common challenges faced by graduate visa holders
  - Effective strategies for addressing and resolving issues
  - Providing ongoing support and mentorship
• Case Studies and Real-Life Examples:
  - Examples of successful integration and management of graduate visa employees
  - Lessons learned from past experiences
  - Practical tips for employers

Tuesday 14th October - Understanding, Managing, and Overcoming Cost Issues for Sponsored Non-UK Workers

In the current economic climate, managing the costs associated with sponsoring non-UK workers is a critical concern for many employers. We’ll show you the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate these financial challenges effectively.

Sponsoring non-UK workers involves several significant costs, including sponsor licence fees, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fees, visa application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC). Understanding these costs and how to manage them is essential for maintaining compliance and ensuring the financial health of your organisation.

• Overview of Sponsorship Costs:
  - Detailed breakdown of all costs associated with sponsoring non-UK workers
  - Recent updates to sponsorship fees and employer responsibilities
• Legal and Compliance Requirements:
  - Understanding what costs can and cannot be passed on to employees
  - Ensuring compliance with Home Office regulations to avoid penalties
• Strategies for Managing Costs:
  - Implementing clawback agreements to recover certain costs if employees leave within a specified timeframe
  - Budgeting and financial planning to accommodate sponsorship expenses
• Practical Solutions and Best Practices:
  - Case studies and real-life examples of how other organisations manage sponsorship costs
  - Tips for negotiating with service providers and leveraging internal resources

Tuesday 11th November - Proposed Immigration Bill - A Roadmap for UK Employers

• Introduction:
  - Overview of the November 2025 Proposed Immigration Bill
  - Importance of understanding the new legislation for UK employers
  - Objectives of the webinar
• Key Changes in the Proposed Immigration Bill:
  - Detailed explanation of the major amendments and new provisions
  - Impact on existing immigration policies and procedures
  - Timeline for implementation and key dates to be aware of
• Legal and Compliance Requirements:
  - Understanding the new legal obligations for employers
  - Ensuring compliance with updated immigration laws and regulations
  - Best practices for record-keeping and reporting under the new bill
• Sponsorship and Visa Applications:
  - Changes to sponsorship requirements and processes
  - Updates to visa categories and eligibility criteria
  - Practical steps for managing visa applications under the new legislation
• Employment Rights and Benefits:
  - Overview of employment rights for sponsored workers
  - Ensuring fair compensation and benefits in line with the new bill
  - Addressing specific needs and concerns of non-UK employees
• Managing Workforce Transitions:
  - Strategies for transitioning existing employees to new visa categories
  - Supporting employees through changes in immigration status
  - Minimising disruptions and maintaining workforce stability
• Training and Support for Key Contacts:
  - Importance of training key contacts on the new immigration bill
  - Responsibilities of key contacts in ensuring compliance
  - Providing ongoing support and resources for key personnel
• Case Studies and Real-Life Examples:
  - Examples of how businesses have successfully adapted to previous immigration changes
  - Lessons learned and best practices for implementing new policies
  - Practical tips for employers navigating the new bill

Tuesday 9th December - Skilled Worker Changes and Updates

• Introduction:
  - Overview of the latest changes to the Skilled Worker visa route
  - Importance of understanding these updates for UK employers
  - Objectives of the webinar
• Key Changes in the Skilled Worker Visa:
  - Detailed explanation of the new amendments and updates
  - Impact on eligibility criteria and application processes
  - Timeline for implementation and key dates to be aware of
• Eligibility and Sponsorship Requirements:
  - Updated eligibility criteria for Skilled Worker visas
  - Changes to sponsorship requirements and processes
  - Practical steps for ensuring compliance with the new rules
• Salary and Occupation Requirements:
  - Updates to salary thresholds and occupation lists
  - Understanding the implications for different sectors and roles
  - Strategies for meeting the new requirements
• Application Process and Documentation:
  - Changes to the application process and required documentation
  - Best practices for preparing and submitting applications
  - Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
• Legal and Compliance Considerations:
  - Ensuring compliance with updated immigration laws and regulations
  - Record-keeping and reporting requirements under the new rules
  - Legal implications of non-compliance and how to mitigate risks
• Case Studies and Real-Life Examples:
  - Examples of successful management of skilled worker employees
  - Lessons learned from past experiences
  - Practical tips for employers navigating the new changes

Previous topics 

• November '24: Prepare for the December 31st e-Visa deadline
• December '24: Immigration Fraud Prevention plus and update on International Immigration changes
• January '25: Migratory advisory committee report – includes salary bands and certificate of sponsorship updates
• February '25: Sponsorship management system update – live demo of the new system 
• March '25: Right to Work (RTW) update – penalties and stats 
• April '25: Preparing for an internal UKVI audit
• May '25 - Key contact training and problem solving