Navigating UK Immigration: Key Updates from the Home Office Seminar
Andrew Oyedola (National Coordinator, NSSPF-UK) The workshop, hosted by Winners Chapel International Cambridge in collaboration with the UK Home Office on July 26, 2025, provided crucial updates and clarifications on recent and upcoming changes to UK immigration laws. Mercy Osei-Poku and Carley Adele Griffiths from the National Community Engagement Team at the Home Office addressed various concerns, aiming to inform and empower attendees. New Immigration Rules and Their Implications The Home Office highlighted significant changes effective from July 22, 2025, and others still under consultation. Skilled Worker Visa Changes: Recruitment from Abroad: As of July 22, 2025, it is no longer possible to bring individuals from abroad on a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) for most roles, especially care worker visas. This means the previous route for overseas recruitment in these areas has closed. Qualification Threshold: Most new Skilled Worker Visas will now require a degree-level qualification (RQF Level 6). This is a significant increase from the previous RQF Level 3 to 5. Interim Lists: Two interim lists, the Immigration Salary List (ISL) and a Time-Limited Temporary Shortage List, will keep a small number of sub-graduate jobs open until the end of 2026. If a job appears on these lists, it may still be eligible at RQF Level 3 to 5. Dependents for Shortage Occupations: If you obtain a visa for a job on these exemption lists (where a degree is not required), you will not be able to bring your family to the UK as dependents. Existing Skilled Workers: Workers already in the skilled workforce before July 22, 2025, may continue to be sponsored in RQF Level 3 to 5 roles, including visa extensions, employment changes, or supplementary employment, until July 22, 2028. However, applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) may be subject to different assessments. Care Worker Visa Specifics: No Recruitment from Abroad: Social care employers can no longer recruit from abroad for care worker roles. Dependents: For care worker COS visas issued after March 2024, dependents are not allowed. Salary Threshold: The salary requirement for Health and Care Worker Visas (SOC codes 6135/6136) is at least £25,000 per year or £12.82 per hour, whichever is higher. This remains the applicable rate. Graduate Visa Changes (Proposed): Reduced Length: The standard length of the Graduate Visa is proposed to be reduced from 2 years to 18 months. For PhD graduates, it will be 3 years. This change is not yet in effect and consultations are ongoing. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Changes (Proposed): Increased Qualifying Period: A proposal in the white paper suggests increasing the standard qualifying period for ILR from 5 years to 10 years. This change has not yet started, and the Home Secretary is still determining how it will be implemented. Exemptions: Partners of British nationals and individuals with post-Brexit residence rights (e.g., EU Settlement Scheme) will likely remain eligible for ILR after 5 years. Advice for Near-Eligible Individuals: If you are nearing your 5-year ILR eligibility, it is strongly advised to apply as soon as you qualify to avoid potential impact from future changes. Student Visa Changes: Stricter University Licensing: The government is considering making it harder for universities to retain their licenses to sponsor international students, particularly from countries identified with higher rates of asylum claims by students. Increased Financial Scrutiny: Future international students may face higher financial thresholds and more rigorous proof of long-term financial stability before being granted a visa. English Language Requirements: Stricter for Partners: Partners joining individuals on RQF Level 6 jobs will need to demonstrate basic English language proficiency. The exact form of this requirement (e.g., exams abroad) is still to be determined. Good Character Requirement: Impact on British Citizenship: From February 10, 2025, individuals who have illegally entered the UK or used a dangerous route are more likely to be refused British citizenship. This assesses how you entered and your behavior while in the UK. Driving Offences: Driving without a valid UK license (e.g., using an international license beyond the permitted one year) can lead to driving without insurance, which carries severe penalties, including potential prison sentences. A prison sentence of 12 months or more can lead to automatic deportation for non-British nationals, even those with ILR. Judges can also recommend deportation for serious crimes even if the sentence is less than 12 months. Children and Criminality: Children born in the UK can be refused leave to remain and face deportation if involved in criminality, especially if their parents do not have permanent immigration status. Children Born in the UK: No Automatic British Citizenship: Children born in the UK do not automatically become British citizens unless one parent has permanent leave to remain or British nationality at the time of birth. 7-Year Rule: If a child is born in the UK and has lived here continuously for 7 years since birth, parents can apply for ILR based on the private life built with that child. This also applies if the child arrived in the UK as a child and has lived continuously for 7 years. The child’s “good character” (clean record) will also be assessed. Responses to Common Questions Here’s a summary of frequently asked questions and the Home Office’s responses: Salary Thresholds: * Question: What is the salary threshold for Health and Care Worker Visa sponsorship under the new July 2025 immigration rules? Do old salary thresholds still apply for existing care workers? * Response: For Health and Care Worker Visas (SOC codes 6135/6136), the requirement is at least £25,000 per year or £12.82 per hour, whichever is higher. For care workers already employed before the new policy, the old salary thresholds still apply. * Source: Skilled Worker visa: A guide for employers – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Switching Visas (In-country): * Question: Can I switch from a Graduate Visa to a Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker Visa? Can a dependent spouse of a skilled worker, whose sponsor lost their license, still switch to a new sponsor after the July 2025 rules? Can a student in
A Cry for Help: Jade’s Fight for Hope in the UK
After Losing Her Mother, Her Health, Her Heavily Invested Studentship, Her Visa, now Her Freedom, All Jade Has Now is Hope Jade, a bright and resilient young woman in her twenties, is facing an unimaginable struggle. Last year, she tragically lost her mother, a devastating blow that set off a chain of heartbreaking events. Already grappling with immense grief, Jade then lost her studentship at a UK university, leading to the devastating loss of her legal immigrant status in the UK. With nothing to return to in her home country, Jade has been desperately trying to reapply for a visa, facing repeated refusals and mounting despair. For the past 18 months, I’ve watched her mental health deteriorate to a critical point, with suicidal thoughts becoming a constant battle. In an attempt to find solace and strength, she recently went on a three-day spiritual retreat of fasting and prayer. Heartbreakingly, instead of finding peace, her situation has taken an even more dire turn: she has now been detained by the Home Office. Despite these immense personal struggles, Jade has shown incredible resilience and a remarkable spirit of service. She has consistently dedicated herself to supporting others, actively participating in and contributing to various community initiatives. At her university, she was a vital part of the Nigerian society, and on a national level, she played an active role in the Nigerian Students Society Presidents’ Forum (NSSPF: You can learn more about NSSPF’s works here). Even while facing her own profound challenges, Jade has been a beacon of encouragement and assistance to fellow students, embodying a selfless commitment to her community. Jade’s story is a harrowing testament to the compounding challenges many international students face when their circumstances change unexpectedly. She invested deeply in her education and her future in the UK, only to have it all unravel through a series of tragic circumstances beyond her control. Now, alone and in detention, her hope is fading fast. A Plea for Support As Jade navigates this difficult period, she needs our help. Her story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and adaptation. With the right support, Jade can overcome her current struggles and achieve her full potential. If you’re moved by Jade’s story and are able to offer any support, advice, or connections that could help her, do not hesitate to reach out. Her life, and her future, depend on it. You can reach out to her through any of our channels on: admin@nsspf-uk.org or 07448356792 #JusticeForJade #HelpJade #InternationalStudentCrisis #MentalHealthMatters #UKImmigration #NigerianStudents #NSSPF #HumanitarianCrisis
From NHS Project Management to Leading the Anglia Ruskin University Nigeria Student Association (ARUNSA): The Story of Elizabeth Nwachukwu
Andrew Oyedola (Founder and ex-President, ARUNSA) The Anglia Ruskin University Nigeria Student Association (ARUNSA) is proud to introduce its new President, Mrs. Elizabeth Nwachukwu! Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success from her extensive career in project management and coordination within the NHS and other organizations. Her unique blend of skills and leadership qualities makes her an ideal candidate to steer the association towards new heights. A Profile of Excellence: Experience in Driving Change and Building Relationships Elizabeth is an accomplished Project Manager/Coordinator Administrator with over eight years of experience. She has a strong background in supporting the delivery of transformational and organizational change projects, from initiation to completion. Her experience spans various sectors, including financial services, government, and the public sector, demonstrating her adaptability and broad understanding of diverse operational environments. One of Elizabeth’s key strengths is her ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders at various levels, building strong relationships with third-party suppliers, and adapting to different project management frameworks such as Waterfall, Scrum, and Agile methodologies. She is also recognized as a fluent communicator with strong organizational skills, adept at coordinating project planning activities. Her proactive approach, combined with strong analytical, minute-taking, and problem-solving skills, further highlights her capability to manage complex initiatives effectively. A Career Dedicated to Impactful Project Delivery Elizabeth’s career is marked by a series of impactful roles, primarily within the NHS, where she has consistently delivered successful outcomes in complex healthcare IT projects. Leading EPR Implementations: Elizabeth has held significant roles in the implementation of Electronic Patient Record (EPR) systems. As an EPR IAPTUS Project Manager at Camden & Islington and Barnet, Enfield, Haringey NHS Trust (June 2024 – Present), she has been responsible for the end-to-end delivery of the EPR program for IAPTUS, ensuring projects are on time, within scope, and on budget. This includes developing detailed project plans, coordinating cross-functional teams, engaging with key stakeholders, and developing change management strategies to ensure smooth transitions. Her work ensures robust, efficient, and user-friendly EPR systems support Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services. Prior to this, as an EPR Programme Project Support Officer (October 2023 – February 2024) within the same NHS Trust, she played a crucial role in implementing the RiO system across North London Mental Health Trusts. This initiative aimed to improve patient data management, streamline clinical processes, and ensure seamless integration with existing health systems, ultimately enhancing patient care, increasing operational efficiency, and generating cost savings. In this role, she assisted with project planning, facilitated meetings, tracked resources, managed risks, and ensured compliance with project governance processes. Strengthening Project Management Offices (PMO): Elizabeth’s expertise extends to establishing and optimizing Project Management Offices. As a PMO Role contributor (February 2024 – May 2024) at Camden & Islington and Barnet, Enfield, Haringey NHS Trust, she ensured the successful execution of integration projects by collaborating with internal experts, anticipating challenges, developing preventive measures, and coordinating project timelines. She also focused on tracking KPIs, driving accountability, and maintaining thorough project documentation. Her experience as a Project Support Officer at NHS Scotland National Services Scotland (September 2022 – October 2023 and September 2021 – April 2022) further highlights her involvement in supporting project managers, coordinating PMO process changes, and preparing performance reports. Diverse Project Support and Management Roles: Elizabeth’s career also includes a variety of project support and management roles. As an Assistant Project Manager at Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust (May 2022 – October 2022), she supported the introduction of a single Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) across West Yorkshire. Her responsibilities included financial tracking, maintaining project logs (RAID logs), reporting project status, and assisting with governance meetings.Her tenure as a Project Coordinator at Computer Centre (March 2021 – September 2021) involved supporting project and policy teams, facilitating planning workshops, tracking key decisions and risks, and coordinating portfolio reporting. She also has experience as a Project and Datix Administrator Coordinator at Whittington Hospital NHS (November 2020 – March 2021), where she managed clinician reporting workflows, coordinated vaccination centers, and handled data incident reports. Earlier in her career, as a Data Validation Officer at Homerton Teaching Hospital NHS (September 2019 – October 2020), she assisted with the deployment of a new case management system and focused on data quality and adherence to waiting time targets. Her financial background is evident from her role as Project Support Finance at Whittington Health NHS Trust (July 2018 – September 2019), where she significantly reduced time spent on processing timesheet data, transformed dashboards for effective monitoring, and streamlined purchase order processes. Education and Key Skills: A Foundation for Success Elizabeth holds a degree in Health and Social Care from Anglia Ruskin University (2024), providing her with a direct connection to the institution and a deep understanding of health-related fields. Her qualifications also include PRINCE2 Training, demonstrating her adherence to recognized project management methodologies. She is proficient in various project management tools and systems such as RiO, Health Edge, Cerner, Medway, and Datix. Her key skills include: Stakeholder Management Programme and Project Management / Coordinator Project Governance Project Planning Information Security Financial Tracking Customer Service Administrative Management Resource Management Vision for the Anglia Ruskin University Nigeria Student Association As the new President of the Anglia Ruskin University Nigeria Student Association, Elizabeth Nwachukwu’s extensive experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, and process improvement will be invaluable. Her ability to coordinate cross-functional teams, facilitate communication, and drive accountability, honed through years of managing complex projects in demanding environments, directly aligns with the needs of a thriving student association. Elizabeth’s background in supporting organizational change and her commitment to fostering strong relationships will enable her to effectively lead initiatives that benefit Nigerian students at Anglia Ruskin University. Her understanding of data management and reporting will ensure transparency and data-driven decision-making within the association. She is well-equipped to manage events, allocate resources, address student concerns, and develop strategic plans that enhance the student experience. The Anglia Ruskin University Nigeria Student Association looks forward to a period
More Than a Leader: The Unstoppable Force of Deborah Olusola
Andrew Oyedola (NSSPF-UK National Coordinator) In a world that is in constant search of leadership that is not only effective but also empathetic and visionary, a few individuals truly stand out. Deborah Olusola is one such individual. A recent MSc Management graduate from the University of Salford, Deborah has already carved a path of impactful change, earning accolades and the respect of her peers and mentors. But to label her simply as a “student leader” would be an understatement. She is a dynamic force, a compassionate advocate, and a professional powerhouse whose journey is an inspiration to many. A Trailblazer at the University of Salford During her time at the University of Salford, Deborah took on the role of President of the Nigerian Students Society (NSS), and her tenure was nothing short of transformative. She didn’t just lead; she listened, she fought, and she delivered. Recognizing the financial pressures faced by her fellow Nigerian students, she spearheaded a crucial initiative. Through persistent collaboration with the Students’ Union, including meetings and presentations with the finance team, she successfully negotiated an increase in school fee payment instalments from seven to nine, and ultimately to eleven. This single act of advocacy provided immense relief and demonstrated her unwavering commitment to the welfare of her constituents. But her vision for a thriving student community didn’t stop there. Deborah understood the importance of a holistic student experience. She forged a strategic partnership with Brisk Travels, a travel and tour organization, to offer students opportunities for networking and cultural enrichment. The successful trips to North Wales and York, complete with cashback incentives for paid members, are a testament to her innovative approach to community building. Furthermore, her collaboration with Connect Institute, a Manchester-based consultancy, brought invaluable resources to students. The events she organized on academic excellence, career progression, and immigration were open to all, fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity. The fact that two students won tablets at one of these events is a small but significant detail that highlights her commitment to creating tangible opportunities for her peers. A National and Continental Impact Deborah’s leadership prowess was quickly recognized beyond her university. She joined the Nigerian Students Society President’s Forum, UK (NSSPF-UK), where she took on the role of Graduate Liaison Officer and acted as the North West Regional Coordinator. As an ever-present and dependable executive, she has worked tirelessly alongside the National Coordinator, Andrew Oyedola, to bring the forum’s vision to life, ensuring that Nigerian students and recent graduates across the UK have access to beneficial programs. Her dedication and hard work culminated in a prestigious honour at the 2024 African Union Students Summit (AUSS), where she was named ‘An Outstanding Student Leader of the Year’. This award is a fitting recognition of her relentless efforts and the tangible impact she has made. And, in a move that surprised no one who has witnessed her capabilities, Deborah has been voted as the AUSS Lead for the 2025 summit. This is a clear indication of the trust and confidence she inspires in those around her. A Professional with a Heart for People Beyond her remarkable leadership in the student community, Deborah’s professional CV paints a picture of a well-rounded and highly competent individual. With over six years of experience in banking operations at Union Bank of Nigeria, she has a proven track record of coordinating teams, managing complex operations, and delivering high performance. Her numerous accolades, including the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Nigeria (CIBN) ‘Banker of the Future’ award in 2020 and a letter of commendation from the CEO of Union Bank, speak volumes about her professional acumen. What makes Deborah truly special is that her skills are not confined to the corporate world. Her recent experience as a Mental Health Support Worker in Manchester reveals a deeply compassionate side. Her ability to care for vulnerable individuals, to monitor, support, and de-escalate crisis situations, showcases her profound empathy and her commitment to the well-being of others. The Complete Package: Leader, Professional, and Visionary Deborah Olusola is a name to remember. She is a leader who doesn’t just identify problems but creates solutions. She is a professional who excels in every role she undertakes. And she is a person who leads with her heart, demonstrating a deep-seated commitment to serving others. As she steps into her new role as the AUSS Lead for 2025, we can only expect greater things from this unstoppable force. Which of Deborah’s tremendous and endless record inspires you most? Leave a comment in the comment section #DeborahOlusola #StudentLeader #FutureLeader #Inspiration #NigerianStudentsUK #NSSUK #AUSS #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #SalfordUni #MakingADifference #CommunityBuilder