Skilled Worker Dependant Visa Guide - Graduate-Level Roles and Restrictions

The UK Home Office implemented changes to Skilled Worker Dependant visa rules in July 2025, restricting dependants to those whose main visa holder is in a graduate-level role (RQF 6 and above). Visa holders whose profession is on the Temporary Shortage Occupation List cannot sponsor dependants unless transitional provisions apply. Care workers face additional restrictions on dependant sponsorship.

Statutory Appeals Validity When Court Fees Unpaid

The Court of Appeal in Eskander v General Medical Council [2026] EWCA Civ 372 ruled that statutory appeals may be validly 'brought' within statutory time limits even when court fees are not paid, provided other formalities are satisfied. The Court extended its reasoning from Siniakovich v Hassan-Soudey (wrong fee paid) to cover cases of no fee payment, holding the distinction between 'imperfect' and 'absent' compliance cannot be logically maintained.

Bar Council proposes specialist courts for rape cases

Bar Council proposes specialist courts for rape cases

Draft Environmental Assessment for Yellowstone County Junk Vehicle Facility

The Montana DEQ published a draft Environmental Assessment for a proposed junk vehicle county graveyard (JVCG) in Yellowstone County, Montana. The facility would be located at 3324 E. King Ave., Billings, on approximately 3 acres of county-owned land. DEQ is accepting public comments through May 1, 2026, before making a final licensing decision.

Exchange Fund Bills Tender Results

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority published Exchange Fund Bills tender results for three issues (Q2614, H2643, Y2688). Total applications amounted to HK$211.891 billion with HK$93.44 billion allotted. Average yields accepted ranged from 1.99% to 2.23% across maturities from July 2026 to April 2027. The HKMA also announced upcoming tenders for the week beginning 13 April 2026.

Marine Mammal Beluga Whale Prey Study at JBER

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District announced a cooperative agreement funding opportunity for a multi-year marine mammal and habitat monitoring study focused on Cook Inlet beluga whale prey at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The funding opportunity (W9126G262SOI8775) is limited to Cooperative Ecosystem Study Units in Alaska and Pacific Northwest units. Applications close May 4, 2026, with expected award between $522,500 and $4,126,859.

Cooperative Institute in the Northern Gulf of America Funding Opportunity

NOAA OAR announces a funding opportunity for the establishment of the Cooperative Institute in the Northern Gulf of America (CINGA), with up to $100M in funding over five years. Eligible non-Federal universities, colleges, and research institutions with graduate programs in NOAA-related sciences within the Gulf of America region may apply. Applications are due May 18, 2026.

Patterson et al v. San Francisco County Jail et al - Prisoner Civil Rights

Michael Patterson and Casanova Soloman filed a prisoner civil rights complaint in the Northern District of California (Case No. 5:26-cv-02853-SVK) against San Francisco County Jail and San Francisco Sheriff's Office. The complaint, filed April 2, 2026, appears to raise Eighth Amendment or civil rights claims regarding prison conditions. Both plaintiffs filed motions to proceed in forma pauperis, with a filing fee/IFP deadline of May 11, 2026.

Stop Harms from Addictive Social Media Act

Idaho enacted H0542, the Stop Harms from Addictive Social Media Act, signed by Governor Brad Little on April 2, 2026. The law adds to existing Idaho code to regulate social media platforms deemed to have addictive features, targeting harms to users including minors. Passed House 62-7 and Senate 21-14 after amendments.

Child Safety Checks for Infants Under One Year

Idaho Governor signed H0776 into law on April 2, 2026, effective April 1, 2026. The bill adds provisions to existing child protection law requiring safety checks for children under one year of age. The legislation passed the House 49-18 and the Senate 27-8.