Its been a while since my last post, this is a rather interesting video clip of Damien Green, UK Immigration Minister answering some immigration questions sent in by the UK public.
Showing posts with label UK Immigration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UK Immigration. Show all posts
Monday, 9 May 2011
Monday, 17 January 2011
Tips: Submitting your UK Visa through an Agent
If you decide to use an independent travel agent, immigration consultant or Agent there are some general tips to ensure that you choose correctly:
Agents/consultants cannot guarantee that they will be able to get you a study or work visa.
No agent should guarantee that you will receive the visa without an interview or guarantee the outcome of your visa application.
If you do contact an agent and they make such claims be very careful and ensure that you receive everything in writing and check any contracts that they will have you sign before you sign it.
I have been working in the Immigration Industry since 2002 and have never made any guarantee of an outcome whether it be a Study/Work/Family or Visit Type Visa
The terms of service and fees associated with Immigration Consultants, Agents and Lawyers can obviously vary and it is extremely important for you to feel totally comfortable enough with your agent/lawyer/consultant to bring up any concerns before you enter into an agreement.
Always remember that the application for the Visa is YOUR application and the documents provided are your property, an agent may help you complete the necessary forms and guide you as to what documentation to submit with.
A large part of my duty as an Immigration Consultant is to inform potential visa applicants on their eligibility and the rules associated with the particular visa type.
Agents/consultants cannot guarantee that they will be able to get you a study or work visa.
No agent should guarantee that you will receive the visa without an interview or guarantee the outcome of your visa application.
If you do contact an agent and they make such claims be very careful and ensure that you receive everything in writing and check any contracts that they will have you sign before you sign it.
I have been working in the Immigration Industry since 2002 and have never made any guarantee of an outcome whether it be a Study/Work/Family or Visit Type Visa
The terms of service and fees associated with Immigration Consultants, Agents and Lawyers can obviously vary and it is extremely important for you to feel totally comfortable enough with your agent/lawyer/consultant to bring up any concerns before you enter into an agreement.
Always remember that the application for the Visa is YOUR application and the documents provided are your property, an agent may help you complete the necessary forms and guide you as to what documentation to submit with.
A large part of my duty as an Immigration Consultant is to inform potential visa applicants on their eligibility and the rules associated with the particular visa type.
Sunday, 2 January 2011
Review from IPPR claims UK Immigration to rise in 2010/11
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has claimed in its Migration Review 2010-2011 that the UK Govt's plans on reducing the number of Net Migration is bound to be a failure.
The review has also reported that the UK Govt used deceptive tactics with regard to Student Visas. In the UK there has been a steadily growing number of International Students and the UK Govt plans to reduce the total number of Students too, however the consultation on Tier 4 UK STUDENT VISA is still underway and a reduction in Tier 4 Applications is highly unlikely in 2011.
With regard to the Immigration Cap on Skilled Migrants the report stated that the UK Public DO NOT perceive these Migrants as an Issue.
Taking into account the Financial Situation across Europe and the Irish Financial Collapse there is serious concern on the numbers of Migrants from these areas entering into the UK. One thing looks certain though the UK govt will come under fire from all sides with regard to the immigration policies and pledges they have made.
The review has also reported that the UK Govt used deceptive tactics with regard to Student Visas. In the UK there has been a steadily growing number of International Students and the UK Govt plans to reduce the total number of Students too, however the consultation on Tier 4 UK STUDENT VISA is still underway and a reduction in Tier 4 Applications is highly unlikely in 2011.
With regard to the Immigration Cap on Skilled Migrants the report stated that the UK Public DO NOT perceive these Migrants as an Issue.
Taking into account the Financial Situation across Europe and the Irish Financial Collapse there is serious concern on the numbers of Migrants from these areas entering into the UK. One thing looks certain though the UK govt will come under fire from all sides with regard to the immigration policies and pledges they have made.
Monday, 22 November 2010
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
Saturday, 5 June 2010
Tier 2 guidance update skilled workers
02 June 2010
The UK border agency published updated policy in the guidance for the Tier 2 of the points based syste. This policy guidance explains further the duration of the permission to stay in the UK issued to all Tier 2 applicants besides for those making applications under the Graduate trainees and Skills transfer categories of the Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfers).
To see the guidance with updated info click here and pay attention to the addendum on the front page of the document.
The UK border agency published updated policy in the guidance for the Tier 2 of the points based syste. This policy guidance explains further the duration of the permission to stay in the UK issued to all Tier 2 applicants besides for those making applications under the Graduate trainees and Skills transfer categories of the Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfers).
To see the guidance with updated info click here and pay attention to the addendum on the front page of the document.
Monday, 24 May 2010
UK Labour Market Earnings
The Annual Survey of Hours and Wages (ASHE) found that weekly pay for full time employees in the UK rose by 2,0 percent.
10% of UK full time employees earned up to and more than 971GBP per week whilst 10% earned less than 271GBP.
According to the survey the highest paid earnings in 2009 were among Health Professionals with an average of about 1,031 GBP per week followed by Corporate Managers with 745GBP per week.
Science and Technology Professionals came next with an average of 698GBP per week and the lowest of full time workers were those in Sales Occupations who averaged 278 GBP per week.
10% of UK full time employees earned up to and more than 971GBP per week whilst 10% earned less than 271GBP.
According to the survey the highest paid earnings in 2009 were among Health Professionals with an average of about 1,031 GBP per week followed by Corporate Managers with 745GBP per week.
Science and Technology Professionals came next with an average of 698GBP per week and the lowest of full time workers were those in Sales Occupations who averaged 278 GBP per week.
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Reasons WHY you should choose UK to do Business
18 May 2010
1. Easy to set up and run: The World Bank claims that it takes just 13 days to set up a business in the UK compared to the rest of Europe average which is 15 days.
2. Competitive Tax Environment for foreigner investors. The UK has lowered its corporate tax rate from over 50%in the 1980's to an extremely internationally compared lower rate.
3. Comparably less barriers for entrepreneurs The Organisation for Economic CO-operation and Development OECD commented that the UK is fifth in the World for Product market regulation.
4. The UK is one of the easiest places to register a property, in fact it is ranked above the USA, France, Japan, Italy, Germany and Canada according to the world bank.
5. Excellent communications network. The UK has the most extensively developed Broadband market compared to other G7 countries
6. Proximity to Europe allowing easy access to the EU countries, which is ranked as 1 of the, if not the biggest single markets in the world.
7. Excellent transport network links- air, sea and rail.
8. High Quality of Living people in the UK enjoy a high standard of living, education, publicly funded health
9. English is the international language of business.
10. London is hosting the 2012 Olympics and the total budget of contracts available should run into the billions
1. Easy to set up and run: The World Bank claims that it takes just 13 days to set up a business in the UK compared to the rest of Europe average which is 15 days.
2. Competitive Tax Environment for foreigner investors. The UK has lowered its corporate tax rate from over 50%in the 1980's to an extremely internationally compared lower rate.
3. Comparably less barriers for entrepreneurs The Organisation for Economic CO-operation and Development OECD commented that the UK is fifth in the World for Product market regulation.
4. The UK is one of the easiest places to register a property, in fact it is ranked above the USA, France, Japan, Italy, Germany and Canada according to the world bank.
5. Excellent communications network. The UK has the most extensively developed Broadband market compared to other G7 countries
6. Proximity to Europe allowing easy access to the EU countries, which is ranked as 1 of the, if not the biggest single markets in the world.
7. Excellent transport network links- air, sea and rail.
8. High Quality of Living people in the UK enjoy a high standard of living, education, publicly funded health
9. English is the international language of business.
10. London is hosting the 2012 Olympics and the total budget of contracts available should run into the billions
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Useful Info On Births Deaths and Marriages
If you live abroad or have spent long periods of time outside the United Kingdom you may need to register a birth, death or marriage with the British Embassy or consular services in London.
If you entered into a civil union or married outside the UK you can find useful advice with the General Registry Office .
If your child was born you may be able to register the birth with the nearest consulate or with the consular office in London if you have returned to the UK. Once you have done this your child will be issued a British Birth Certificate and the birth will be registered in the United Kingdom at the General Register Office.
This process is known as Consular Birth Registration and to clarify Consular Birth Registrations are not necessarily required to register your child as a British Citizen or or to apply for a British Passport as nationality is passed from Parent to Child.
Consular Birth Registrations are recommended due to the fact that you will be able to attain extra copies of the certificate from the General Register office in the future if need be.
If you give birth to a child outside the United Kingdom, you MUST register the birth with the local civil authorities in the country of Birth. It is NOT POSSIBLE to apply for a consular birth registration without the overseas birth certificate.
Important to note that the following countries will not be able to have birth's registered:
Australia
Canada
New Zealand
Republic of Ireland
South Africa
Overseas Territories
It is not possible to register a birth if the parents were born overseas and are only British by descent or a non British Child who has been adopted by British parents.
I will be posting more useful info about Birth Registration process, costs and documentation required in the next day or two.
If you entered into a civil union or married outside the UK you can find useful advice with the General Registry Office .
If your child was born you may be able to register the birth with the nearest consulate or with the consular office in London if you have returned to the UK. Once you have done this your child will be issued a British Birth Certificate and the birth will be registered in the United Kingdom at the General Register Office.
This process is known as Consular Birth Registration and to clarify Consular Birth Registrations are not necessarily required to register your child as a British Citizen or or to apply for a British Passport as nationality is passed from Parent to Child.
Consular Birth Registrations are recommended due to the fact that you will be able to attain extra copies of the certificate from the General Register office in the future if need be.
If you give birth to a child outside the United Kingdom, you MUST register the birth with the local civil authorities in the country of Birth. It is NOT POSSIBLE to apply for a consular birth registration without the overseas birth certificate.
Important to note that the following countries will not be able to have birth's registered:
Australia
Canada
New Zealand
Republic of Ireland
South Africa
Overseas Territories
It is not possible to register a birth if the parents were born overseas and are only British by descent or a non British Child who has been adopted by British parents.
I will be posting more useful info about Birth Registration process, costs and documentation required in the next day or two.
Thursday, 1 April 2010
New Immigration Measures announced by Prime Minister
31 March 2010 The Prime Minister delivered a speech earlier today setting out some new immigration matters regarding the points based system.
He has claimed that unskilled migrant workers from outside the EU will not be allowed into the UK due to these services being less required. The Prime Minster added that improved training of British Nationals would continue to tackle the skills shortage that has led to these shortages within the UK.
He also said that two professions which have been attracting most of the non-EU nationals CHEFS and CARE WORKERS will be removed from the shortage occupation list by 2012 and 2014.
If you would like to listen to what was proposed have a look at this podcast from the PM.
He has claimed that unskilled migrant workers from outside the EU will not be allowed into the UK due to these services being less required. The Prime Minster added that improved training of British Nationals would continue to tackle the skills shortage that has led to these shortages within the UK.
He also said that two professions which have been attracting most of the non-EU nationals CHEFS and CARE WORKERS will be removed from the shortage occupation list by 2012 and 2014.
If you would like to listen to what was proposed have a look at this podcast from the PM.
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Tier 1 Changes starting 06 April 2010
The UKBA has announced that it will be using the recommendations made by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) and applying some policy and rule changes to the Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the Points Based System in the United Kingdom.
Tier 1 General
The initial period on the Tier 1 visa will be reduced to 2 years and the extension applications will be approved provided sufficient evidence is submitted to verify the applicant is in Highly Skilled employment.
Transitional arrangements will be in place for individuals already n the UK or who have their visa approved before 6th April 2010
The Age section has been changed to allow applicants up to 39 years old to claim for points
Qualifications criteria have been changed to again allow for points for people with Bachelor Degrees (30 points) with reduced points for PhD Holders. (45 Points)
Previous Earnings section has an increase in the required earnings to allow for points for earnings of 25,000 GBP and above
An Additional salary band will be introduced with a threshold of 150,000 and above (75 points)
Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa (PSW)
Graduates of Medical Schools located in the UK, are now able to switch into Tier 1 Post Study within 12 months of completing their foundation programme
Tier 1 General
The initial period on the Tier 1 visa will be reduced to 2 years and the extension applications will be approved provided sufficient evidence is submitted to verify the applicant is in Highly Skilled employment.
Transitional arrangements will be in place for individuals already n the UK or who have their visa approved before 6th April 2010
The Age section has been changed to allow applicants up to 39 years old to claim for points
Qualifications criteria have been changed to again allow for points for people with Bachelor Degrees (30 points) with reduced points for PhD Holders. (45 Points)
Previous Earnings section has an increase in the required earnings to allow for points for earnings of 25,000 GBP and above
An Additional salary band will be introduced with a threshold of 150,000 and above (75 points)
Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa (PSW)
Graduates of Medical Schools located in the UK, are now able to switch into Tier 1 Post Study within 12 months of completing their foundation programme
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Updated Changes to Tier 4 -Student Visa application
03.03 2010 Today new changes to the Tier 4 Visa applications were introduced, the new requirements are:
English language course levels have been raised to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
Tier 4 (General) applicants studying a course below degree level and any course that is not a foundation degree will now be able to work only for 10 hours per week during term.
Tier 4 applicants applying for a course which is 6 months or less are no longer able to bring family members
Dependents (family members) of Tier 4 applicants studying a course lower than degree level will no longer be allowed to work on the basis of being a dependent
All applications under Tier 4 submitted before 3 March 2010 will be considered in line with the rules that were in place at that time of application
More changes are scheduled to come in April 2010 and it I highly suggest to anyone considering studying in the UK to consider using an agent or at the very least to do as much research into the Tier 4 rules and recent changes before submitting so as to avoid any refusals or unnecessary delays.
English language course levels have been raised to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
Tier 4 (General) applicants studying a course below degree level and any course that is not a foundation degree will now be able to work only for 10 hours per week during term.
Tier 4 applicants applying for a course which is 6 months or less are no longer able to bring family members
Dependents (family members) of Tier 4 applicants studying a course lower than degree level will no longer be allowed to work on the basis of being a dependent
All applications under Tier 4 submitted before 3 March 2010 will be considered in line with the rules that were in place at that time of application
More changes are scheduled to come in April 2010 and it I highly suggest to anyone considering studying in the UK to consider using an agent or at the very least to do as much research into the Tier 4 rules and recent changes before submitting so as to avoid any refusals or unnecessary delays.
Sunday, 27 December 2009
UK Marriage Visa update
We have been involved in UK immigration matters for the past 6 years roughly, over the years we have witnessed the many changes and additions to the UK Visa laws.
I personally have submitted most application types that have been available over the past few years:
Old HSMP
Work Permits
Sole Representative Visas
Marriage Visas
Dependent Visas
Student Visas
Recently I have witnessed a real tightening of the way the UKBA and entry clearance officers are looking at Visas and the supporting evidence required with each application.
Even though there are guidance notes for each application there are still various details/questions that the public often have a hard time confirming. Family based applications were excluded from the Points Based System but it is my opinion that these applications too have become far more of a challenge than previously.
Recently a UK Marriage Visa was submitted through the Visa processing office in Turkey, Istanbul and normally with the documentation that was provided an approval should been reached within 4-6 weeks BUT the approach the caseworker used when deciding on the case made it impossible for an approval and the application was sent back refused.
This was the first time I had ever seen a marriage visa application refusal and you can imagine the disappointment for the applicant and British Spouse.
One thing noticed that even though there should be Generic supporting evidence for each application the truth is that each application has to have a thorough and clear explanation that confirms each piece of evidence and what it is confirming or trying to demonstrate.
Do not expect the entry clearance officer to understand or make sense of just a whole bunch of papers...it is vital to either use a professional visa/immigration agent or to have a step by step explanation to avoid any issues or delays.
I personally have submitted most application types that have been available over the past few years:
Old HSMP
Work Permits
Sole Representative Visas
Marriage Visas
Dependent Visas
Student Visas
Recently I have witnessed a real tightening of the way the UKBA and entry clearance officers are looking at Visas and the supporting evidence required with each application.
Even though there are guidance notes for each application there are still various details/questions that the public often have a hard time confirming. Family based applications were excluded from the Points Based System but it is my opinion that these applications too have become far more of a challenge than previously.
Recently a UK Marriage Visa was submitted through the Visa processing office in Turkey, Istanbul and normally with the documentation that was provided an approval should been reached within 4-6 weeks BUT the approach the caseworker used when deciding on the case made it impossible for an approval and the application was sent back refused.
This was the first time I had ever seen a marriage visa application refusal and you can imagine the disappointment for the applicant and British Spouse.
One thing noticed that even though there should be Generic supporting evidence for each application the truth is that each application has to have a thorough and clear explanation that confirms each piece of evidence and what it is confirming or trying to demonstrate.
Do not expect the entry clearance officer to understand or make sense of just a whole bunch of papers...it is vital to either use a professional visa/immigration agent or to have a step by step explanation to avoid any issues or delays.
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Some facts and figures from UK Visas
- Facts and figures from UK Visas:
- In 2008 and 2009 they received 2,43 million applications fewer than in 2007/9:
- Applications were down in all major categories except for Student Visas which were up 2% overall
- The Points Based System was initiated during 2008-9 attracting over 50,000 applications
- The overall refusal rate was 19%, up 1% on 2007-08
- more than 50% of all visa applications were for visits
- The top nationality by application by application amount remains Indian, followed by Nigerian, Pakistani, Chinese and Russian.
- The top visa issuing offices remain New Delhi, Chennai, Moscow, Mumbai and Istanbul.
Monday, 7 December 2009
UKBA responds to media on education providers
The UKBA replies to media reports that some educational providers may be stopped from enrolling foreign students.
This came after the MAC report on Tier 1 of the points based system. Tier 1 (post study work), allows migrants to to extend their stay and work inside the UK if they have completed a course of study in the country. The MAC report suggested that the UK Govt should re-assess whether some students enrolled in certain UK education providers' courses should still be allowed to remain in the UK on the post study work category, but the report did not suggest that these education providers or the students enrolled in these institutions were not legitamate.
Tier 4 of the UKBA points system puts responsibility on the Education Providers and ensures greater control of these educational institutions and the students enrolling in courses. The UKBA did confirm that any education provider on the list will still be able to register foreign students.
The UKBA will consider the MAC report on Tier 1 and should announce whether they will accept the changes in early 2010.
This came after the MAC report on Tier 1 of the points based system. Tier 1 (post study work), allows migrants to to extend their stay and work inside the UK if they have completed a course of study in the country. The MAC report suggested that the UK Govt should re-assess whether some students enrolled in certain UK education providers' courses should still be allowed to remain in the UK on the post study work category, but the report did not suggest that these education providers or the students enrolled in these institutions were not legitamate.
Tier 4 of the UKBA points system puts responsibility on the Education Providers and ensures greater control of these educational institutions and the students enrolling in courses. The UKBA did confirm that any education provider on the list will still be able to register foreign students.
The UKBA will consider the MAC report on Tier 1 and should announce whether they will accept the changes in early 2010.
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Tier 2 Changes give British Workers Better Chance to apply for Jobs
24 November 2009- The UK resident labour test of the Tier 2 (Sponsored Skilled Work) will be extended to four weeks for all jobs. The reason is to support British Workers searching for jobs during the current economic circumstances. This is another clear example of how the UKBA and UK in general is trying to minimize immigration numbers to the UK.
These changes will apply to all jobs that commence on or after 14 December 2009, any advertising already undertaken will not need to re advertise.
The four weeks will not need to run continuously, employers will be able to advertise skilled jobs for shorter durations initially, this will allow resident workers a chance to first apply and where there are no resident workers the labor test should be tested for a further 2 weeks. This makes the entire process up to four weeks before a UK employer can employ a migrant worker.
These changes will apply to all jobs that commence on or after 14 December 2009, any advertising already undertaken will not need to re advertise.
The four weeks will not need to run continuously, employers will be able to advertise skilled jobs for shorter durations initially, this will allow resident workers a chance to first apply and where there are no resident workers the labor test should be tested for a further 2 weeks. This makes the entire process up to four weeks before a UK employer can employ a migrant worker.
Monday, 5 October 2009
Changes for Sponsors under the PBS
As spoken about in the past, it has now become official, the changes for becoming a sponsor have been divided into two categories:Tier 2 + 5 sponsors, and Tier 4 sponsors.
For a full list of all changes you can check out there site over here.
On the other hand the British Government realizes the possible constraints the new maintenance rules could have on students currently in the UK and as such has granted them an extension until February 2010. All students wishing to renew their visa from within the UK will only need to show maintenance the day of their application, however they must still supply all relevant documentation.
For a full list of all changes you can check out there site over here.
On the other hand the British Government realizes the possible constraints the new maintenance rules could have on students currently in the UK and as such has granted them an extension until February 2010. All students wishing to renew their visa from within the UK will only need to show maintenance the day of their application, however they must still supply all relevant documentation.
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