UK Visas and British Citizenship

If you used your Biometric Residence Permit to create a UKVI account and eVisa, you now have to add your valid passport - to travel abroad from 2025. You can do it by updating your account here:   https://www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details/update-your-ukvi-account If you get a new passport after that, you’ll need to update your account again, to avoid problems at the UK border.  For advice on UK visas, including the upcoming eVisa and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA),  please book online consultation with a lawyer on this link.  Over WhatsApp, Zoom or email. The consultation fee counts towards our immigration services. 1st 4Immigration  is one of the most experienced UK immigration law companies, OISC – accredited at the highest Level 3. We have been in business for over 15 years, our OISC reference is 200800152, in which 2008 stands for the year accreditation. Office: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HN. Website  1st4im...

For the main work category, Skilled Worker, the blanket minimum from 4 April 2024 is £38,700 per year. It also has to be minimum the “going rate”, which is set up for each SOC code (ie each occupation). Whichever is lower of these 2 amounts, but you could also reduce the weekly hours if the going rate is higher than £38,700.  There are also concessions for a lower salary: if you are switching from a Student or Graduate visa, the minimum salary is only  £30,960 per year. Same for applicants who are under 26 years of age at the date of visa  application.  The salary for care workers remains to be lower at  £23,200 per year.  However, if a worker already had a Skilled Worker or Tier 2 General visa since before 4 April 2024, they can be paid a blanket minimum of £29,000, and not £38,700.  You can find the going rates here.  For advice on UK visas, including the upcoming eVisa and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA),  please book onlin...

It’s the ultimate goal – British Citizenship!   The journey takes time and money but it’s worth it! You may be just at the beginning of your ‘journey’ or you may be already on your way to Indefinite Leave (settled status). It is never too early to find out your rights and make a plan.  #1 Spouses of British citizens. The process includes initial Spouse visa (30 or 33 months), then extension for further 30 months, then permanent residency after 5 years. You can apply for British Citizenship straight after that. Common mistake: applying after 3 years in the UK, it is not the right time.  #2 European citizens and family members. Firstly, you need to acquire a settled status - after 5 years in the UK. In most cases, you can apply for Citizenship 1 year after you have qualified for the settled status. Even if your settlement document was issued later, you can still apply for Citizenship 1 year after you ‘qualified’ for it.   #3 If you already have Indefinite Leave or...

We accumulated an impressive number of reviews on the online platforms, such as Trustpilot. To-date we have an “Excellent” rating as a verified company. All our reviews are genuine and from real customers. They praise our services and our team because we genuinely try to help, both with our expertise and customer service.   We have been practicing UK immigration law (visas and British Citizenship) for over 15 years. Our OISC licence number is F200800152, in which 2008 stands for the year of accreditation. We always work as fast as we can and we respond to emails on the same working day!   Read our reviews on Trustpilot:  https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/1st4immigration.com You can also read on Google by googling our company name and clicking Reviews, we have a 5-star rating!   For advice on UK visas, including the upcoming eVisa and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA),   please book online consultation with a lawyer on this link.   Over WhatsApp, Zoom or ...

  So, you have a Graduate visa for the UK but want to continue studies. Usually (but not always) in order to extend the stay in the UK and eventually apply for Indefinite Leave after 10 years. Or maybe to add more time to qualify for an Unmarried Partner visa that requires a 2-year relationship.    Graduate visa does not allow to study if the course in question would qualify for a Student visa. For example, a Master degree course would qualify for a Student visa, so you need to get a Student visa approved, then commence the course.    For immigration advice,   Book online consultation here.  A call over Zoom or WhatsApp costs £150 if you prefer to talk to a lawyer. An email consultation costs only £120 and we provide answers by the next working day. Advice fee counts towards our future services with a visa application, so the final fee is the same, just split into 2 stages.    1st 4Immigration  is one of the...

This is a change for nationals who normally did not need a visa to come to the UK for a holiday or business trip. This includes people from Europe, Australia, Canada, USA, Malaysia, UAE, Qatar and many other countries, the Rules call them “non-visa nationals”. Whereas before it was possible to visit the UK without any visa (just get a stamp at the airport), now you would need an ETA prior to travel. It is similar to American ETA and Australian ESTA, still not a “proper” visa, but an online authorisation before travel. If the system approves – you can head to the airport. If not – you’d have to apply for a Visitor visa.   When does ETA start? Most nationals can apply from 27 November 2024; European visitors – from 5 March 2025. When eligible,  you can apply here.       Costs and timing ETA costs 10 British Pounds per person, including per each child, and takes 3 working days to be processed. In some cases, it may be possible to travel to the UK while waiting...

UK Visas and Immigration are moving UK visas online from 2025. For residents, all BRP visa cards “expire” on 31.12.2024 and will be replaced by eVisa. For visitors, it will be an ETA prior to travel or a Visitor visa, depending on nationality. We can advise on the transition to eVisa and explain how it works.    eVisa and what happens when all BRPs expire on 31.12.2024 From 2025 all UK visas will be as an eVisa. An electronic status in the UK Government system, without a physical card or stamp. All current BRPs “expire” on 31.12.2024, but it does not represent the expiry date of your status. The visa eligibility rules, and requirements towards the evidence, remain the same. If you have a BRP that expires on 31.12.2024, you can transfer to eVisa by  creating a new-generation UKVI account here.   If your visa expires before 31.12.2024 You need to make a next visa application as normal, as before eVisa. As a result, you will receive a decision and your new status will b...

Enquire now!  As an agency, we have priority access to Schengen visa appointments every week, so you can apply now and plan your travel for the next 6 months—including the Christmas 2024 and New Year holidays!   The time to apply is now – please contact us by phone 0871 472 1468 or email:  info@multitravelvisas.co.uk .Website:  https://www.multitravelvisas.co.uk/contact-us If you need a UK visa advice, we have a temporarily discounted fee for an initial consult with a lawyer. You can find our more here:  https://www.1st4immigration.com/  OISC-accredited at the highest Level 3, specialising in immigration law as the only area allowed by this specialist immigration accreditation. Our ref F200800152, in which 2008 stands for the year of accreditation.  

Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK: Settlement as a worker, partner, family member or after 10 years residence. Advice on settled and pre-settled status under EU Settlement Scheme, including how time you spent abroad could affect it. Advice on new eVisa after BRP ends in 2024.   eVisa and what happens when all BRPs expire on 31.12.2024 From 2025 all UK visas will be as an eVisa. An electronic status in the UK Government system, without a physical card or stamp. All current BRPs “expire” on 31.12.2024, but it does not represent the expiry date of your status. The visa eligibility rules, and requirements towards the evidence, remain the same. If you have  a BRP that expires on 31.12.2024,   you can transfer to eVisa now by creating a new-generation UKVI account here.   Waiting times for ILR The standard processing time by the Home Office is within 6 months. There is a fast-track service in most categories, with decision made by the next working day after the bio...

We are often asked about how time spent outside the UK affect a UK visa or eligibility for Settlement. The answer depends on your category.  If you have a work visa (Skilled worker, Ancestral etc):  There is a strict rule of maximum 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months, on a rolling basis. Similar to a Schengen rule of 90 days in 6 months. The same rule applies to dependent partners and spouses (but not to children).  If you have a visa as a Spouse/Partner of a UK citizen in the standard 5-year route:  This category doesn’t have a specific rule, other than the UK must remain your main home. As a rule of thumb, we use 6 months per year, but it is not the law. The Home Office tends to expect to see that 50% of the “visa time” has been spent in the UK. Unless there was a compassionate reason, like a medical emergency or having to care for a parent. If you spent too much time abroad during 5 years, you would have to apply for extension, rather than Indefinite Leave.  If you have a...

Online OISC Level 1 course - study in your own time! CPD 16 hours, accredited by CPD Standards office, with an official certificate issued upon successful pass of the mock test. Accepted by The OISC as part of CPD training. We are a Level 3 OISC-accredited immigration firm.  Online self-study course. This is a text-based course, in which we put together our knowledge and 15 years of experience in one PDF file.  All in one place! It contains approximately 130 pages and is updated, depending on the changes in the UK immigration law. You can download this course and study in your own time, in any other location, from any device.Our popular training material explains the Rules and terms in plain language. Buy and download here, £199+VAT, CPD 16 hours: https://www.1st4immigration.com/oisc-training/ If you need a UK immigration advice yourself (advisers also need advice), you can arrange a consultation with our lawyers here:  https://www.1st4immigration.com/book-a-consultation/...

This is for nationals who don’t normally need a visa to come to the U.K. for holidays or short visits. Also known as non-visa nationals.  You could continue to visit “visa-free” but would have to get a pre-authorisation online under the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). It’s the same principle as the USA has had for many years now. If the online system “approves”, you can head to the airport. If not, you would need to apply for a Visitor visa.  From 27 November 2024 ETA will become available to most non-visa nationals: Americans, Australians, Malaysians , Japanese, Brazilians etc.  You can check your nationality here:  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta From 5 March 2025 it will become available to the European tourists.  The above is only re the Visitor visa. All other visas (Student, Work, Spouse) retain the same rules and procedures as now. Meaning a formal application, evidence (financial etc), ...

  We are often asked what happens once a migrant is in the UK, how they could get a National Insurance number or how paying IHS affects using the NHS. Here is some useful info!  1. National Insurance number (NI number or NINO)  is like a social security number, used for taxes and many other things. You could usually apply for it when you have a job offer. If you are on a Skilled Worker visa, it would be issued automatically with the visa.    2. There is tax also called National Insurance.  It’s deducted from wages of workers and passed on to the tax authority. Not connected to any immigration fees paid for visas. It applies to all workers (migrant or not), will be deducted by the employer’s payroll system before they pay your money. It is also used to calculate your entitlement to UK state pension.    3. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)  is what most migrants pay during the visa application. It’s supposed to be passed on to the Na...

Most UK visas say “No public funds”, but the National Health Service (NHS) is not public funds, and the migrants can use it. It is free at the point of use, such as when you come to a see a doctor. Of course, it is not really “free”, as most visa applicants pay Immigration Health Charge (IHS). Although not all have to pay IHS. Those applying for Indefinite Leave or to EU Settlement Scheme don't have to pay it.  So, most UK visas have the endorsement, what does it mean? There is a list of benefits that are included in the Public Funds list. Examples: Child benefit, Universal Credit, Council tax reduction, Carer’s allowance,  Housing benefit, Personal Independence Benefit (PIP) etc.  There are some contributory benefits that aren’t public funds. Examples: maternity allowance, statutory sick pay, unemployment benefits based on contributions from the previous work, state pension (but not Pension Credit).  Note on Child Benefit:  it is not uncommon for the Register O...

If you have a BRP visa card that expires on 31.12.2024, you can now create a UKVI account and transition to eVisa. From 2025 there will be no physical cards or visa stamps, only online status from Government system.  You can create a UKVI account here:  https://www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa If you need help, follow this video:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-immigration-status-evisa-help-video/how-to-create-a-ukvi-account-and-access-your-evisa When you have your eVisa ready, you can prove your immigration status for work and renting, by creating and sharing a code from here:  https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status You can book online consultation with a lawyer here.  Over WhatsApp, Zoom or email. We currently have a discounted fee £100 for advice over email. Alternatively, a video call over Zoom or WhatsApp costs £150 if you prefer to talk to a lawyer. The consultation fee counts towards our future services with a visa a...

  Here we cover the rules on combining various income sources when meeting the Financial Requirement for a UK Spouse, Partner and a Fiancee visa. There are rules on everything, so there are rules on that. For example, savings can be combined with the current employment (known as Category A) but not with the past employment (Category B). Self-employment can be combined with everything except savings. Property income can be combined with everything unless self-employment is involved.  Popular example #1: employment and savings. The current Financial Requirement for new applicants is £29,000. If one has a salary of £20,000, they could add savings. But it’s not £9,000 and not even £16,000, as the Government website appears to suggest (it doesn’t, it confusingly says “over £16,000, but not how much exactly). The shortfall of £9,000 can be made up with savings of £9,000x2.5+£16,000=£38,500. In this example, the current employment must have lasted for 6 months for the same employer, ...

Dual nationality for German citizens is now allowed, thanks to the recent changes in the German law. In our case, a German citizen can now apply to become a British citizen while retaining their German passport. Contact us now to make it happen! Apply for British citizenship now.   1st  4 Immigration  is one of the most experienced UK immigration law companies, OISC – accredited at the highest Level 3. We have been in business for over 15 years, our OISC reference is 200800152, in which 2008 stands for the year accreditation. Office: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HN. Website  1st4immigration.com You can book online consultation with a lawyer here.   Over WhatsApp, Zoom or email. We currently have a discounted fee £100 for advice over email. Alternatively, a video call over Zoom or WhatsApp costs £150 if you prefer to talk to a lawyer. The consultation fee counts towards our future services with a visa application, so the final fee i...

This post relates to the rules for a UK Spouse Partner and a Fiancée visa. It is for partners of UK citizens, of those with ILR, and of those with a pre-settled status in the UK.      #1 Most common - submitting “everything I have’.  Payslips, a tax return, some savings plus a property deed for a good measure. Surely, should work? It may sound logical to provide as much as possible, but this is a nightmare scenario for immigration lawyers and often a direct path to a visa refusal. Financial Requirement is strictly based on the ‘rules’: what income can be used; how various sources can be combined and what documents are needed. The Government produced a 78-page guidance just on this matter, so they have to use it. And that was before the elections, so it remains to be seen whether income threshold will go up to £38,700 or not.   #2 Savings - it’s not £16,000.  The official website says “savings over £16,000” and this is where the major confusion happens....