UK Visas and British Citizenship

Certainly not as indefinite as most people think. This post is of vital importance to those who have secured an Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent residency status) in the UK and who are thinking of relocating abroad or taking a job abroad.  You will lose your ILR if you leave the UK for more than 2 years in a row  and will have to start all over again in the future. Indefinite Leave can be lost, and many lose it, as a result of being away for more than 2 years, such as working in Australia, USA or the Middle East etc. What’s the solution? First to apply for British Citizenship, then to go. Please note we say ‘to apply’ and not ‘to get’. In other words, assuming you meet the requirements and can provide the right documents (which we can advise on), your application for Citizenship is based on the time before the date of application, not after. So, you can apply and then take a job offer abroad because your absences will be counted up to the date of application, not the date of deci

It is that time of the year when the new UK fiscal year is approaching and it is also the traditional time for the UK Visas and Immigration to change their fees. We should say “to increase” the fees, as the government fees tend to go one way – up. This article in The Express recent attracted our attention, even though it was published in November 2017 https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/915540/meghan-markle-prince-harry-news-uk-visa It covers the maters of dual nationality, one being British and the other in this case being American. The UK law on dual nationals are the same, though, whether you are American or not  - you can have dual or even multiple nationalities. The subject in this article focuses o the tax matters, which come under the different area of law, ie tax law and not immigration law. There is also the law of the other country to consider (the United States in this case), does that country allow dual nationality and if yes, what are the other rules, such

There are 2 meanings of a term ‘Settlement’ when it comes to the UK visas. This is why it can be confusing to understand the Immigration Rules. Meaning #1: Permanent Residency in the UK, known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The Rules, the visa officers and therefore immigration lawyers often say “Apply for Settlement “ or “Apply to settle in the UK”, you can see here on UKVI website: https://www.gov.uk/settle-in-the-uk Even ILR application forms have names like SET(M) or SET(O). Meaning #2: when spouses, partners and fiancées are applying from outside the UK, such applications are also called ‘Settlement’. It does not mean these are applications for Permanent Residency but means that the applicant (a foreign partner) is planning to come to the UK with the view of settling here, ie ‘for settlement’.  There is no such term when switching from a Spouse/Partner visa inside the UK, for example, from a Tier 4 to a Spouse visa. Yes, this 2nd meaning of a ‘Settlement’ term is used

"Very responsive team and smooth process! Jules was in charge of my application and worked tirelessly (even on his days off) to make sure everything was up to scratch. Thank you." Carol, Egyptian national applied for Indefinite Leave to Remain using Same day Premium Service. More reviews can be read here: http://www.1st4immigration.com/testimonials.php  For an individual advice or to make your application as successful please contact us: info@1st4immigration.com or visit www.1st4immigration.com . 1st 4Immigration Ltd , authorised by the OISC, ref 200800152. We operate at the highest Level 3 of expertise. Office address: 68 King William Street, City of London, London, EC4M 7DZ. If you are an Immigration Adviser or a Solicitor please visit our immigration Training and CPD website:  www.1st4immigration.com/training .

Certainly not as indefinite as most people think. This post is of vital importance to those who have secured an Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent residency status) in the UK and who are thinking of relocating abroad or taking a job abroad. You will lose your ILR if you leave the UK for more than 2 years in a row and will have to start all over again in the future. Indefinite Leave can be lost, and many lose it, as a result of being away for more than 2 years, such as working in Australia, USA or the Middle East etc. What’s the solution? First to apply for British Citizenship, then to go. Please note we say ‘to apply’ and not ‘to get’. In other words, assuming you meet the requirements and can provide the right documents (which we can advise on), your application for Citizenship is based on the time before the date of application, not after. So, you can apply and then take a job offer abroad because your absences will be counted up to the date of application, not the date of dec

This time we borrowed this headline from the UK Visas and Immigration:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-document-certifying-permanent-residence-or-permanent-residence-card-form-eea-pr/top-reasons-pr-applications-are-rejected-by-ukvi We thought it would make a good post for European / EEA citizens and their family members.The page offers a list of reasons, although they are quite generic, such as no signature on the form or no correct fee paid. So, we thought we would expand on the subject and add most common non-admin reasons, ie most common eligibility-related reasons. In descending order: #5 Students being unaware of the health insurance requirement,  which was – unfairly and unusually – applied retrospectively. This rule was added in June 2011, yet it refers to those studying even before that. #4 Believing (wrongly) that this application is based on the last 5 years , ie 5 years immediately prior to the date of application. It would have been

We start our festive news roundup from the serious news and Brexit. The latest statement was released earlier in December 2017 from Prime Minister, Theresa May, reassuring the European citizens on their rights after Brexit. Not just immigration rights but also healthcare, pension etc. The Daily Mail published an open letter in their article ‘Dear EU citizens, I want you to STAY’ (quite rightly, we add): http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5168239/Theresa-tells-EU-nationals-want-stay.html An official statement is here   https://www.gov.uk/guidance/status-of-eu-nationals-in-the-uk-what-you-need-to-know Next is a feel-good story about a British passport going “back to blue” after 2019. Or, as BBC put it. 'Iconic' blue British passport to return after Brexit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42443253 Looks like we will be saying goodbye to the current burgundy UK passports, although we quite like the colour!     Technology news: UK Visas and Immigration, at least t

“I have used 1st 4Immigration over the years to renew my Tier 1 visa and more recently to gain my Settlement status. Highly professional and would recommend.” Greg, Australian national For an individual advice or to make your application as successful please contact us:  info@1st4immigration.com  or visit  http://www.1st4immigration.com.   If you are an Immigration Adviser or a Solicitor please visit our immigration Training and CPD website:  www.1st4immigration.com/training . We have a weekend OISC Level 1 course as well as a Points-Based System course and we also have online training courses, including Online OISC Level 1 course and courses focusing on Spouse/Partner visas. All our training courses are CPD-accredited with CPD credit accepted by OISC.

“My husband has recently been granted his ILR and we cannot thank 1st 4Immigration enough for their help and guidance over the last 5-6 years. We have used their services right from the very beginning of this process, from the first visa issued to renewals and right up to the ILR application, and have also recommended the firm to friends of ours. They are very professional, very thorough, provide value for money and Natalia Andrews and her team are excellent .” Sara, British national who applied for her husband’s Settlement visa using same day service through us For an individual advice or to make your application as successful please contact us: info@1st4immigration.com or visit  http://www.1st4immigration.com. If you are an Immigration Adviser or a Solicitor please visit our immigration Training and CPD website:  www.1st4immigration.com/training . We have a weekend OISC Level 1 course as well as a Points-Based System course and we also have online training courses, includi

Some time ago, there was this headline  from the UK Visas and Immigration:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-document-certifying-permanent-residence-or-permanent-residence-card-form-eea-pr/top-reasons-pr-applications-are-rejected-by-ukvi We thought it would make a good post for European / EEA citizens and their family members.The page offers a list of reasons, although they are quite generic, such as no signature on the form or no correct fee paid. So, we thought we would expand on the subject and add most common non-admin reasons, ie most common eligibility-related reasons. In descending order: #5 Students being unaware of the health insurance requirement,  which was – unfairly and unusually – applied retrospectively. This rule was added in June 2011, yet it refers to those studying even before that. #4 Believing (wrongly) that this application is based on the last 5 years , ie 5 years immediately prior to the date of application. It would have

“Second time my husband and I have used 1st4immigration. Daniel was very helpful, patient and kind during the process. I would highly recommend this service to anyone. Thank you.” Verity, British national who applied for her Gambian husband’s settlement visa through us For an individual advice or to make your application as successful please contact us: info@1st4immigration.com or visit  http://www.1st4immigration.com. If you are an Immigration Adviser or a Solicitor please visit our immigration Training and CPD website:  www.1st4immigration.com/training . We have a weekend OISC Level 1 course as well as a Points-Based System course and we also have online training courses, including Online OISC Level 1 course and courses focusing on Spouse/Partner visas. All our training courses are CPD-accredited with CPD credit accepted by OISC.  

“Excellent service and support offered by Natalia and Sebastian throughout my entire application for Permanent Residency. I have no words to describe how grateful I am for their help, their professional manner, and the way they handled not a very easy and straight forward case! Thank you for your patience guys! 10 out of 10 and definitely I will highly recommend 1st 4Immigration for stress free applications!” Sergiu, Romanian national In this case we avoided the rule of medical insurance for an EEA student because of the applicable TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS. For an individual advice or to make your application as successful please contact us: info@1st4immigration.com or visit  http://www.1st4immigration.com. If you are an Immigration Adviser or a Solicitor please visit our immigration Training and CPD website:  www.1st4immigration.com/training . We have a weekend OISC Level 1 course as well as a Points-Based System course and we also have online training courses, includin

This time we borrowed this headline from the UK Visas and Immigration: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-document-certifying-permanent-residence-or-permanent-residence-card-form-eea-pr/top-reasons-pr-applications-are-rejected-by-ukvi We thought it would make a good post for European / EEA citizens and their family members.The page offers a list of reasons, although they are quite generic, such as no signature on the form or no correct fee paid. So, we thought we would expand on the subject and add most common non-admin reasons, ie most common eligibility-related reasons. In descending order: #5 Students being unaware of the health insurance requirement, which was – unfairly and unusually – applied retrospectively. This rule was added in June 2011, yet it refers to those studying even before that. #4 Believing (wrongly) that this application is based on the last 5 years , ie 5 years immediately prior to the date of application. It would have been

In this article   https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/sep/05/leaked-document-reveals-uk-brexit-plan-to-deter-eu-immigrants   The Guardian claimed to have a (leaked) government document, proposing the end of free movement immediately after Brexit and tough new visa rules for European migrants.  The Daily Mail also run an article based on the above: : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4855264/Tough-new-immigration-rules-revealed-massive-leak.html Whether this leaked proposal was genuine or not , whether it will be adopted in this form or changed, here are some examples.  For example , European citizens wishing to bring their family members  (husbands , wives and children ) , will have to meet the same Financial Requirement (£18,600) as UK citizens currently have. This income requirement has been controversial ever since its introduction in 2012 and has been subject to a few court cases. However , at least it would make the Rules the same for all. Currently , the

“My ILR was granted last Thursday thanks to 1st 4Immigration. Very professional and efficient service. Definitely good value for money. Thanks Daniel, Sebastian and Jules.” Chinyere, Nigerian national For an individual advice or to make your application as successful please contact us:  info@1st4immigration.com  or visit  http://www.1st4immigration.com.   If you are an Immigration Adviser or a Solicitor please visit our immigration Training and CPD website:  www.1st4immigration.com/training . We have a weekend OISC Level 1 course as well as a Points-Based System course and we also have online training courses, including Online OISC Level 1 course and courses focusing on Spouse/Partner visas. All our training courses are CPD-accredited with CPD credit accepted by OISC.

On June the 26th, 2017, the Government posted   an updated statement on the status of the EU citizens in the UK on   https://www.gov.uk/guidance/status-of-eu-nationals-in-the-uk-what-you-need-to-know Ms May’s statement confirms her “offer” to let the EU citizens, who are already living/working in the UK, to continue benefiting from the European treaty rights, i.e. to continue as before. Those EU citizens who have been exercising Treaty rights (such as working) in the UK for 5 years can apply for permanent residence status. The application is not compulsory – at the moment – but it makes a good sense to make it as soon as possible. It would make their lives a lot easier after Brexit, such as when using the NHS or applying for a job (employers and NHS staff are not immigration officers, so would need a formal document). This would be that "ID-style paper" , which you are likely to need to sooner or later.  At the moment we call such a paper a Permanent Residence document,

“We have successfully completed an application for my wife's ILR through 1st4Immigration, after applying directly and being unsuccessful 12 months ago. Daniel was on hand to answer questions on email and was quick to reply and ease our concerns. Sawan met us on the day of application and was a pleasure to deal with, he also waited for the application which allowed us to leave after the essential bits had been completed. Would use again for other services such as naturalisation in future.” Stuart  This came from Stuart, a British national, who applied for his wife (Thai national) through us after she had spent 5 years on Spouse visas, so it was time to apply for permanent residency.  We used same-day service in Croydon – happy ending!  For an individual advice or to make your application as successful please contact us:  info@1st4immigration.com  or visit  http://www.1st4immigration.com.   If you are an Immigration Adviser or a Solicitor please visit our immigration Tr

On June the 26th, 2017, the Government posted   an updated statement on the status of the EU citizens in the UK on https://www.gov.uk/guidance/status-of-eu-nationals-in-the-uk-what-you-need-to-know Ms May’s statement confirms her “offer” to let the EU citizens, who are already living/working in the UK, to continue benefiting from the European treaty rights, i.e. to continue as before. Those EU citizens who have been exercising Treaty rights (such as working) in the UK for 5 years can apply for permanent residence status. The application is not compulsory – at the moment – but it makes a good sense to make it as soon as possible. It would make their lives a lot easier after Brexit, such as when using the NHS or applying for a job (employers and NHS staff are not immigration officers, so would need a formal document). This would be that "ID-style paper" , which you are likely to need to sooner or later.  At the moment we call such a paper a Permanent Residence document,

“Extremely efficient and professional. I was recommended 1st 4Immigration by a friend who had a successful visa application with them. Their initial approach is very formal and emails back and forth eventually get you an answer. Would have been nice to be able to have a 5-minute call to introduce your case. But once you sign things and get started, everything moves quick and is extremely efficient, documents are checked, lists are sent over and things happen on time. They are also extremely well located and available to drop documents there, which was one of my main reasons for picking them initially. Having used their services. I would use them again, and recommend them for efficiency, professional service and getting the job done!” Shreya, Indian national This came from Shreya, an Indian national, who had spent 5 years in the UK as a Tier 2 migrant, so it was time to apply for permanent residency.  We used same-day service in Croydon – happy ending! The next step for Annie woul