UK Visas and British Citizenship

As you probably heard from 9 July 2012 those who want to bring a spouse, fiancée or a partner to the UK need to earn at least £18,600. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as for those who are in receipt of disability-related benefits.for example, if you receive a DLA (Disability Living Allowance) or AA (Attendance Allowance) then the new rule of £18,600 in earnings does NOT apply to you. However, you still need to meet the old Maintenance requirement, which is based on your income compared to your rent/mortgage. For more information book our Advice Session now! Www.1st4immigration.com or email: info@1st4imigration.com

If you cannot get an appointment we can help, we have worked with the French and Portuguse Embassies in London for years! We submit applications using separate system of appointments for representatives. French visa takes 4 working days from the appointment date for most nationals (S.African, Indian, Russian, Thai, Chinese, Turkish etc), takes 2-3 weeks for some nationals. Portuguese visa takes 1 week from a Tuesday. Contact us: www.multitravelvisas.co.uk

"I received my passport today! EVERYTHING OK!  permanent residence, I can't believe! Thanks so much !!!!!!!!!!!!!" Cristian, national of Chile, applied to retain residency rights under European law after his marriage to an EU citizen broke down. Contact us for an immigration advice or application: www.1st4immigration.com , email: info@1st4immigration.com

1) BEFORE: Spouse/Partner visa for 2 years, then permanent residency. FROM 9 JULY 2012: Spouse/Partner visa for 2.5 years, then extension for another 2.5 years, only then permanent residency after 5 years. 2) BEFORE: Spouses/partners who have been together for 4 years outside the UK were given a Permanent Visa straight away. NOW: This was stopped, instead the same 5 years wait applies to all. 3) BEFORE: Finances (income, savings) were required to be ‘adequate’. It was assumed that income should be high enough for the couple not to be eligible for the state welfare support (benefits). NOW: Minimum income threshold of £18,600 per annum gross before tax; £22,400 for one child and an additional £2,400 for each further child being brought to the UK. It can be from work, self-employment, rental income, pension or disability-related benefits. Savings can also be counted in addition or instead of earnings but only savings over £16,000 would qualify. This income test applies ...

If you already have a valid UK Spouse/Partner visa then the new changes would not affect you. This relates to spouses and partners of UK citizens or of permanent residents (it does not relate to spouses/partners of Tier 1 or 2 or other visa holders). So, if you have a valid visa (Entry Clearance or Residence Permit as a Spouse/Partner) then you can still apply for Permanent Residency, called Indefinite Leave to Remain, under the same rules as before 9th July 2012. It means you can still apply for permanent residency after you have spent 2 years in the UK on a Spouse/Partner visa (not 5 years). Likewise, you'd need to meet the financial   requirements of the 'old rules' also. If you feel you need a detailed consultation we offer individual advice sessions over email or at our office at Tower Hill in Central London. We charge a £70 advice fee and would count it towards our service fee if you make a visa application through us later. Website: www.1st4immigra...

This page is for those who have a Tier 1 Post-Study Work visa now and wonder what to do after these 2 years. It is no longer possible to apply for a Tier 1 General (commonly known as HSMP), which use to be the natural next step in the past. Available options: Please note: below is a simplified summary only, for an advice for your individual circumstances we advise to book our advice session (over email or at our office at Tower Hill in Central London). 1) Tier 1 (Entrepreneur): for those with entrepreneurial spirit and access to £50,000 in funds, which will be available to start a new business. Such new business has to be registered only within 3 months before switching from a PSW to an Entrepreneur visa (not earlier, ie previous entrepreneurial activities won't count, or rather count but the standard £200,000 if funds). The outcome is a visa for 3 years, which then can be extended for another 2 years and after this you could apply for permanent residenc...

This page is for those who have a Tier 4 Student visa now and wonder what to do after completing their course. It is no longer possible to apply for a Tier 1 Post-Study Work visa or Tier 1 General (commonly known as HSMP), which use to be the natural next step in the past. Available options: Please note: below is a simplified summary only, for an advice for your individual circumstances we advise to book our advice session (over email or at our office at Tower Hill in Central London). 1) Tier 2 (General): for those who are lucky to have a job offer from a licensed Sponsor (employer) and a Certificate of Sponsorship. In this case, when switching from Tier 4 Student to Tier 2 General inside the UK, there is no annual limit and there is no need for employer to advertise the job first (ie no need for a Resident Labour Market Test). The job still has to be at a relatively high skill level (NQF6) and pay appropriate salary as on the Code of Practice (but minimum £20,000). To qualif...