The Immigration Rules were amended on 6 April 2011 to include a new tougher criminality threshold. The key difference is that as of this date any unspent conviction will lead to a mandatory refusal of a prospective application to be granted settlement in the UK under the working and the family … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: Can Criminal Convictions Affect your Ability to Settle in Britain?
February 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
UK Immigration: Americans planning to study in the UK are labelled low risk and enjoy an easier application process
December 8, 2011 By 2 Comments
Living in the USA already possesses its own benefit and advantages but now there is another reason to celebrate being born in the USA. As many people know making a visa application can be a daunting experience but the UK Border Agency has made this process a little easier for citizens of a small … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: UK Visa Application Form Changes
November 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Be prepared for UK visa application form changes. When the UK government announces changes in rules for a particular immigration category this can usually mean that the application form for that category is going to be updated. The announcement below from the UK Border Agency was one such notice. … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: Upcoming Changes to Tier 2 Work Visa Category
October 24, 2011 By 1 Comment
Earlier this week the government accepted the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)’s recommendations, which were submitted for consideration in September 2011. In its report, the MAC focused in particular on those industries and sectors where it deemed that resident workers are now available to fill … [Read more...]
Guest Post: UK Immigration – The Easy Way to Migrate to the United Kingdom
October 21, 2011 By 2 Comments
Many people assume to migrate to the UK they have to follow UK immigration law. Unknown to many people there is another route into the UK. A separate set of rules governing the European Economic Area (EEA)which includes the UK provide a different set of immigration rules for those EEA citizens and … [Read more...]
Guest Post: UK Immigration – Common UK Visa Application Mistakes
October 3, 2011 By 1 Comment
As experienced UK visa and immigration consultants, WM Immigration deal with real UK visa issues on a daily basis. We have compiled a list of common errors made from applicants on a regular basis. Errors vary depending on the application but we feel these ones are always recurring. Original Bank … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: Latest UKBA Proposals – UK Visas for Family Members
July 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The latest immigration proposals, announced on 13 July 2011, seemingly show a shift in policy from curbing the number of students to impose stringent criteria on family members to join the main applicant in the UK. The definition of immediate family members in the Immigration Rules is narrower … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: A Guide to the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa – Investing in Britain
June 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment
From an immigration point of view, it's undeniable that it makes perfect sense for a foreign investor to enter the UK under the newly revised Tier 1 Entrepreneur category rather than the Tier 1 Investor due to the lower level of funds required to qualify. This article will discuss in details the … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: Latest Policy Updates and new UKBA proposals to End Tier 2 Right to Settlement
June 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment
On 6 April 2011, the UK Border Agency brought into force the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC863) published on 16 March 2011. This article offers a snap shot of the most pervasive makeover of the UK immigration system seen in recent years with a discussion of the new proposals … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: British Settlement and Citizenship Changes and Challenges Ahead
May 20, 2011 By 2 Comments
The last few weeks have unveiled a complete rethinking of the immigration system and visa categories in the UK. On 6 April 2011, the Tier 1 General Scheme was abolished whilst the Tier 1 Post Study Work Scheme, after much speculation, was given a 12 months lifeline until April 2012. The UK … [Read more...]
U.K. Immigration: Closure of the Tier 1 Post Study Work route confirmed – Student Visa Reforms
March 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The U.K. Border Agency has announced the closure of the Tier 1 PSW route. From April 2012, graduate students will no longer be able to apply for leave to remain in the U.K. following the award of their degree unless they have an offer of a graduate job from a sponsoring employer under Tier 2 of the … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: Tier 1 Post Study Work Scheme Visa News: Good news for prospective applicants!
March 23, 2011 By 14 Comments
On December 7, 2010, Damian Green, the Immigration Minister, made the following announcement: 'This government wants high-calibre students with the genuine desire to study to come to our country to come for temporary periods, and then return home. We want to hear views of our proposals from a … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: Is ‘rolling out the red carpet’ enough to attract more foreign investors and high net worth individuals to the UK?
March 18, 2011 By 2 Comments
Earlier this week the government has published a statement of intent outlining major reform to the immigration system focusing on rebalancing the economy by supporting a private-sector-led economic recovery and rewarding those who contribute to the economic growth. The changes will come into effect … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: UK Border Agency To Dramatically Increase Visa Fees Across the Board
February 28, 2011 By 6 Comments
Faced with massive departmental budget cuts, the UK Border Agency has decided to be a little more entrepreneurial by increasing visa application fees by a large margin. From UKBA Today: Today, immigration Minister Damian Green has issued a Written Ministerial Statement (PDF 91KB opens in a new … [Read more...]
U.K. Immigration: Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas: What Will Happen After 6 of April 2011?
February 25, 2011 By 56 Comments
Earlier this month, the U.K. government announced new requirements for those wishing to live and work in the U.K. under the Tier 1 and Tier 2 categories of the points-based system. The new rules will come into effective on 6 April 2011, and those applying on or after that date will have to meet the … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: UK Border Agency Sets out New Tier 2 Regulations and Cap Details – New Income Requirement
February 18, 2011 By 2 Comments
The UK Border Agency has published a Statement of Intent affecting the eligibility criteria for Tier 2 applications in the wake of the annual cap to be introduced on 6 April 2011. In particular, all Tier 2 jobs will need to be at a graduate level position. Significantly, prospective Tier 2 migrants … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: UK Government Cuts Number of Skilled Occupations Eligible for a Visa
February 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The UK Migration Advisory Committee has released it's annual report. The UK government asked the body to cut the number of job eligible for automatic entry under the Tier 2 system. The government asked that the MAC use the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 4 and above as the relevant … [Read more...]
Guest Post: The Top 10 Reasons to Move to London From London Relocation Services
February 2, 2011 By 2 Comments
Editor's Note: The following is another great quest post from our friends at London Relocation Services - the people you should get in touch with when you're planning on moving to London. The decision to relocate to London is easier for some than others. Maybe you’re being transferred for your … [Read more...]
Guest Post: How to Search for a Job in the UK – Job Hunting in Britain
January 19, 2011 By 3 Comments
Whether you say it in an American accent or a British accent, the definition of a job remains the same. In the form of a noun, the definition of a job is: “the regular work which a person does to earn moneyâ€*. But this is sometimes easier said than done, in both countries. The job … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: New Immigration Rules – What Impact Will They Have on Life in the UK?
January 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
In one of the most eventful years in immigration history, 2010 saw new immigration policies introduced that have caused controversy and divided opinion amongst politicians and UK employers alike. What seem to be very draconian measures are perceived by some as the Coalition's need to appear tough on … [Read more...]
Guest Post: UK Immigration – UK Border Agency defiant – Tier 1 Scheme will cease on 23 December 2010
December 21, 2010 By 1 Comment
On 17 December 2010, the High Court (HC) found the interim cap imposed on Tier 1 and Tier 2 entry clearance applications to be unlawful since the measure was not subjected to Parliamentary scrutiny. Following this positive judgment, migrants' expectations were significantly raised as many … [Read more...]
Breaking News: UK Immigration – Immigration cap declared unlawful by the High Court!
December 17, 2010 By 1 Comment
Editor's Note - This is great news for people looking to move to the UK. It's not yet clear when the UKBA will remove the cap - but we'll keep you posted. Good news is often the exception to the rule in the immigration world. However, today, immigration practitioners and migrants alike have the … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: Shake-up of the Tier 4 Student Visa System
December 16, 2010 By 2 Comments
Editor's Note: The following is a guest post from Monika Jablecka of London-based Migra & Co about the coming changes to the UK Student Immigration system. Last week the UK Immigration authorities launched a public consultation on the reform of the Tier 4 Scheme with a view of implementing … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: New Biometric Requirements – Tier 1 Quota Reach for December
December 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Editor's Note: The following is a guest post from Elena Rosa Brunet who works at a UK Immigration Law Firm in london called Migra & Co that presents some interesting analysis of the new UK Immigration Cap. Thanks Elena! In October 2010, Regulations were laid before Parliament requiring … [Read more...]
Guest Post: UK immigration Cap Analysis – Half Full or Half Empty?
December 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Editor's Note: The following is a guest post from Elena Rosa Brunet who works at a UK Immigration Law Firm in london called Migra & Co that presents some interesting analysis of the new UK Immigration Cap. Thanks Elena! It has been said many times before: British jobs for British workers, and … [Read more...]
Guest Post: A Guide to Buying Property in the UK For Americans – Buying a British House
December 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Editor's Note - the following is a guest post all about how to go about buying a property in the UK - a process that is completely different from buying a house in the USA. This is a great guide for expats looking to buy a house in the UK. Enjoy! Guide to buying Uk Property With both the US and UK … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: Winner of Hell’s Kitchen Denied UK Visa and Prize
November 27, 2010 By 2 Comments
This is a perfect example of what's wrong with UK immigration right now. Holli Ugalde, who recently won the Hell's Kitchen challange show - hosted by iconic chef Gordon Ramsay - has been denied a UK visa and as a result, she'll be unable to train with the top chef at the Savoy. From the London … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: Government Sets the Points System Immigration Cap
November 23, 2010 By 11 Comments
Home Secretary Theresa May has announced the final numbers for the upcoming cap on UK work visas. The news is not good. I'll break down each detail and then expand further below. The Guardian has put together an excellent assessment: The number of migrants from outside the EU allowed to enter … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: Migration Advisory Committee Releases It’s Yearly Report
November 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment
As anyone who follows UK Immigration will surely know that the new Coalition government wants to signifigantly cut immigration to the UK. They want to do this to keep their election promise to do so but also don't want to harm the UK economy. The report released yesterday by the Migration … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: More Changes Coming for Visas and Settlement – Student Visa Crackdown
November 7, 2010 By 6 Comments
Friday was a pretty active day in UK Immigration news as Home Secretary Theresa May made a key speech about the future of the new Coalition government's policies towards immigration. Since the election, the policy has been to put a quota on skilled migrants coming to the UK and they acted quickly … [Read more...]
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