Tier 2 Annual Limit – Will there be changes?
Q: With all the proposed immigration changes in the pipeline, especially those affecting Tier 2 workers, do you foresee a change in the annual limit imposed on the Tier 2 worker category? A: In the...
View ArticleUK Tier 1 Visa closure – Are there alternatives?
Q: Are there any alternatives to the UK Tier 1 visa post-study work route that I believe is being closed? I am currently a student and was hoping to switch into this route. A: Yes, it is true that...
View ArticleUK Tier 2 Visa – the new rules in 2012
Q: I am currently working in the UK on a Tier 2 Visa, and confused about the new rule changes on the pay threshold for settlement that will come into effect. Can you please give me a summary of the...
View ArticleUK Tier 2 Visa – How will leave be limited?
Q: Kindly explain to me how the new UK Tier 2 Visa rules will work that will limit leave in this category. Also, will the new rules only apply to new applicants? A: The UK Home Office has introduced a...
View ArticleUK Spouse Visa probation – When will the change occur?
Q: You recently mentioned in your column that the probationary period for the UK Spouse Visa is set to increase. Do you have any news on when this change is set to take place, as it might affect me?...
View ArticleUK Tier 2 Visa: Resident Labour Test – what is this?
Q: MY current employer wants to apply for a UK Tier 2 Visa for myself, but apparently the resident labour market test needs to be fulfilled first. Can you please tell me what this is? A: The UK Home...
View ArticleGraduate Entrepreneur – What is the immigration route for graduate...
Q: I AM in the UK on a student visa and interested to find out more about the new immigration route for graduate entrepreneurs. What are the requirements for this route? A: The new Tier 1 (Graduate...
View ArticleEEA Family Permit – With Dutch citizenship can one live and work in the UK?
Q: My sister and brother-in-law wish to relocate to the UK. My brother-in-law has Dutch citizenship. Will this enable him to live and work in the UK? Will my sister be able to accompany him and work...
View ArticleBritish citizenship: Will tax issues affect my application?
Q: I will shortly qualify to apply for my British citizenship. However, I am a bit worried as I have some outstanding tax issues. Will this influence my application for my British citizenship? A: The...
View ArticleSpouse probation – What is the effect of the probationary period increase?
Q: In your latest newsletter you mentioned that the probationary period for spousal visas could increase. What effect could this potentially have if you hold indefinite leave to remain? A: According...
View ArticleUK Student Visa: ten-year concession – Can I apply for a UK residence visa?
Q: I have been in Britain for about six years now on various UK student visas. Is there any way that I can apply for my permanent residence based on this time period that I have spent in the UK? A:...
View ArticleHow do I qualify for British citizenship?
Q.I have recently arrived in the UK and would like to know; how I would qualify for British citizenship? A: In most cases, in order to qualify for British citizenship you would be required to complete...
View ArticleUnmarried Partner Visa – Can a relationship with a UK citizen grant me an...
Q: I am currently living in the UK on a student visa. However, I am not keen on continuing my studies and am looking for other options to extend my stay in the UK. I am in a relationship with a...
View ArticleUK Tier 2 Graduate – Can I switch from a student visa?
Q: I will be finishing my degree later this year and am currently working part-time for an employer who is interested in employing me on a permanent basis on completion of my studies. Will I be...
View ArticleAdvantages of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa
Q: My father runs a business and wants to relocate to the United Kingdom. He is currently based in Australia. He is interested in the UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa. Is it true that one qualifies quicker...
View ArticleChanges to family migration rules for partners
Q: Can you please tell me what the new changes to the family migration route entails and when it will be imposed? A: Yes, the UK Home Office has announced changes to the UK immigration rules that will...
View ArticleNew family migration visa rules tighten entry into UK
By Dani Porter UK Parliament announces strict new immigration rules that will make it even tougher for non-European partners and relatives of UK residents to settle here. A key point of the...
View ArticleBecoming a British Citizen: Taking the Oath of Allegiance
Q: I have applied for my British citizenship and believe that if successful I will be required to swear an oath of allegiance and take a citizenship pledge. Just out of interest I was hoping that you...
View ArticleFamily Visit Visa Appeal
Q: My cousin’s application for a family visit visa to the UK has been refused. Will she be able to appeal this decision? Is it true that there are new rules being implemented regarding appeals for...
View ArticleOffice of Immigration Services Commissioner
Q: I have recently visited a community website and there are a number of classified advertisements with people advertising their immigration advice services. Is there a body regulating immigration...
View ArticleEEA Visas
Q: My sister is looking for options to enable them to live and work in the UK. Will the fact that my brother-in-law has Portuguese citizenship enable them to settle in the UK? A: Yes, it will indeed....
View ArticleBritish Citizenship
Q: I have recently arrived in the UK and would like to find out how one qualifies for British citizenship? A: In most cases in order to qualify for British citizenship, you would be required to...
View ArticleSpouse Visa
Q: I am currently residing in the UK on a spouse visa and married to a British citizen. I am extremely worried about how the new family migration rules will affect my situation. This coming month,...
View ArticleDependency Visa
Q: I have been offered a Tier 2 work employment with a UK employer. I need to apply for a dependency visa for my wife and children (4 and 6 years respectively) and have been informed that the rules on...
View ArticleNeed help with your UK citizenship exam?
AUSTRALIANS applying for British citizenship or permanent residency first have to pass the hurdle of the Life in the UK test, with a focus on UK history, values and culture. However, there are...
View ArticleChanges in the immigration landscape
If you are living in the UK using a Australian or other passport with a UK visa, you should be aware that a new legal regime will soon be in force. The Immigration Bill is now coming to the end of its...
View ArticleNaturalisation for those working in the UK Armed Forces
Under the current law, naturalisation is normally only possible after 5 years’ residence in the UK or designated service (3 years if married to a British citizen on date of application). In addition,...
View ArticleUK spousal Visa : financial requirements
In order for a British citizen to sponsor a partner to settle in the UK, the couple must satisfy a complex financial requirement. They can meet the financial requirement through savings, income, or a...
View ArticleCould you qualify for Irish citizenship?
If you have a grandparent who was either born in Ireland or was an Irish citizen at the time of their birth, you could qualify for Irish nationality and get your hands on the passport that goes along...
View ArticleHow to solve a problem like a UK visa?
Despite the intense sporting rivalry, the never-ending banter, and the strong cultural ties between the UK and Australia, there is one aspect which has a huge deficit – visas and immigration. The...
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