Prime Minister’s message on Permanent Residence and the new “Settled Status” being proposed to replace it.

Teresa May has sent out a message in which she talks about the new “ Settled Status” proposed for EEA nationals and their family members post-Brexit.   She has confirmed that people applying for the new status will not need to list  each trip out of the UK. Importantly, applicants will no longer need to […]

New guidance on right to work checks for employers

A new guide has been published, dated 16.8.17, and applying to people employed after 8.8.17.   Changes include advice about the employment of non- EEA family members of EEA nationals, voluntary workers and international students and is a vital read for employers and their HR teams. It also explains the new illegal work measures such […]

Changes to minimum income rule for partners and children where there are “exceptional circumstances.”

The Home Office must now consider whether additional  sources of income , financial support or funds should be taken in to account when deciding whether to allow partners and children to enter or remain in the UK under “ Appendix FM “ of the immigration rules. Third party financial support could now be regarded as […]

New Guidance for People Needing help with Immigration and Asylum

The Solicitors’ Regulation Authority has been involved in publishing new guidance for members of the public looking for legal advice on immigration or asylum . It explains the difference between various types of lawyers and who regulates them , the importance of asking questions when choosing a lawyer and what can be expected of a […]

Government Offer for EU Citizens – New Policy Paper

The Government’s paper of 26th June has raised  more questions for EU nationals and their family members: Will those with permanent residence need to apply for a new “settled status”? What is the cut -off date for EU citizens to qualify for the new rights envisaged? Will qualifying EU nationals be able to bring their […]

Confusing Home Office guidance for EEA nationals

Recently issued guidance suggests that EEA nationals “sign up for email alerts” rather than apply for confirmation of their status in the UK. Many of my clients have applied for confirmation of status, particularly of permanent residence. This is partly for peace of mind but also because it is ESSENTIAL to have confirmation of permanent […]

Criminal Record Certificates And Tier 2 Visa Applicants

Tier 2 ( General ) visa applicants will from  April 2017 need to check whether they need a criminal record certificate, or certificates,  before making an application. This is a new requirement and will affect people coming to work in certain occupations including medicine, teaching and social work. A certificate will be required from each […]

Additional Cost For Tier 2 Sponsors

From 6th April 2017, you may have an extra cost to factor in to your recruitment budget as you may need to pay the IMMIGRATION SKILLS CHARGE for sponsoring a worker from outside the EEA. A small sponsor or a charity will in some cases be required to pay a charge of £364 whilst a […]

Financial Threshold For Partners  to Remain At £18600

Towards the end of February 2017, the long-awaited Supreme Court judgement in the case of MM upheld the financial threshold that has kept many spouses and other partners apart from their British sponsors. This disappointing outcome does though have a silver lining as the Court was critical of the harm the rule is doing to […]

Some Good News For EEA Nationals Applying On-line For Residence And Permanent Residence Documents

Not everybody can use the on-line application process but, for those who can, February 2017 has seen some welcome simplifications. Perhaps the most appreciated change is that Applicants no longer need to include a full list of absences from the UK since the day of arrival here. For those EEA nationals who have lived here for […]