NEW GRADUATE VISA TO BE INTRODUCED ON 1ST JULY 2021- GOOD NEWS FOR STUDENTS AND EMPLOYERS

From 1st July this year eligible international graduates will be able to apply to remain in the UK for a further two (or three if awarded a doctorate) years. They will be able to work in any job without needing to be sponsored by an employer though they can later switch in to the skilled […]

HONG KONG BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) VISA ROUTE NOW OPEN

Applications can now be made from inside the UK or from abroad. At the moment they can only be submitted on-line which means that applicants and their dependents will need to attend a biometric appointment as part of the process. From 23rd February 2021 a new app will be available , meaning that eligible applicants and […]

HOPING TO LEAVE THE UK BUT UNABLE TO DO SO AND WORRIED THAT YOUR PERMISSION TO BE HERE IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE?

You may be able to ask for “exceptional assurance” if your leave will expire before 31st May this year. The attached guidance sets out how to ask, and the information you need to supply, to be given this protection against becoming an “overstayer.” https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents Asking for “exceptional assurance” may not be your only choice. You MAY […]

NEGATIVE COVID-19 TEST REQUIRED TO ENTER ENGLAND

Travellers arriving in England from 4 am onwards on Monday 18th January must bring with them proof of a negative Coronavirus test.   This will apply to UK citizens and to those arriving from a country on the current travel corridors list though there are some limited exemptions including children under 11 years old and […]

HONG KONG BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) VISA CAN BE APPLIED FOR FROM 31ST JANUARY 2021

Hong Kong BN(O) Citizens and close family members will be able to apply to come to the UK, or to remain here, from the end of this month. Successful applicants will be granted permission to live here for 30 months or for 5 years, depending on the length of time they apply for, and after […]

Important dead-lines for some EEA Nationals and their family members

The UK has now of course left the EU and the end of the 12 month “transition period” is almost here. It will in fact end at 11 pm on 31st December 2020. EEA nationals and their family members who are resident in the UK before the end of the transition period will be able to […]

SIGNIFICANT NEW RULES FOR SKILLED WORKERS IN FORCE TODAY

Much of the UK’s new immigration system has come into force today. One of the biggest changes is the introduction of the Tier 2 Skilled Worker route which replaces the Tier 2 (General) Visa category. A collection of new guides for employers has been published and can be found at this link. T2 (Worker) or T5 […]

New date set for immigration Health Surcharge Hike – 27th October 2020

Submit your immigration application before that if you can. Most applicants will, from 27th October,  have to pay £624 per year instead of £400 meaning that, for example, an application to extend your leave to remain as a spouse will cost £1560 instead of the current £1000.

DELAY TO INCREASED HEALTH SURCHARGE

It appears that there will be a short delay in the implementation of the increased charges. There may be more time to submit an application and to pay the current rate! Please watch our website for further updates.

IMMIGRATION HEALTH SURCHARGE TO INCREASE ON 1st OCTOBER-SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATIONS NOW IF ELIGIBLE

The Health surcharge will increase from £400 per year to £624 per year on 1st October 2020. This will apply to main applicants and their adult dependents. Those who currently pay a discounted amount (students and their dependents and those applying under the youth mobility scheme) will still pay less but the discounted fee is rising […]