News
28.02.2012 - Automatic settlement for skilled workers to end
The Immigration Minister announced today an end to ‘automatic settlement’ for skilled workers. In order to qualify for settlement Tier 2 General workers will need a minimum annual salary of £35,000 and be paid the ‘going rate’ according to the UKBA Codes of Practice. The £35,000 threshold will remain at that level until April 2018. Those Tier 2 migrants working in a shortage occupation, in designated PhD level jobs and ministers of religion will be exempt from the £35,000 threshold.
The new rules will apply to those Tier 2 General applicants whose initial Tier 2 leave was granted under the rul...
12.02.2012 - Changes affecting study, post-study work and maintenance requirements for students and workers
The Immigration Minister has announced new changes to the immigration rules affecting study, post-study work and maintenance requirements for students and workers to be brought into effect from 6th April, 2012.
The Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) route will close on 5th April, 2012, and be ‘replaced’ by new provisions under the Tier 2 (General) immigration category allowing those who have graduated from a UK recognised body with a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or PhD (or a PGCE or PGDE) to work for a registered employer in a skilled job if the salary is at least £20,000 a year (and at least the...
09.02.2012 - New immigration fees and new products announced
The Immigration Minister yesterday announced proposals to increase fees for immigration and nationality applications from 6th April, 2012. Fees are proposed to increase by an average of 2%, although some categories will see larger increases in order to keep other categories’ fees lower to ‘support wider government objectives’, i.e. subsidise those immigration routes they like and discourage those they don’t like.
It was announced early last year that the Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) category would be closed on 6th April, 2012. The Immigration Minister has since announced a new visa category for ...
02.02.2012 - Migrant Settlement
Immigration Minister, Damian Greene, gave a speech at the Policy Exchange think tank yesterday outlining plans for reform to migrant settlement. Mr Greene stated an intention to deny settlement to migrant workers who are earning less than £31,000 a year after five years in the UK. He also stated there would be a review of the annual limit on skilled economic Tier 2 migrants and spoke about the changes to migration already being considered. He went on to mention ultimately replacing the current Points-Based System with a contribution-based system so that migrants must, presumably, economical...
06.11.2011 - New policy guidance on the marriage visa age of 21
Following the judgment of the Supreme Court in Quila and Bibi the minimum age requirement for entry clearance or leave to remain applications as a spouse, fiancee, unmarried partner, same sex partner, civil partner and proposed civil partner will be reduced to 18 from 28th November, 2011.
Those applicants who were refused on the basis of their age between 27 November 2008 and October 2011 can apply for a review of the decision by 31st May 2012. The UKBA has issued policy guidance for previous applicants affected by the judgment.
22.09.2011 - Non-EEA national parents of British children can apply for a right of residence
The UK Border Agency has announced it will now accept applications for a right to reside in the UK from those who are the sole carers of dependent British nationals when that carer has no other right of residence in the UK and removing the carer from the UK would mean the British citizen would have to leave the European Union.
Applicants will be issued a certificate of application, which will enable them to work in the UK whilst the application is outstanding, if they are able to provide adequate evidence that they are responsible for the care and support of a British national.
The Immigration...
30.08.2011 - ISO 9001: 2008 Certification
Law Firm Limited has been assessed and certified by the British Assessment Bureau as meeting the requirements of ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Management Systems in respect of immigration services, business consultancy, property search and educational services.
The International Organization for Standards publishes international standards in respect of quality management systems and ISO 9001 sets the requirements that have to be met in order for an organization to be certified as compliant. ISO 9001 was first introduced in 1987 and requires organisations to demonstrate that they do what they say they...
19.07.2011 - Tier 1 Exceptional Talent
UKBA announced the final criteria for applicants under the new PBS category Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent). In particular, the list of competent bodies has been approved and published, as well as their Eligibility and Assessment criteria for the applicants. For detailed information please visit here
12.07.2011 - Extending the probationary period before partners can apply for settlement
The government announced on 13th July, 2011, it has launched a 12-week consultation on family migration. Its key proposals include:
- introducing a minimum income threshold for sponsors of partners and dependants;
- extending the probationary period before partners can apply for settlement in the UK from 2 years to 5 years;
- requiring partners and adult dependants aged under 65 to demonstrate that they can understand everyday English (B1 level on the Common European Framework for Languages) when they apply for settlement;
- defining more clearly what constitutes a genuine and continuing marriage,...
15.06.2011 - Next set of changes to student visa rules is announced
Next set of changes to student visa rules to come into force in 4th July, 2011
Work entitlements for students
From the 4th July, only those students at studying at higher education institutions (HEIs) and publicly funded further education colleges will be allowed to work.
What is a higher education institution (HEI)?
An HEI is a recognised body, or a body in receipt of public funding as an HEI from the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland, the Higher Education Funding Council for England, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales or the Scottish Funding Council. This...
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