News

07.02.2011 - New rules for calculating continuous period in the UK for ILR


On 26 January 2011 the UK Border Agency issued new revised guidelines to applicants in the United Kingdom here in a working category.  The changes in question relate to how the continuous period in the UK is calculated when applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). The Immigration Rules have always required an applicant to have remained in the UK for a continuous or unbroken period of time before they are allowed to submit an application for ILR. Part of the reasoning behind the rule includes the idea that the applicant has made the UK their home and is not merely trying to acquire a Brit...

12.01.2011 - Same day applications for ЕЕА nationals and family members


The UK Border Agency is considering the possibility to use Premium Service for EEA2, EEA3 and EEA4 applications. It is considered to make such service available for those who apply for permanent residence, a residence card or a family member residence stamp under European law.

The UKBA has launched a consultation on this matter that will end on 20 January 2011.

At present the UKBA is taking upto 12-15 months to process such applications and it will be very helpful if same day service is launched.

In case this proposal goes ahead, Law Firm Ltd. will be happy to provide advice and representation...

21.12.2010 - Certificate of Approval Scheme to be abolished


The amendments made in the Certificate of Approval Scheme due to the higher courts` decisions, has made the whole scheme weak and ineffective, UKBA confirmed.

It has therefore been decided to abolish the scheme which will come to an end in spring 2011 subject of parliamentary scrutiny.

Till that time, the COA scheme will run as normal and migrants who are subject to immigration control and who wish to get married or form a civil partnership still require applying for approval from the UKBA by completing COA form except for those who are getting married within the Anglican Church.

The exact dat...

20.12.2010 - Interim CAP – High Court Decision


The UKBA has lost a judicial review on the interim limit for Tier 1 (General) and Tier 2 (General) of the point based system that has made the interim cap, illegal.

The High Court has ruled that “It shows that the Home Secretary cannot simply sideline parliament and the requirements it has imposed to check her powers. It also has important implications for migrants in the UK who were affected by the imposition of an unlawful limit.”

The Immigration Minister Damian Green has however confirmed that the decision of the High Court would not budge the government from its stance of reducing net migr...

20.12.2010 - No more Tier 1 (G) from Overseas


Tomorrow (22nd of Dec. 2010) will be the last day when overseas applicants will be able to make their applications under Tier 1 (G) as from 23rd of Dec. 2010, it has been decided to close Tier 1 (G) for applicants applying from outside the UK. The reason of making this decision in such haste is because the overseas diplomatic posts have already received numerous applications, which if approved would exhaust the quota i.e. 600 for each month till March 2011. This has effectively closed the Tier 1 (G) route for all overseas applicants.

There will not be any changes to those applicants who wish ...

13.12.2010 - Student Visitor Visas – English Language Courses


From 10 January 2011 the students who wish to study English Language courses for longer than 6 months, will be able to get a Student Visitor visa for up to 11 months (at present the maximum length of Student Visitor visas are 6 months).  The fee for extended visa will be the same as for the 6-month Student Visitor visa and conditions will remain the same as well i.e. no work permissions and no dependants allowed to accompany / join the main applicant.  This concession has been made just for English language students as for other courses, the applicants would be required to comply with the stri...

12.12.2010 - VAT Changes


Current VAT rate is increasing from 17.5% to 20% on 4th January 2011. All the sales of standard rated goods and services must charge 20% VAT from or after 4th January 2011.

These changes are valid only for standard VAT rate because there is no changing in the zero rated or reduced rated VAT sales as well as there is no change to the VAT exemptions.

08.12.2010 - Summary of Proposals for Tier 4 – Students


A new consultation has been lodged to bring in new restrictions on the Tier 4 visa applicants which will end on 31st of Jan. 2011. Following is the summary of the new proposals made by the secretary of state home department:

1.    It has been proposed to restrict Tier 4 largely to degree-level courses and to child students. Those who wish to study below degree level might be required to study at highly trusted sponsors only.

2.    There are no proposals to amend / change rules relating to Tier 4 (Child).

3.    All Tier 4 applicants might be subject to a secure English language test showing com...






23.11.2010 - New Rules – New Restrictions


Finally, the Home Secretary Ms. Theresa May has announced new rules which will bring drastic changes to the existing criteria of certain immigration categories while removing a few all together.

Tier 1 General: From April 2011, this category will be closed and no new applicants either from in-country or from outside the country will be able to apply under this category. The Tier 1 (G) migrants who already have been given visas will not be affected and they will be able to continue enter / reside in the UK.

Tier 1 Exceptionally Talented People: From April 2011, a new category will be introdu...




25.10.2010 - Slots available for same-day service

 

We have got one slot available for a SET (O) application for 01st of Nov. 2010 and one for a Tier 1 (PSW) Application for 03rd of Nov. 2010. If any one is interested to make their application using same day service, please contact us ASAP.

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