Applying for an EEA Residence Card

Applying for residency in the UK for non EEA or Swiss nationals is a voluntary procedure for the applicant.  In order for our immigration law firm to process future paperwork and related documentation smoothly and efficiently, it is advisable for a non EEA national to complete the form EEA2 to apply for a residence card, and a permanent residence card can be applied for using form EEA4.  A residence card UK confirms that the person is authorised to live in the UK.

In order to qualify for an EEA residence card, the non EEA national must be a direct relation (for example a dependent child under 21, or a dependent parent or grandparent) to the EEA national who is supporting the claim. There are a few types of documentation required when making the claim in order to prove the identity and validity of the claimants, and the following items should be sent with their application.  When making an application for residence, the claimant should supply their current passport, along with the valid passport of the EEA family member who is supporting the claim.

Application details

Evidence of the EEA national’s relationship to the non-European family member must be provided. This can be in the form of a birth certificate or marriage licence, and if the claimant has any concerns regarding the type of document required, talking to an immigration lawyer will help the applicant to define the best certification to send.  Photographic evidence is also needed in the form of two passport style photographs of the claimant, and the full name of the claimants should be written on the back of the relevant photo.  If the person is already living in the UK and is applying for confirmation of permanent residence, evidence of the right to residency will need to be provided.

The family member of the non EEA national is also required to provide a range of information supporting the claim of their relative and themselves.  One such type of proof that is required is the ability of the EEA national to financially support the residency of their dependent relative.  This can be provided as a bank statement, work contract, or wage slips.  The EEA national must also be able to show that the dependant family member required assistance from the national before the immigration process.  Any questions that may arise will be swiftly answered by speaking to one of our team of immigration lawyers.

Rest assured

Dealing with applications of this type is something that we at Duncan Lewis are well versed in.  As immigration solicitors we are best placed for providing help and assistance to people who are dealing with working and living in the UK.  There may seem to be a lot to take in for the applicant, but close adherence to the details and documents that are needed will give the person the best possible chance of making a successful application.  The best way to alleviate the frustration of this sometimes lengthy process is to seek the advice of our experts.

Applying for an EEA Family Permit

For EEA nationals who wish to live with their families and work in the UK, it is recommended that any relative of the EEA national that is not from one of the 27 countries that make up the EEA, files for a family permit UK.  The person must be a family member of an EEA national to qualify, and in effect this acts as a visa, giving the family member clearance to reside permanently in the UK while the claimant works or searches for work.

Dependant family

The term ‘family member’ is defined as being a child or grandchild under the age of 21 who is dependant on the claimant, a husband, wife, or civil partner, or grandparents that are also dependent on the claimant.  Anyone who is not immediate family must show that they are dependent on the claimant in order to be considered for access, and non-dependent family members are not eligible for free residence in the UK.  There is no application fee required in order to apply for a family permit, and any doubts as to the eligibility of a person for this process should be directed to our immigration solicitors. 

Documents must be provided to prove that the non EEA national family member is related to the claimant, and it is advisable to provide everything that is requested in order to process the application smoothly.  As immigration lawyers, we are well versed in the procedure and will provide assistance at all levels of the application.  The passport of the EEA national is needed in order to prove that the non EEA member is related to them, and the passport should also be endorsed by the embassy of the country of the EEA national’s place of residence.  A birth certificate or marriage certificate is also needed in order to prove the relationship between the non EEA member and the EEA national; if these are not accessible some other kind of proof of the relationship of the family member is required. If in doubt as to what kind of certification is needed, then our immigration law firm can provide the answers.

The EEA national must also provide a letter confirming that the family member is travelling with them, or travelling to join them in the EEA member’s country of residency.

Document evidence

The EEA national should also provide a range of documentation to prove that they are deemed as a ‘qualified person’.  Firstly, the person must have been living in the UK for at least three months, and if the person is a worker they must provide their contract of employment, wage slips, and/or a letter from their employer.  Students must provide evidence from their college or university of their enrolment and completion dates.  Evidence that the EEA national has sufficient funds to support the dependant family member must also be provided.  Although the whole process may seem challenging, our immigration lawyer firm specialises in all things that come underneath the immigration umbrella, so if a person has any doubts, do not hesitate to contact our experts.

Proposed Civil Partner Visas

If your proposed civil partner is a UK citizen then it is possible for you to apply for a visa in order to stay with them in the UK. There have been some recent changes to the visa application process; however, if you have submitted an application for a visa before 8th July 2012 then your terms and conditions will not be affected. If you need to renew your visa, then your application will be considered under the terms that were in place prior to the changes. If you are only just making an application for a proposed civil partner visa then there are updated criteria you must meet. If you are unsure about the application at any stage, you may decide to employ immigration solicitors to help you ease through the process. A good immigration law firm will help you navigate any potential pitfalls of the application processes, which means you are likely to be far more successful in having your visa application approved.

You may apply for a visa under the proposed civil partner category if you meet certain criteria. Your partner must be a UK citizen or be able to prove they have settled successfully in the country. You must also be able to prove your intention of marrying within six months of arriving in the UK and then settling in the country. Your immigration solicitors will be able to guide you on the best way to do this.

You must apply for the visa from your home country and must be 18 years of age or over when the application is made. You and your partner should not be in any way related, which means in the eyes of the UK law you are actually eligible to marry each other. You will also have to prove that your partnership is genuine and that you have met, face to face, prior to the application being submitted.

If either partner has been married or been in a civil partnership previously then proof of the dissolving of the relationship must be provided. You must also be willing to make the UK your permanent home once married. There are certain financial requirements that must be met and a certain minimum level of fluency in English is required. Your immigration lawyer can help you to assess your eligibility on both of these points.

You do not need to apply for this type of visa if you are a national of one of the EEA countries or in Switzerland. The terms of the European Economic Area means that those living within these countries already have a right to live in the UK or any other country under the EU flag. If you do not intent to stay in the UK after the wedding ceremony you will need to apply for a different visa. If you do not intent to register a civil partnership or get married soon after your arrival into the UK you will again need to apply for a different type of visa.

Fiancé/fiancée Visas

If you are the fiancé or fiancée of a person who is a British citizen or who is already settled in this country it may be possible to obtain a visa due to your status. It should be noted that the rules on this subject this changed on 9th July 2012, so new applications will need to follow the latest regulations. Immigration solicitors are best placed to offer advice on the application procedure. In order to qualify for this visa, one of the criteria is that you must be intending to get married and this should take place within six months of coming to the UK. You must also be intending to settle in the UK afterwards. Once the wedding has taken place you can then go on to apply for a visa as a partner.

It is not possible to apply for a fiancée visa if there is no intention for the wedding to take place within six months or if you do not intend living in the UK afterwards. If you are from a country within the EEA or from Switzerland you will not need to apply; the same rule applies for those from some British overseas territories.

The visa must be in place before you come to the UK. Immigration lawyers will advise that it is not possible to apply for this visa once you are in the country.

An immigration law firm will go through all the necessary information with you, but there are a number of criteria that must be met, otherwise the application will be declined. Both partners must be at least 18 years of age at the time that the application is made. There must be no family connection between the partners, which would make a marriage in the UK illegal. Both you and your partner must be able to prove that you have met, that the relationship is a genuine one and that you have been together for some time.

The application for the visa is based on the premise that a wedding is to take place. If either partner has been married before, you must be able to prove that the marriage has been dissolved. An immigration lawyer will also advise on the requirements for English language and finances. As applicants intend to settle in the UK they must have a good standard of English and must be able to prove that they have the funds to live in the UK with no intention of making an application to the state for benefits.

A number of documents will need to be submitted along with the application. For a fiancée visa UK regulations are strict and if any of the criteria are not met or if any of the documents are not submitted then applications are normally rejected immediately. If this happens, there is no refund of the application fee and you will need to begin the process again. In order to prevent this happening, the advice of an immigration lawyer is the best option to ensure that everything is in place.

Family Dependency Visa

Moving to the UK to be closer to your family might be a little easier than you might think. If you are classed as a dependant adult relative and are over the age of 18 you are eligible to apply. A dependant adult relative means that you are the grandparent, parent, son daughter, brother or sister of a person who is already a British citizen. If your relative lives in the UK, but is not yet a British citizen, then your application may not be eligible. The best advice can be obtained from immigration solicitors.

You will still need to meet certain criteria if you fit into the category of dependant adult relative, such as needing personal care for a long period. Personal care means help with tasks around the home, such as washing yourself or needing help to cook meals for yourself. You must be able to prove that the care you need is either not available in your home country or it is unaffordable. If the care you need is not available you also need to be able to prove you have no one else in your home country that can do this for you. The UK relative also needs to be able to prove they can care for you independently without the need for state assistance, such as benefits or a council owned property. Immigration lawyers will advise that your UK relative will be expected to sign a consent form stating they are able to care for you for at least five years without the need for public funding assistance.

Your visa must be applied for from your home country. You will not be allowed to move to the UK and then apply for the family dependency visa. It is possible for many people, depending on their country of origin, to make the application online. The form required is the VAF4A and an immigration lawyer can tell you more about this.

All documents must be included with your application, including the sponsorship form signed by your relative. An immigration law firm will be able to check that everything is in place. You will also need to be willing to submit your fingerprints and facial image at the visa application centre. Your biometric information will then be stored in a database. This is now a standard requirement for all those requesting permanent residence in the United Kingdom.

Each country will have its own application process and the information relevant to you is easily found online. You will also be able to find your nearest visa application centre, so you will know where to send your paperwork and where you will need to submit your facial image and fingerprints.

The application processing period will vary, but once completed your paperwork will be returned to you. If you are successful you will be free to travel to the UK to stay with your sponsor. You may need to produce your paperwork at the border for the customs officials to check, so make sure you have everything to hand when you travel, as you can be asked for it at any stage.

Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visas

Immigration solicitors are well aware of the complexities surrounding the several various categories of visa application.  In order to make the process run as smoothly as possible, we offer guidance and support that will help the applicant to successfully receive the visa they require.  The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa UK is one of the lesser known visas, but that should not deter a person from pursuing this type of visa if it is applicable to the circumstances of the person.

Participating countries

Seven countries and territories participate in the youth mobility scheme, each of which offers a specified number of placements to young people in order for them to come and experience life in the UK.  A person who wishes to take part in this scheme should contact our immigration law firm to check their legibility for participation in the scheme.

The countries and territories included in the scheme are Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan.  Each separate country or territory is allotted a specified number of places.  For 2013, this is stated as being from 35,000 (Australia) to 1,000 (Monaco, Japan, Korea, Taiwan).  New Zealand has 5,500 placements, and Canada 10,000.  A citizen or passport holder of any of the above countries will be able to participate in the scheme, provided there are places left.  The government of the relevant country will act as the sponsor of the young person.  All British overseas citizens and British overseas territories citizens, or British nationals (overseas) are also eligible for participation in the scheme, and for these classifications there is no placement limit.

A person who is accepted on the Tier 5 youth mobility scheme will be allowed to enter the UK and work and live in the UK for a set period of time.  Please note that qualification for this scheme does not give the person a right to extension, and the scheme is not seen as a route into long term employment. Immigration solicitors will be able to give a person the information they need if they have any concerns regarding the details of the youth mobility scheme, or any general immigration subjects. A person can also study in the UK when they have arrived under this scheme, but this should not be the main reason for entering the United Kingdom.

Applications

Applications are assessed under the UK Border Agency points system, and in order to complete a successful application the person must score at least 50 points and meet all of the requirements stated in the immigration rules.  The categories for the points available include 30 points for being of the correct nationality (as a passport holder or national of the participating countries), 10 points for age, and 10 points for maintenance (the funds available to the individual).  An immigration lawyer at Duncan Lewis can help a person to make a full and complete application to the UK Border Agency for participation in the Tier 5 youth mobility scheme, and for more information do not hesitate to ask for advice.
 

Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visas

For migrants from outside of Europe who are classed as world class exponents of the fields of science, humanities, engineering or the arts, who are intending to perform a period of work in the UK an Exceptional Talent Visa UK is required.  This type of visa is evaluated by the means of the UK Border Agency points system, and is specifically for overseas applicants that are not part of the EEA (European Economic Area), or a Swiss national.  It is recommended that before applying, and with the help of an immigration lawyer, the policy guidance notes for this type of visa are read through carefully in order to check the person is applying for the correct type of visa.

Border Agency guidelines

All applications for an exceptional are subject to the general grounds for refusal.  This means that, even if the person qualifies under their relevant category, any previous immigration issues (such as a past visa refusal or a deportation) could warrant a refusal from the UK Border Agency.  For a successful application under the UK Border Agency points system, 75 attribute points must be scored for entry clearance.  In order for a person to qualify for indefinite leave to remain under a Tier 1 exceptional talent visa, they must score 75 points on attributes, and a further 10 points must be scored for English language.  Points are also awarded depending on the assessment and judgement of a ‘designated competent body’.

A ‘designated competent body’ is an organisation that has world class authority in their respective fields.  There are four organisations that are registered with the UK Border Agency as each being a ‘designated competent body’.  The four companies are The British Academy, (for humanities and social science applications), the Arts Council England (arts and cultures), the Royal Society (natural and medical science research) and The Royal Academy of Engineering for engineering applications.    

The appropriate designated competent body will be asked by the UK Border Agency if they are willing to endorse the person and their application.  The criteria for deciding whether a person is classed as being exceptionally talented can be discussed with experts at our immigration law firm.  Getting one of these visas is not easy, and there is a limit of only one thousand permitted this year, so the help of immigration lawyers can strengthen the case for application.

Extension

For an extension application for the person to remain in the UK for a further period of time, it must be shown that the person has earned money through the result of self-employment or employment in the field for which they have been endorsed.  All documents that are required should be sent as originals and not copies, and proof of income, current financial status and identity will be required.  For an extension on a Tier 1, the applicant must also pass an English language test.  English is the most widely spoken language in the UK and knowing the language to a good working level is considered important for successful integration.  As immigration solicitors we know that this type of process may appear time-consuming and complex, and that is why we offer expert guidance and support for many cases concerning immigration law.

Tier 5 Temporary Worker visas

A person who will be taking part in a limited period of work in the UK will need to submit an application for a Tier 5 temporary work visa UK.  There are several categories of Tier 5 work visa and it is important that the applicant chooses the correct form to fill in.  For many of these categories it is essential that the worker has a solid job offer from their licensed sponsor in order to proceed with the visa application.  The type of application depends on the job that the person intends to do in the UK.

Athletes

For musicians, entertainers, professional athletes, actors and creative artists the correct approach is to apply under the creative and sporting Tier 5 worker visas.  The applicant must have a verified sponsor and a valid sponsorship certificate in order to proceed with the application.  For athletes and sportsmen and women, their sponsor must be endorsed by a recognised governing body of their relevant sport.  When a person applies for a creative and sporting visa they are awarded a number of points that will be based on the sponsorship details and the funds available to the visa applicant.

When a sportsperson or creative worker is accepted for a temporary worker visa they are free to live and work in the UK for a maximum of 12 months, or for the period stated in the certificate of sponsorship, plus 28 days.  For more detailed advice on the requirements of an athlete, many turn to our immigration law firm to help them through the process of applying to the UK Border Agency.

Charity workers

The charity worker sub-category of the Tier 5 temporary worker visa applies to people who are coming to the United Kingdom to do unpaid voluntary work.  In order to make the application, the person must have a sponsor and a sponsorship certificate and the work must be directly related to the company that is sponsoring the worker.  Immigration solicitors will help to guide the worker and organisation through a successful term of employment, and will oversee the application process to ensure all the boxes are ticked for a strong case.

Multiple entry certificates

For those who will have to leave the UK maybe several times during their allotted work visa period, a multiple entry certificate of sponsorship can be assigned to a person by their sponsor.  If the initial period of the temporary visa is six months or less then the person cannot return after leaving the UK.  An immigration lawyer would advise that the worker must reapply from abroad in order to re-enter the United Kingdom.  Other sub-categories for a Tier 5 temporary worker visa include religious workers such as pastors, preachers, and general religious workers of various religions.

The Government Authorised Exchange category is for people who will enter the UK as part of recognised schemes that intend to educate on British culture and knowledge and various other subjects.  A resident of the EEA (European Economic Area), or Swiss national, does not need to apply under the points based system.  For further enquiries, contact our immigration lawyers.

UK Passports

Applying for a UK passport for the first time is a painless process provided the individual supplies the correct documentation with their application.  Although the process and requirements vary depending on the status and nationality of the individual who is applying for the passport, British citizens can apply in a variety of ways.

Legal requirement for overseas travel

If a person is a British citizen, or overseas territories citizen, a British national (overseas), or a British subject or protected person, then they have the right to apply for a British passport.  To be authorised as having British citizenship for a person whose birth date was prior to 1st January 1983, the person must have had ‘right to abode’ in the UK.  A person with right to abode has no restrictions within the UK and is free to work and live in the United Kingdom.  A right to abode also gives the person the right to enter the UK legally without permission from an immigration officer.  People who were born in the UK before the above mentioned date qualify for right to abode, as do those who have been naturalised, or those who have registered UK and Colonies citizenship.  Our immigration law firm can provide assistance to anyone who may be unclear on their current state of eligibility for a UK passport.

Those born after 1st January 1983 are classed as a British citizen if their mother or father was a British citizen or classed as ‘settled’ when the applicant was born.  In the majority of cases a person is classed as a British citizen if the mother or father of the individual was born in the UK, or naturalised in the UK.  If a child is under 16 and the applicant is the British legally recognised parent then the child can receive a child passport.  It is possible to receive a fast track service if the applicant needs the child passport in a hurry.  To qualify for this, the person must pay a fee and submit the complete range of required documentation (original copies).  This will see the child’s passport processed and delivered in one week, and this service is also available for the renewal of passports.  Special rules for passport applications apply if the child is adopted, fostered or born through surrogacy.  As immigration solicitors we can provide help and advice on passports for British nationals and also if the person is not of British nationality.

Group passports

Group passports can also be applied for if the correct criteria are met, and to find out more contact our immigration lawyers.  These passports are not for families, and are intended for the use of groups of school children, guides, scouts, sixth form students and other different youth organisations.  In order to qualify for a group passport, everybody in the group must be a British national and under the age of 18 at the end of the trip.  There must also be a group leader with the group who is over the age of 21 and holds a valid 10 year passport.  An immigration lawyer will provide assistance with any queries relating to any of the above subjects.

Advice for tourists/visitors to the UK

It is not widely known that in some cases general visitors to the UK should apply for a visa.  This is not applicable to everybody who comes to the country as a visitor, but guidelines should be checked to ensure whether a person should or should not apply for a tourist visa UK.  There is a list of countries on the Home Office website that are classed as the homes of ‘visa nationals’.  In order to check whether a tourist visa is required, an individual must check the list, determine whether their status is that of a visa national, and contact an immigration law firm in the UK to help them progress their application.

Who needs what and why

Visa nationals are not the only classification of people that are required to apply for a visa to visit the UK.  If a person is classed as stateless (without nationality), or they hold a non-national travel document, then they are advised to pursue a tourist visa to enter the country.  Any person who holds a passport that is not recognised by the United Kingdom should also apply for a tourist visa.

Those who are not required to have a visa must bring the correct documentation to the UK border control, and if all requirements are not met then it is highly possible that the tourist will be denied entry to the UK.  An immigration lawyer will help a person to ensure that the correct procedures are adhered to.  Although it is not a legal requirement to have a general tourist visa, it is highly recommended that a person should get one, even if they do not have to.  The correct visa will save the visitor time at border control, as entry into the country can be processed more efficiently.

Visa criteria

There are cases where even though they do not need a visa, it is strongly recommended that people with certain backgrounds apply for one in order to help their case to enter the UK as a visitor.  These cases include anyone who has been refused entry into the United Kingdom, or anyone who has been deported or removed from the country in the past.  If a person has breached terms of a previous visit to the UK by working illegally, or staying in the country past the allotted date of the agreement, then their case is compromised, and a tourist visa should be applied for.  If in the past a person has been refused a visa, this will show on record when they turn up at border control and their documents have been registered.  Immigration solicitors recommend that, in this case, the person should apply again for a visa.  If on any previous visit the tourist was asked by a border official to produce a visa on their next visit, and the individual does not do this, it is highly likely that the person will be refused entry to the UK.

Immigration lawyers are in place to help a person with any queries they may have regarding tourist visas, and those with reservations should contact our experts for advice.

Further Leave to Remain for partners of British citizens

Further Leave to Remain for partners of British citizens

Further leave to remain UK is for those who are already in the country and wish to apply for an extension to live in the United Kingdom.  If the partner of the applicant is a British citizen, settled in the UK, or is in the UK under humanitarian protection or refugee leave, then form FLR (M) must be completed fully.  For the applicant, and also any children under the age of 18 who wish to apply for further leave, it is necessary that all reside within the UK at the time of application.  If the claim for extension has been denied it may be possible to extend the duration of the stay in UK using exceptional compassionate circumstances.  Discussing the options with an immigration solicitor will clarify the details of all processes associated with further leave to remain.

Presenting the case

To present the possible case for further leave, the correct documentation must be provided in its original format.  A few examples of the type of documents required as evidence include the valid passport or travel documents of the applicant and anyone else included in the claim.  The full birth certificate of each child is necessary, stating the names of the parents of each child that is under 18 years of age.  Photographic evidence will also need to be provided.  For form FLR (M) this includes two passport size photographs of the applicant with their full names written clearly on the back of the pictures.  One passport sized picture of the partner or fiancé of the applicant with their full name written on the back should also be provided with the application forms.  Any children that are included with the main applicant should also provide two passport sized pictures with their name stated clearly on the back.

Immigration lawyers can help a person to make sense of the complexities of the process, and anyone with any doubts or concerns about the process should contact Duncan Lewis and arrange a consultation to discuss the matter.  The requirements for qualification of further leave to remain include the necessity that the UK Border office is satisfied that the relationship between the applicant and their partner is a genuine and valid continuing partnership.  The character and conduct of the person making the application must also satisfy the criteria laid down by the Home Office website. Any money that is owed to the NHS will be taken into account as part of the character assessment, and full co-operation with the Border Office is advised, as the compliance of the applicant within the process will also be assessed.

Immigration law

The immigration status requirements state that the person must not be in the UK as a visitor, or have leave of six months or less, or be in the UK with temporary permission.  Our immigration law firm will help to fine tune the details of the application, helping the client to receive the decision they hope for. The person making the claim must also meet a set of financial requirements that can be discussed in further depth with an immigration lawyer.

Entry Clearance (EC)

Entry Clearance (EC)

UK entry clearance is carried out by entry clearance officers overseas in order to decide if a person is qualified under the immigration act to enter the UK.  In many cases entry clearance is a mandatory procedure, but for others the process is optional.  In every case the final decision rests with the immigration officer at the relevant port of entry.

A visa national is an individual who is classed as a stateless person, and who resides in one of the countries listed by the UK Home Office on their visa and transit visas national page.  A visa national must also hold a passport that was issued by an authority that is not recognised on the shores of the UK.  It is necessary for visa nationals to obtain an entry clearance before departing for the UK.  A circumstance where it is not necessary for visa nationals to pursue an entry clearance is if the person is returning as a resident.  Those who have already been given permission to stay in the UK and are returning after briefly leaving the UK within the dates stated for the permitted stay, are also not required to have entry clearance.  Any questions regarding the required paperwork and document evidence for a visa national can be directed to our immigration law firm in order to get expert advice.

Non-visa national

A British subject, British national (overseas), or a person that is from a country that is not listed by border control on the UK visas and entry clearance page, are classified as non-visa nationals. It is not necessary in the majority of cases for a non-visa national to request an entry clearance. Exceptions to this rule include if the person is coming to the UK for more than six months, or if a person is travelling to the UK under a different category or classification, for example, as a fiancé. Immigration solicitors will be able to help a person to discover which category they fall into.

Deportation

If a person has been deported from the UK at any time, a revocation request for the deportation order must be submitted and accepted before they are allowed to travel to the UK (non-visa national), or apply for an entry clearance (visa national).  Any application made by a person who has received a deportation order will be automatically denied an entry clearance, and entry that is in breach of order is a criminal offence.  This also applies to individuals who are within the EEA.  If a request for the revocation of a deportation order is successful, the UK Border agency will submit notice that, although the revocation has been accepted, the person still does not automatically have the right to enter the UK.

Our expert immigration lawyers at Duncan Lewis can help an individual to present sufficient evidence supporting a claim for the revoking of a deportation order.  To find out more information, an immigration lawyer should be consulted as this will ensure that the person files the form and document evidence correctly and stands every chance of receiving the right to apply for entry clearance.

UKBA Update: Premium Booking Service Appointment Process

According to an article published on UKBA's official website From 18 August 2013, people looking to book a premium appointment at a Public Enquiry Office (PEO) will have to pay full application cost and booking fee via a new online system.

This will help to reduce the number of people abusing PRO system. At the same time, it will also help to access PEO appointments easily.

The online payment system will collect entire fee upfront. It will include application fee, the premium fee of £375 and non-refundable appointment fee of £100.

For more details, please read the article:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/august/13-premium-booking   

This update is brought to you by Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors.

Immigration Cases backlog Hits All Time High in UK

According to a report launched by MP Keith Vaz, the backlog of unsolved 5,00,000 immigration cases will take another 37 years to be resolved. The statement was made after considering the current rates of UKBA to solve a case.

Referring to UKBA's work last year, the committee discovered an additional 190,000 cases in a "temporary and permanent migration pool".

Vaz said: "The backlog of cases has now hit a staggering half a million people. This could fill Wembley stadium to capacity six times over. It has risen by 56% in just three months. At the current rate it will take 37 years to clear and the Home Office cannot confirm that this is the last of the backlogs."

If you require UK visa and want to get it clear at its earliest, you must contact expert immigration solicitors in London to file your case.

Source: http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/jul/13/immigration-backlog-37-years-clear

An Immigration Law Firm Can Help in Obtaining Business Visitor Visas

The business visitor visa UK is for those who intend to be here for a fairly short period of time.  Only those who are resident outside the EEA or Switzerland will need to make an application for this visa. Immigration solicitors will be able to guide the applicant through the process of making an application for this type of visa, but there are some basic regulations that will need to be followed.

The applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must not be planning on staying in the UK for more than six months, though the stay can be longer for an academic visitor. The applicant should have no plans to remain in the UK for a period of time longer than this. It is also important to demonstrate that the applicant is able to support him or herself during their stay and will not be requiring any assistance from the state. The applicant should be based in a foreign country and must retain this home address during their stay in the UK.

The applicant’s salary should be paid from the overseas company although it is acceptable to be paid reasonable expenses from the UK. A business visitor visa cannot be used for a worker who intends to take the place of a UK worker, even if it is for a short period of time.

Immigration lawyers will explain the restrictions that are in place for those who are granted a visa, but this will include not being able to take on any other kind of employment or sell any goods to the public. Studying while in the UK is also not permitted and it is also not possible to get married in the UK while on a business visitor visa. The applicant will also not be able to seek private medical treatment.

The immigration law firm consulted will be able to offer advice on the correct documentation that is needed to support the application and demonstrate that all the requirements are met.

So what can a business visitor do while they are in the UK? The list of business activities that qualify is long and an immigration lawyer will be able to define if the applicant’s work will qualify. It may include being part of a film crew working on location, working for overseas news media, working as an academic visitor, a religious worker or an advisor or consultant on a specific project. It can also include visiting to undergo training that is provided at the UK branch of the company employing the applicant or undertaking a secondment.

This type of visa can also be used by those who are attending meetings or conferences, arranging a contract or negotiating an agreement, carrying out research or conducting a site visit. The visitor could be a representative of a machinery manufacturer who is intending to install equipment or be employed to interpret for another worker. The details of the employment and the reason for visiting the UK will need to be given on the application.                    

The Role of Immigration Solicitors

Are you stuck in some complex immigration issues? Then your solution lies in finding an experienced immigration solicitor. Immigration solicitors are increasingly in demand of late as a number of people migrate from one country to another for the purpose of permanent residence.

There are many reasons that can be attributed to an individual’s migration like economic, political, family and natural disaster. In such cases, immigration solicitors are a great help in filing your immigration because matters and laws related to immigration are often convoluted and difficult to understand. Taking their help can save your time and avert frustration in trying to sort out the different requirements.

Immigration solicitors ensure that their clients’ interests are fully protected and each and every part of the immigration process is handled diligently. You can also take their help in case if your prior immigration applications have been denied. They have expertise in finding out the cause and make sure that they get approved in the future.

There are numerous law firms that have immigration solicitors in London helping their clients in all legal procedures associated with immigration. You can be benefited from their experience and expertise in all types of immigration issues and cases. With their vast knowledge and extensive experience in general and business immigration, they are committed to satisfy their clients completely.

Benefits of hiring immigration solicitors

Immigration law London refers to government policies that control the processes associated with immigration. Solicitors who specialise in immigration law London help their clients that are facing legal issues. There are many situations when you will need immigration solicitors to help you with cases related to immigration law London. You will require their help in getting permission to stay longer than you originally intended or getting permission to do something that you are not at present allowed to do. You can even hire them if you are being threatened with deportation from UK or being held by the immigration authorities in a detention centre.

While searching for good immigration solicitors, ensure that they have good understanding of immigration law London and hold good reputation in the law market. You can find some of the experienced immigration lawyers on the Internet. The Internet is filled with many websites that provide complete information about the law firms that have experienced immigration solicitors. You must virtually visit these websites to find a good immigration solicitor who excels in immigration law London.

If you want to know more about immigration law London, benefit fraud lawyer and immigration solicitors, please visit http://www.duncanlewis.co.uk/

Immigration Solicitors: Great help for handling immigration issues

Are you in search of good immigration solicitors?

Immigration solicitors are in much demand these days because a lot of people move from one country to another for the purpose of permanent residence. People move for various reasons including economic, political, family and natural disaster. Immigration solicitors are a great help in filing immigration because immigration matters and laws are often complex and difficult to understand. Working with them can help a person save time and frustration in trying to sort out the different requirements. Immigration solicitors make sure that their clients’ interests are fully protected and each and every part of the immigration process is handled with care. They are a great help if prior immigration applications have been denied. They will try to find out the cause and will ensure that they get approved in future.

There are a lot of law firms that have immigration solicitors who help their clients in all legal procedures pertaining to immigration. They have experience and expertise in all types of immigration issues and cases. They have extensive knowledge and vast experience in general immigration, business immigration and commit to satisfy their clients completely.

If you want to know more about immigration solicitors, immigration lawyer and family solicitor, please visit http://www.duncanlewis.co.uk/

Avail the services of immigration solicitors to obtain UK student visa

A lot of people come to the UK ever year to study in the several top educational institutes based here. Educational institutes in the UK boast of excellent standards and promise top paying jobs all over the world. But there are several requirements for those who wish to study in the UK.

For those who have a longer course, they have to give an entry clearance test. But if your course will take less than six months to finish, then you will have to apply for the visitor’s visa. You have to obtain a confirmation of acceptance from the educational institute that you are planning to go. Further, the educational institute must be a publicly funded institute or university and should be a private owned educational institution that requires student school fees.

There are many other requirements that you must have to get the UK student visa. You must be financially independent; you must be at least 18 years of age, you must provide bank statements, your latest photographs, and travel documents, your course must be a full time course, or a 1 hours a week course, and lot more.

If you need all the information regarding UK visa and application procedure and want to obtain the visa quickly and easily, you must look for immigration solicitors. Immigration solicitors possess wealth of knowledge about the immigration law London. They can prepare necessary papers on your behalf and can help you in completing the visa application form.

Immigration solicitors Harrow make sure that you obtain the student visa as quick as possible and that you are able to fulfill all your dreams of studying and staying in the UK.

To hire the best immigration lawyer in London, please log on to www.duncanlewis.co.uk

Trust Only Reliable Employment Solicitors

The changing face of business across the world has meant that many people now have the option of moving to other countries to get good jobs. If you also want to secure a good job overseas, you need to find the right employment solicitors. You must realise that immigration is a really lengthy and complicated process and only an experienced immigration lawyer can help you in this scenario.

There are many things you need to keep in mind before selecting an immigration lawyer. An experienced immigration lawyer can easily arrange employment solicitors and employment lawyers services for you. They can offer you all the important advice you need for your application to get processed. Besides this, they can also help you find a good place to stay and can easily be consulted for other purposes.

You must be aware of all the things and rules that can help you secure immigration easily without facing any problem. The whole immigration process is very complicated and your immigration lawyer can prove to be your best friend.

Duncan Lewis is one of the leading employment solicitors in the United Kingdom and can offer efficient immigration lawyer and employment lawyers to its clients. You can rely on them to help you with the cumbersome immigration process.