The government has announced that various changes with Biometrics Residence Permits will come into effect from Spring 2012. Biometrics Residence Permits are only given to those already in the UK who apply to change their immigration status to certain visa categories. All those applying to stay longer than 6 months will be required to get [...]
Biometrics Residence Permits
by nikki on 08. Dec, 2011 in Decision-making process, Partners, Settlement, Spouses
Youth Mobility Scheme for Japanese nationals
by nikki on 08. Dec, 2011 in Decision-making process, Youth Mobility Scheme
There will be a change to the way the Youth Mobility Scheme is run for Japanese nationals for 2012. There are only 1000 visas available, and instead of operating on a ‘first come first served’ basis as previously, those who wish to apply for 2012 must e-mail: YMS2012-APPOINTMENT@vfshelpline.com between 12pm 4th January to 12pm 6th [...]
Student visas – next changes 4 July
by nikki on 21. Jun, 2011 in Students
As of 4th July 2011, the following changes will be introduced to Tier 4 Student Visas: only those studying at Higher Education Institutions, or publicly funded Further Education colleges, will be allowed to work; Study Abroad programmes will continue to be able to offer work placements nationals of ‘low risk’ counties will not be required [...]
Student dependants
by nikki on 04. May, 2011 in Dependants, Partners, Spouses, Students
New rules were brought in concerning student visas as of 21/4/11. Some further changes will be introduced in July, and more again in April 2012. One change that is worth noting is that, as of July 2011, students studying below National Qualifications Framework level 7 or equivalent (Masters Degree level or equivalent) will not be [...]
Changes today, 6th April 2011
by nikki on 06. Apr, 2011 in Decision-making process, Partners, Settlement, Spouses, Students, Tier 1, Tier 2
The government have been announcing changes to UK visas over the past few months, the following of which have taken place as of today: Tier 1 (General) no longer exists There is a quota of 1000 visas instead for those with ‘exceptional talent’ who have been recognised in their field of science, engineering or the [...]
Changes to Students
by nikki on 23. Mar, 2011 in Decision-making process, Students
The government has announced that the following changes will be introduced to the Student route into the UK, in 2012: All educational establishments that are licensed to admit overseas students (sponsors) must be accredited by Ofsted or equivalent by end of 2012 In addition, all sponsors must become Highly Trusted Sponsors (a higher form of [...]
Shortage Occupation List
by nikki on 02. Mar, 2011 in Decision-making process, Tier 2
In order to qualify for a Tier 2 visa to work in the UK, an employer who is licensed as a Tier 2 sponsor has to be willing and able to sponsor your visa. In order to do so, ordinarily they must demonstrate that there is no-one present in the UK labour market currently who [...]
UK visa offices in the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia
by nikki on 12. Jan, 2011 in Australians, Canadians, Decision-making process, New Zealanders, Services
The UK Border Agency has recently moved to a ‘hub and spoke’ model of operating. In essence this means that not all countries have UK visa offices any longer. In many countries the applications are sent to a UK Embassy or Consulate in a nearby country that acts as the ‘hub’ for that region. The [...]
English requirement and KOL
by nikki on 06. Jan, 2011 in Partners, Settlement, Spouses
For all Settlement visas for partners – those coming to the UK to marry/ have a Civil Partnership with a British Citizen/permanent resident, or already married to/a Civil Partner or an unmarried partner of a British Citizen/permanent resident – there is now a requirement that you speak English (introduced in November 2010). If you are [...]
Tier 1 (General) quota filled for overseas applicants
by nikki on 22. Dec, 2010 in Decision-making process, Tier 1
The government has announced that no more Tier 1: General applications made outside the UK will be accepted from 23 December 2010 onward. This is because they have sufficient pending applications that they anticipate the monthly quota of 600 per month between now and April 2011 to be filled. Applicants applying within the UK can [...]
“YEAAAHHHHH!! We got it!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!”
Lindsay K, USA
Tier 1 Highly Skilled Migrant