Migra&Co

Today (26/07/2010) the UK Government announced that new rules will take effect from 29 November 2010. Read more >>

Following several enquiries, we wish to confirm that the Statement of Changes HC59 published on 28 June 2010  and the Statement of Changes HC96 published on 15 July 2010 do not foresee the introduction of an English test for dependants of PBS applicants.  Read more >>

From 1 September 2010, the UK Border Agency will introduce a fee of £100 to reconsider applications for naturalisation and British citizenship that have been refused. Read more >>

The UK Border Agency has published a new guidance for the interim limit on Tier 2 (General) certificates of sponsorship, which comes into effect today. Read more >>

The sponsor guidance clearly states what information should be contained in the job advertisements in order to meet the criteria set by the UKBA. One of the requirements is "an indication of the salary package or salary range or terms on offer" for a particular vacancy a UK sponsor is trying to fill. Read more >>

On 12 July 2010 an addendum was added to the policy guidance for students applying under Tier 4 of the point-based system. Read more >>

Following the UKBA's announcement regarding the increase of the minimum threshold for Tier 1 (General) applicants we have received a number of enquires requesting further clarifications. Read more >>

The Court of Appeal has issued today a landslide judgement with important ramifications to be followed shortly on the UK Border Agency's website particularly for Tier 1 PBS applicants who have failed to meet or are now falling short of the maintenance requirement under Appendix C. Read more >>

Revised versions of the application form and guidance for the Highly Trusted sponsors licence (under the points-based system) have been updated. Read more >>

UKBA Visa Service website has been updated to include the visa processing times for May 2010. The information available shows average processing times for all out of country UK visa applications based on recent visa processing performance. Read more >>

The UK Border Agency has announced today the introduction of compulsory English language tests for non-European migrants applying to come and join or marry their settled partner in the UK. Read more >>

You can apply for your visa within three months of your intended date of travel. Read more >>

UK companies wishing to employ foreign workers need to comply with the 2006 legislation relating to the sponsoring of foreign migrants subsequently implemented under the Tier 2 Scheme. There are civil and criminal penalties for failing to comply with the duties and obligations of a sponsor registered with the UK Border Agency or for employing illegal migrants. However, private individuals who have migrated to the UK or who are in the process of applying for a UK visa, may also be subject to severe penalties including lengthy bans from the UK.  Read more >>

A8 and A2 nationals can apply for a registration certificate only after having completed 12 months of continuous employment in the UK. A8 countries will need to apply under the Worker Registration Scheme unless they are exempt as in the case of self-employed workers. The UK Government has decided in 2009 that nationals of A8 countries will continue to be subject to restrictions for a period of 7 years from the date of accession. Read more >>

During the week commencing 31 May 2010, the UK Border Agency expects to be considering applications that were received on or before 13 May 2010. This timescale is a guideline only, and some cases may take longer to consider. Read more >>

During the week commencing 24 May 2010, the UK Border Agency expects to be considering applications that were received on or before 10 May 2010. This timescale is a guideline only, and some cases may take longer to consider. Read more >>

In light of the several enquiries received from employers as well as employees facing difficulty in establishing which changes to the terms and conditions of migrant's employment constitute change of employment we have prepared brief summary. Read more >>

Care assistants and chefs have been placed at the centre of the immigration debate as they are often used as an easy target to blame for the rising number of low skilled migrants coming to the UK. Read more >>

During the week commencing 17 May 2010, the UK Border Agency expects to be considering applications that were received on or before 4 May 2010. This timescale is a guideline only, and some cases may take longer to consider. Read more >>

During the week commencing 3 May 2010, the UK Border Agency expects to be considering applications that were received on or before 17 April 2010. This timescale is a guideline only, and some cases may take longer to consider. Read more >>

Access to the sponsorship management system is currently unavailable. Read more >>

Minors are entitled to registration under s. 1 (3) of the British Nationality Act 1981 if they meet certain requirements. Read more >>

During the week commencing 26 April 2010, the UK Border Agency expects to be considering applications that were received on or before 5 April 2010. This timescale is a guideline only, and some cases may take longer to consider. Read more >>

In light of the many enquiries received this and last week, we wish to confirm that the immigration rules have been changed to lower the age for marriage visas ONLY for serving members of the armed forces and their partners. The marriage visa age remains 21 for all other British citizens or settled partners and their families. Read more >>

During the week commencing 19 April 2010, the UK Border Agency expects to be considering applications that were received on or before 1 April 2010. This timescale is a guideline only, and some cases may take longer to consider. Read more >>

Most entry clearance applications will need to be submitted online by clicking on the following http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ApplyNow.aspx, however there is still an option to complete the printed version of the forms. Read more >>

Migrants who are residing or working in the UK might be required to register with the police and obtain a Police Registration Certificate. Read more >>

The Home Office is no longer offering the same day service for applications made under this particular category. Read more >>

As of 6 April 2010, the UK Border Agency has implemented new Rules in connection with the Tier 2 Scheme, in particular the Intra Company Transfer (ICT). Read more >>

The Immigration Rules relating to marriage visas have changed for serving members of the armed forces. Read more >>

As of 6 April 2010, following the Easter break, the UK Border Agency will charge the new fees. Read more >>

The MAC has published its report making recommendations on the shortage occupational lists for the UK and for Scotland. Read more >>

Following the recent acceptance of the Migration Advisory Committee (“MAC”) recommendations the UK immigration authorities will implement fundamental changes to the Tier 1 General Rules. Read more >>

We are seeking further clarification from the EEA team at the Home Office in connection with the uphill struggle faced by many family members of EEA nationals who following a divorce seek to remain in the UK and retain their right of residence. Read more >>

To find out our most recent visa application processing times for the country from which you are applying, you should click on the following link http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/processingtimes Read more >>

Applicants for UK visas valid for longer than six months in certain countries now require a certificate to show that they are free from infectious pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Read more >>

If you have spent five years in the UK exercising EEA rights, there is be no need for you to apply for permanent residence with an EEA 3 form which might take up to 6 months Read more >>

The Public Enquiry Office (PEO) in Croydon has relaxed the same day appointment policy exclusively for applicants who wish to transfer their Indefinite or Further Leave to Remain stamps to a new passport. Read more >>

Migrants are categorically not allowed to claim public funds unless otherwise stated in the endorsement/visa to be found in their passports granting them leave to enter or remain in the UK. Read more >>

The Appendix 5 form for Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) entry clearance applications has been updated. Read more >>

The application form for domestic workers FLR(BID) has been updated. Read more >>

The UKBA have introduced the latest version of the Sponsored Management System (SMS) for Tiers 2-5. Read more >>

We are delighted to announce that we have now moved to our new office in the heart of Mayfair. We hope this new location will make the journey more convenient for old and new clients alike! Read more >>

It is essential to be aware that some foreign migrants who are living in the UK have to register with the police and obtain a Police Registration Certificate within one week from arrival in the UK. Read more >>

There is still some confusion which regards to who is eligible to apply as the dependant of a British Citizen or someone settled in the UK under section 6(2) of the 1981 British Nationality Act. Read more >>

This is a reminder of two important but separate legal cases which can reply upon when preparing an application bundle. Read more >>

Failing to update an ICFN when required and so its of utmost importance might lead to a fine of £ 1000. Read more >>

The same day service is no longer available for applications under the Long Residence category! Read more >>

We have noticed that nationality applications recently submitted under section 6(1) and 6(2) of the 1981 British Nationality Act Read more >>

Once you have acquired permanent residence or settled status in the UK, you become free from immigration control. However, you will still need to apply for a Schengen visa when travelling to continental Europe. This is due to the fact that the United Kingdom is not yet part of the Schengen area. Read more >>

Immigrant numbers is not just about having enough people to fill jobs. Read more >>

There can’t be many who haven’t seen the TV news reports from France showing images of people from various parts of the world sitting in makeshift camps near Calais whilst waiting for their chance to get into Britain. Read more >>

A large proportion of British people are under the impression that all immigrants automatically receive handouts as soon as they arrive; this is not the case, but again, media reports tend to focus on stories about those who come here wanting something for nothing, leaving genuine immigrants to be viewed with suspicion. Read more >>