The UK government has launched an international action plan to encourage ‘circular migration’ and prevent illegal immigration. Through a points-based system, skilled temporary residents may be able to ‘pause’ their journey to UK citizenship, returning home to contribute their expertise. Continue Reading

When Jaco Voges and his wife Madeleine step off the plane at Heathrow Airport, it will be spring. And even if it’s raining, in a sense, the sun will be shining for this young couple because not only are they both newly qualified chartered accountants, but they are also in possession of something highly sought after by prospective migrants: a Tier 1 Visa which allows them to live and work in the UK for three years! Continue Reading

According to expert immigration group 1^st Contact, recent changes to Australia’s immigration policy presents good news to both current domestic workers as well as to hopeful migrants seeking to relocate to Australian shores. Continue Reading

Leading immigration company 1^st Contact says it will keep costs low, despite the sharp rise.

Walking the path to British Citizenship or simply applying for a visa such as the Tier 1 Visa is set to become a costly exercise after the UK government signaled its intention to increase UK visa fees as of April this year. Continue Reading

International immigration group, 1^st Contact has its offices ready for the large number of enquiries already coming through from eligible individuals in an attempt to obtain British Citizenship. A new development in the UK immigration law, which came into effect on 13 January 2010, has made it possible for individuals with British born mothers to gain UK citizenship through registration. Individuals who qualify for this right, under section 4C of the British Nationality Act of 1948, no longer need to apply via the standard ancestral visa route in order to become British citizens. Continue Reading

The UK may well be advised to relax its Tier 1 educational requirement from a Masters qualification to a Bachelors degree, following recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). The suggestion is good news for applicants currently falling behind in points for the Tier 1 visa. Continue Reading

Foreign nationals heading to the UK for work will soon have to carry special identity cards, as part of a major crackdown on illegal immigration. Skilled workers, student visa holders and those with UK marriage visas will also now need  to apply for an ID card when they renew their UK visas. Continue Reading

Two conmen, Rong Yang and Steven Lee were found sitting in their vehicle outside a test centre in Wimbledon, have been heavily fined after being convicted of using high-tech spy equipment to transmit answers to applicants writing the Life in the UK Test in 2008. Continue Reading

As many applicants bemoan increased tightening by UK immigration authorities, 1st Contact says options are not as few and far between as many perceive. In light of the recent increased stringency in the changes to the Tier 1 Visa, the Tier 2 is becoming a preferable option for many highly skilled professionals. “The Tier 2 visa option is proving to be a popular choice”explains 1st Contact’s South African Visa Manager, Robyn Cory. “Tier 2 allows individuals to enter the UK and expand their career horizons through international exposure and a variety of opportunities.” Continue Reading

New laws in Australia have granted legal recognition to the union of same-sex couples. The country now joins a host of countries around the world which allow the benefits of relationships once the preserve of heterosexual couples.

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The processes for individuals wishing to extend their stay in the UK and continue living and working in Britain will be affected, where expert immigration and financial services group 1st Contact has provided a series of solutions. Continue Reading

In an attempt to reduce the economic pitfalls experienced in the UK, brought upon by the recession, the UK Home Office have yet again announced another potential regime aimed at tightening British Citizenship law. It has been stated that foreigners residing in the UK may no longer be entitled to gain British passports as a consequence of staying in the UK for up to 5 years, but may be subject to a new points based system. The Home Office (UKBA) has opened a consultation for a points based system that has not been implemented as of yet. Following the results of this consultation process, and if the UK government approves the new points based system, the proposed implementation date has been set for summer 2011. Continue Reading

Recently published reports across various UK media have indicated that regardless of the UK government’s attempt to tighten immigration legislation, together with the announcement of more stringent restrictions placed on the UK Shortage Occupation list, skilled migrants in the UK have taken up a larger percentage of new jobs, in the UK, than British citizens. Continue Reading

Traditionally the 1st of July has always seen major changes to Australian migration policy and this year was no exception, with over 15 legislative changes having come into effect on the 1st July 2009. The changes vary from the standard adjustments made to fees and application forms, that tend to take place every year, to more technical changes that represented over 60 amendments to different schedules within the regulation of Australian migration law. Continue Reading

Australia may not be considered a prime destination for working, but the opportunities on offer make a compelling case when considering the country as an employment destination. Even though the Australian Federal government cut its skilled migrant program by 14% in response to worsening economic conditions, the number of working holiday visas is rising rapidly, contrary to expectations. Continue Reading

Immigration services firm 1st Contact is raising concerns over the legality of current practice by the UK Border Agency following numerous reports of lengthy waiting periods for family members of EEA nationals awaiting the outcomes of their applications to live and work in the UK. Continue Reading

Recent media reports have created the impression that Australia is no longer welcoming skilled migrants. But it’s an impression, expert immigration firm, 1st Contact says is inaccurate. The international firm says amendments to Australian migration policy centre on changes in the categories that administer migration and do not signal any end to it. Continue Reading

We here at 1st Contact have the pleasure in introducing to our clients a very exciting and affordable solution in the way of a taught MBA opportunity at Blake Hall College in Surrey Quays (2 stops from London Bridge and 1 stop from Canary Wharf – Canada Water Tube station, Jubilee Line). Continue Reading

Yesterday the home office approved regulations allowing the UK Border Agency to expand their genetic identification schem Continue Reading

Highly skilled professionals planning to work in the UK for the first time have been advised by 1st Contact to prepare for changes in the points system. Following the UK Border Agency’s revised policy on Tier 1 (Generaland Tier 1 (Post Study Work) applications, all new applicants who submit their documentation on or after 31 March 2009 will be subject to the new measures. Those already residing in UK who plan to switch to Tier 1 from another category are also subject to the new changes.

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The South African passport is now invalid for attaining entry into the UK, where South Africans will need to apply for a Visa to be granted UK entry rights. With the UK government embarking upon one of its most radical regulatory regimes, by deeming the South African passport as invalid to gain entry onto UK based soil, merely as an added security measure, South African based expert Immigration group, 1st Contact, explain the stark reality and practicalities surrounding this stringent new policy and how this is set to really affect South Africans. Continue Reading

Following biggest clamp down in UK Immigration law, over the past 4 decades, with the announced issuance of Visas for South African citizens to enter the UK, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) have recently announced their proposed fee increases for 2009 and 2010. Continue Reading

In an effort to control UK immigration and a massive influx of foreign workers flooding the market, often to reap the benefits of a socialised society, the UK Border Agency has introduced the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill to parliament. With the new Bill set to clamp down on the residency rights of migrants, it has been reported that foreigners residing in the UK may face an additional 3 years in the run up to attain British citizenship. Continue Reading

The current stresses and strains governed by an uncertain and erratic economic climate in the UK have created room for many illegal and less established immigration companies to take advantage of the market’s vulnerabilities. With the UK immigration market ripening due to many individuals choosing to canvass various immigration options, according to expert immigration group, 1st Contact, it is crucial for individuals to be able to distinguish between quality immigration agents and chancers.

1st Contact states that during these uncertain times, most individuals are susceptible to falling victim to immigration scams in a desperate attempt to cut costs.

Expert 1st Contact immigration consultant Stephen Atkinson says “whilst it can be very tempting for individuals to opt for cheaper immigration services, we urge them to consider the real cost of losing their money to unregulated immigration agents, who are unable to deliver on their propositions”.

1st Contact offers the following advisory tips to enable you to safe guard against opportunistic immigration scams:

1. Only engage with MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority) registered agents. Although this is merely a registration authority for Australian based immigration agents, 1st Contact’s Australian, UK and South African offices hold this accreditation. 1st Contact is also registered with OISC (the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) and employs several MARA and OISC registered consultants and caseworkers. 1st Contact’s global presence enables us to keep abreast of the latest governmental and legislative changes, with our team of immigration experts holding country specific knowledge and experience. This, together with our relationship with the relevant immigration authorities, enables us to manage your immigration process smoothly and efficiently.

2. Reputable and well established firms should be top of your list, when choosing an immigration agent to represent you. Company’s who have been around for over a decade such as 1st Contact, have established relationships with the relevant governmental authorities as well as a strong financial backbone, ensuring that you receive an optimal return for your investment in the immigration process.

3. Be very weary of companies asking for a 100% upfront payment for their services regardless of whether your visa application gets denied. 1st Contact Visas offer a flexible payment scheme for your convenience. If, for what ever reason your Visa application gets denied, 1st Contact will refund you 100% of your Visa fee (some conditions apply).

For UK or Australian Visas get in touch with 1st Contact Visas.

If you’re itching to escape the wet pavements of the British streets this winter, it’s not too late to book a last minute deal with Contiki!

Whether it’s a ski adventure to Austria you’re after or to experience the infamous Christmas markets of Europe, check out http://www.contiki.com/

Contiki’s fantastic Ski Austria packages start from 19th December from as little as £299 for 7 days. If that isn’t reason enough to pack your bags and hit the slopes, maybe the view outside your window right now will be! To find out more on Ski Austria, log onto www.contiki.com/ski

With a huge selection of European itineraries, you’ll also be spoiled for choice with last minute deals to France, Italy, Germany, and Spain to suit all types of budgets and length of stay!

And why not take advantage of your 1st contact exclusive 10%* discount by simply quoting ‘1st contact’ when you book!

Log on to http://www.contiki.com/

Alternatively to order a free brochure call 0208 290 6422.

*Available on 14 day ski trip only.

Its two weeks before Christmas and by now you have probably arranged your blissful escape, whether you have almost all the stamps in your passport or are simply heading to the continent for a weekend city break. Some last minute tips to help you make the most of your time off and help you feel less of the pinch are always handy, where price isn’t the only important factor. Having a stress-free trip with added value services and convenience all play a part in creating a care free holiday experience.

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Leading financial services and immigration group, 1st Contact has announced a positive new development from UK policy makers, just in time for the festive season, which will affect South Africans, Australians and New Zealanders wanting to extend their residence in the UK. Continue Reading

The recent and sudden economic turmoil that has engulfed the UK’s financial markets has seen young British citizens and graduates; together with other foreign nationals migrate to the some what safer shores surrounding a more robust Australian economy. Continue Reading

The Minister of State for borders and immigration recently announced that the official replacement of the UK’s current work permit scheme, with what is termed as Tier 2, will come into full effect on 27 November 2008. Continue Reading