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

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

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

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

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

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 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