UKBA has issued a press release confirming that border personnel at all British ports of entry will be taking part in planned strike action tomorrow (Wednesday 30 November). Continue Reading

Opening a Bank Account in the UK is notoriously difficult, irksome and often quite stressful. But with the right information, advice and support, it doesn’t have to be that way.

With more than 15 years’ in the UK immigration market, 1st Contact has learnt a thing or two about the immigration system and all the ins and outs of relocating to the UK. So we  put together the Kickstart Package which, amongst other things, makes it a breeze to get a UK bank account. Continue Reading

Tensions are still flaring between Theresa May and Brodie Clark after leaked UKBA documents and emails revealed that border control measures were severely relaxed over the summer. According to the evidence, thousands of non-EU passengers were able to enter the UK without the correct passport checks or screening against the terrorist watch list.

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Conservative MP Nicholas Soames and Labour MP Frank Field have put aside their differences to issue a joint public warning against UK overpopulation. According to them, the UK population will reach 70 million within the next 15 years unless the government takes drastic measures to curb the inflow of migrants. Continue Reading

Amidst pressure on the UK Government to find a solution to the high levels of unemployment, the tightening of visa rules for workers outside of the EU is threatening many New Zealanders’ rights to stay in Britain long-term.

Up until now, New Zealanders working in the UK have been able to apply for “settlement” after five years, allowing them to confidently settle into careers, marry and have children. Continue Reading

This month we chatted to Carina, wife to Jacques and mother to 4 boys, aged 4 – 12, who took the plunge in 2009 and moved to Australia. Continue Reading

The UKBA’s public consultation on reforms to work routes (including routes that lead to settlement, Tier 5 and overseas domestic workers) closes on Friday 9 September.

The consultation sets out the government’s proposals for breaking the link between temporary and permanent migration. Continue Reading

Justice 4 Domestic Workers this week led a protest outside parliament, which saw hundreds of migrant domestic workers demonstrating against proposed changes to their visa conditions. Continue Reading

A recent study revealed that almost 15% of people who qualify for and hold a UK Ancestry Visa are already British Citizens but don’t  know it! Continue Reading

The government announced recently that it will actively encourage “exceptionally talented leaders” in the fields of science, humanities, engineering and the arts to come to the UK by opening a new Tier 1 category entitled “Exceptional Talent”. Continue Reading

Following the government’s ‘Statement of Intent’ with regards to changes to the Tier 4 visa set out earlier this year, a first lot of changes was introduced in April and the next lot came into effect on the 4th of July. Continue Reading

New UK visa rules will reward those who contribute to the economic growth with accelerated settlement. Compared to the previous 5-year rule, those investing £10 million in the UK economy may settle after 2 years, while those investing £5 million and/or creating at least 10 jobs may do so after 3. Continue Reading

In light of recent announcements made by Immigration Minister Damien Green, 1st Contact Visas is encouraging Tier 1, 2 and 5 visa holders as well as foreign nationals wanting to switch categories, to make the necessary applications soon so as not to be affected by the proposed changes by the UK Border Agency with a suggested date taking effect on 1 April 2012. Continue Reading

Could you be eligible for a British Passport?

No?

Are you sure?

According to Robyn Cory from 1^st Contact Visas, there are thousands of people – particularly from Commonwealth countries – who often are not aware they may be eligible through Nationality law at the time of their birth and their ancestry that they may be eligible for a UK passport, when in fact they do qualify.

“A nationality status trace through 1^st Contact Visas, along with the relevant supporting documentation could well put you on your way to British citizenship, and all the possibilities that opens up.” Continue Reading

Since the 6th of April this year, skilled and highly skilled migrants were added to the list of those required to pass the Life in the UK test in order to qualify for ILR (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK. Continue Reading

Immigration Minister Damian Green this week released a Ministerial Statement announcing the closure of the Worker Registration Scheme from the 30th of April 2011. Continue Reading

According to a BBC World Service Country Rating Poll, the UK has risen in popularity since last year and is now considered the 2^nd most popular country in the world, after Germany. Continue Reading

Earlier this week, Immigration Minister Damian Green issued a Written Ministerial Statement proposing certain immigration and nationality fees increases, set to take effect from 6 April this year. Continue Reading

On 23 November 2010, the Home Secretary announced a number of changes to UK immigration law and policy as part of the government’s commitment to place a limit on non-EU migration to the UK. Continue Reading

Yesterday we reported that the temporary cap on Tier 1 (General) and Tier 2 (General) had been deemed unlawful by the UK High Court. Unfortunately, this ruling has been nullified by this morning’s sitting of parliament. Continue Reading