After the 12th of October 2012, any person who has overstayed in the UK for more than 28 days in most visa categories (including Ancestry) will not be able to acquire an extension of stay or Indefinite Leave to Remain. Continue Reading

On Monday the 11th of June 2012, the Government announced changes to the Immigration Rules for non-European Economic Area (non-EEA) nationals applying to either enter or remain in the UK on the family migration route. Continue Reading

Us humans having been seeking greener pastures for about as long as we’ve been on the planet. Here are 20 facts about migration and the consequent remittance around the world. Continue Reading

The Daily Telegraph has reported that 68 university chancellors, governors and presidents have signed an open letter to Prime Minister David Cameron, urging the government to help drive the economy and boost university income by removing university students from net migration figures. Continue Reading

The UK Border Agency faced a new crisis last week when their IT system crashed under the huge volume of applications, making it impossible to verify or issue biometric visas. Hundreds were turned away at the Croyden office as a result. Continue Reading

In a recent speech at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), Russian ambassador Alexander Yakovenko said that the UK government should ease UK visa restrictions and that this would go a long way to developing trade and tourism for both countries and strengthening their ties. Continue Reading

Since the 1960’s, Portugal has become an extremely popular tourist destination, drawing around 13 million visitors a year. This rise in popularity can be attributed to the fantastic Mediterranean climate, the natural beauty, great food and wine and of course, the friendly people. Also, despite being a developed country and member of the EU, Portugal is relatively inexpensive when compared to other EU countries offering a similar quality of holiday. Continue Reading

Amid concerns over visiting Olympic athletes, coaches and officials staying in the country indefinitely once the Games are over, special restrictions have been included in the six-month Olympic Games visa that will be issued to almost 20 000 people from outside the EU. Continue Reading

According to a report by the National Audit Office (NAO), as many as 50,000 people may have entered the UK to work rather than study, during the first year of since the introduction of the Tier 4 visa. Continue Reading

Rules and changes affecting study post-study work and maintenance requirements for students and workers will take effect on the 6th April 2012

Changes to the maintenance levels which students and workers must show before obtaining a visa and the amount that can be paid as an accommodation deposit.

Applicants for Tier 1 Entrepreneurs and Graduate Entrepreneurs, and legacy Tier 1 (General) cases will be required to show:

• £3100 for Entry clearance applications (was £2800)
• £900 for leave to remain applications (was £800)

Tier 2 and Tier 5 migrants will be required to show funds of £900 instead of the £800 required previously. As at present, if they have an A-rated Sponsor, the Sponsor may certify maintenance.

Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 5 dependants will be required to show:

• £1,800 for dependants of migrants who have been in the UK for less than 12 months (was £1600)
• £600 for all other dependants (was £533)

There is a separate table for the changes to the maintenance requirement that students need to meet.

The UKBA had not confirmed that transitional arrangements will be put in place to cater for those applicants that may fall short of meeting the new maintenance requirement by the time that they need to lodge their application, as the maintenance of funds must be held for at least a 90 day consecutive period prior to lodging the application.

To avoid being caught out by this new rule, we recommend that you lodge your application prior to the 6th of April 2012.

Please contact us to discuss how this change in the maintenance requirement may affect your application.

For more information please visit

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2012/february/27-new-student-rules

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/agencies-public-bodies/changes-study-visa-soi?view=Binary

On April 6th 2012 the UK Border Agency (UKBA) is going to increase visa applications by as much as 50%. This is in line with the UKBA’s strategy of reducing the cost of its services to taxpayers. Continue Reading

Sable Group has recently launched a brand new service for clients wishing to secure themselves a property in Portugal and ultimately, a European Passport. Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

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