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

Once again it has been announced that the limit for Tier 1 general visas has been reached very early in the month. This month the 600 visas cap was hit on the 7^th of December and no more Tier 1 visas will be granted from outside the UK until January 2011. Continue Reading

The UK Border Agency yesterday announced that the limit for Tier 1 General visas has been reached for the month of November 2010, and that there will be no more Tier 1 visas granted from outside the UK until the 1^st of December. Continue Reading

The government is facing a continuous stream of backlash over the interim immigration cap and proposed plans for the permanent cap to come into effect in April 2011. Key businessmen, politicians, educators and even Nobel Laureates are calling for a review of the policy amid mounting concerns that Britain’s economy is facing sure disaster if plans continue. Continue Reading

Some years ago, if you mentioned you were moving to Manchester, you’d say it in a whisper, and then titter nervously since the response would be predictable: “You’re moving … where?” And they’d look at you as if you’d lost your mind.

Not any longer. Manchester has had a face lift. It walks with a swagger. And the newcomers just keep pouring in. Continue Reading

London has a heritage dating back to the time of the Romans when the first pubs were established. Over time these became fondly known as ‘the local’ (‘pub’ is an abbreviation of public house). With such a rich heritage it is understandable that there are those who don’t want things to change, especially the beer. But is change inevitable? Continue Reading

By Nikki van Coller

Over the past 20 years or so, moving to the UK to work as a professional for a few years was fairly easy. These days (and especially with recent announcements regarding a cap on UK visas) it’s anything but. Continue Reading

A growing number of employers’ groups are calling for the government to rethink the Visa cap as the effects of this new cap are already being felt in many sectors. Continue Reading

The new UK government rolled out the first of its changes aimed at limiting the amount of non-EU workers travelling to the UK for work and . A temporary cap limiting the number of non-EU workers coming into the UK, will come into effect between now and April 2011. Continue Reading

If your application for further leave to remain was recently refused or if you have been refused on grounds of maintenance only, a recent court ruling could make it possible for the decision in your case to be overturned!

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Prior to the election, David Cameron took a tough line on immigration, vowing to bring annual net migration figures down from about 170,000 a year to just “tens of thousands”. At the time, the Liberal Democrats attacked proposals to cap immigration, but have since agreed to back the policy as part of the Government’s coalition deal.

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We receive a huge number of calls every day from people considering taking the plunge and living and working in the UK. And more often than not, the first couple of questions asked are pretty much the same. So we thought we’d equip you with heaps of info, even before you speak to a 1st Contact Visa Consultant!

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