Comments on: UK Clamps Down on Citizenship Law

By: Stephen Atkinson

Stephen Atkinson — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:32:00 +0000

Hi Leo,

Thank you for your comment.

You would be able to obtain these details via the Freedom of Information Act – a written request would need to be sent to the UK Border Agency.

As this dates back to an implementation date of April 2006 and with UK immigration law & policy ever evolving, I cannot remember the full consultation and parliamentary process duration when the residency requirement was raised from 4 to 5 years.

Should you wish to keep track of the parliament readings of this Bill, here is the link – http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2008-09/borderscitizenshipandimmigration.html

By: Leo

Leo — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 07:16:00 +0000

Hi Stephen

I’ve been trying to track some down information of the last extension from 4 to 5 yrs. As my 5 yr period is up July 2010, I was wondering if you or anyone else has any idea how long the process took the last time, from the time it was first introduced to parliament to the actual implementation date.

By: Akin Oges

Akin Oges — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:41:00 +0000

Dear Sir/Madam,
I currently hold a settlement status(ILR);I intend to file for my wife-back in Nigeria-to join me here in England.My question(s):besides the need on my part to provide proof of sufficient funds,employment,adequate accommodation and evidence of permanent residency;are there any further requirements or are there items that my wife would have to provide on her own,besides passport,to the British High Commission?

By: Akin Oges

Akin Oges — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:41:00 +0000

By: Caron

Caron — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:34:00 +0000

Hi Stephen,
My question is How many times can I renew my HSMP?
I currently am on my first one that lasts untill 2011.
How long will my next one last for?
And after that can I review a Third time?
Thanks
Caron

By: Stephen Atkinson

Stephen Atkinson — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:19:00 +0000

Hi Prem,

As the Bill is still to be passed in its finality by parliament, 1st Contact is unable to speculate any further on its impact on individual circumstances, whether it will be applied retrospectively to persons already holding ILR, nor are we able to confirm the implementation date.

We will continue to keep abreast of any amendments and updates to the Bill, which will be reflected and posted on our website and in our eNewsletter.

By: Prem

Prem — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Hi, I am very confused here with all the proposed changes in immigration rules. I have been here on a work visa for the last 4 years and 3 months and was planning to apply for a permanet residency in November of this year. My question is : would this new rule make me to wait another 3 more years to apply for a p.r.?Thanks, Prem

By: Stephen Atkinson

Stephen Atkinson — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:40:00 +0000

Hi Rolesy,

There certainly are arguments for and against stricter immigration policies here in the UK, there is no doubting that.

Unfortunately, we are all bound by the rules (unless one is lucky enough to hold a British passport!).

Should you be facing issues with mortgages here in the UK, please contact Sable Property (a division of 1st Contact), as they specialise in mortgages for persons with short-term visas etc. Their number is 0845 373 6865 or you can visit them at http://www.sablemortgages.com/contact.asp.

Regards,
Stephen Atkinson
Immigration Manager
1st Contact Visas
Ph: 0800 039 3076 (Freecall within the UK)
http://www.1stcontactvisas.com

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00am to 6:00pm GMT, Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm GMT

1st Contact Visas are regulated and authorised to provide immigration services by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner. Registered No. F2001-00004.

By: paramjit

paramjit — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 04:16:00 +0000

Hi
Can u please explain this in a bit more detail that if this is going to be the case for the persons waiting to apply for ILR or for a full citizenship which is currently after one year of getting ILR.and secondly if this is going to be implemented from candidates who are going to apply for either of these in March ‘09 or afterwards.
Thanks

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:55:00 +0000

I have just had a look at the Bill and the results of the consultation that it is based on. Apparently the citizenship period remains 6 years (5 years plus one probationary year) if you "take part in community activities such as volunteering, charity fund-raising, running a sports team or playgroup, or working as a school governor". So there are ways of ensuring you fall in the 6 year category. But it’s still useless speculating until the Bill is passed and becomes an Act of Parliament.