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Skilled Worker Visa

Tier 2: General Skilled Workers If you have been offered a skilled job in the UK by a Home Office licensed employer, you may qualify to live and work in the UK as a Tier 2 General migrant. The Tier 2 General visa is designed for skilled workers migrating to the UK. Before your employer can offer you a job they will have to show that they have been unable to recruit anyone locally. You must first obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer which confirms that your job is at NQF level 6 or higher, and that they have met the criteria of the Resident Labour Market test, or that the job is exempt from this requirement. You must also be paid at the appropriate salary, as set out for your particular job. You can switch into the Tier 2 General immigration category if you are already in the UK under Tier 1, 2, 4 or Tier 5 Temporary Worker of the point-based system. Your family members may accompany you as your dependents. Initial applications: entry clearance or leave to remain as a Tier 2 General skilled worker In order to qualify for a Tier 2 General visa for the UK, you will need to show that: You have obtained a job offer in the UK; The job offer is from a licensed UK employer (i.e. an employer holding a Tier 2 Sponsor License); You do not own more than 10% of the shares of the company sponsoring you, unless your gross salary is £155,300 or more; The job offer passes the Resident Labour Market test (or a Resident Labour Market test exemption applies); You have been issued with a valid certificate of sponsorship by your employer; Your job title appears on the list of occupations skilled to NQF level 6 or above as stated in the Codes of Practice; You will be paid at an appropriate salary rate and your annual gross salary will be above the minimum salary threshold of £20,800; You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1/B2 (CEFR level B1 is equivalent to IELTS 4.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking); You have enough money to support yourself i.e. you must hold £945 in an account in your name for 90 days before your application. You need to show an additional £630 per dependant held for 90 days in an account in your name or that of your dependant. If your employer is an A rated sponsor and confirms that they will provide maintenance should you need it, you do not have to show money in your personal account. You will also need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that the job offer is a genuine vacancy and you are appropriately qualified or registered to do the job. If you are currently in the UK as a Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer (ICT) migrant, you will only be able to switch into the Tier 2 General category if your Tier 2 ICT visa was granted before 6th April 2010 and you are applying to change sponsor, or you have leave under the Tier 2 ICT: Established staff category granted before 6th April 2011 and are applying to change sponsor. If you are currently in the UK as a Tier 4 General Student, you will need to complete and pass your degree level course before you are eligible to switch into the Tier 2 General category. Extension Applications: further leave to remain as a Tier 2 General Skilled Worker In order to extend your stay as a Tier 2 General migrant, you will need to show that: You are still working for the same employer, who last sponsored your Tier 2 General application, in the same occupation; You have been issued with a valid certificate of sponsorship by that employer; You do not own more than 10% of the shares of the company sponsoring you, unless your gross salary is £155,300 or more; You will be paid at an appropriate salary rate and your annual gross salary is at or above the minimum salary threshold of £20,800. You can change your sponsor during your stay in the Tier 2 General category. However, you will need to apply for a fresh grant of leave to remain as a Tier 2 General migrant each time that you do so and satisfy the requirements set out under 'initial applications' above. Settlement in the UK: Indefinite leave to remain as a Tier 2 General Skilled Worker For those who first applied under the category before 06 April 2011, to qualify for indefinite leave to remain in the UK as a Tier 2 General migrant, you will need to show that: You have spent a continuous period of 5 years lawfully in the UK as a Tier 2 General migrant or in any combinations of the relevant categories as set out in Paragraph 245HF(c) of the Immigration Rules; and You have not spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any of the five consecutive 12 calendar month periods preceding the date of application and provide specified documents to evidence the reasons for the absences, which must be in connection with the employment or for a serious or compelling reason; and You are not in the UK in breach of immigration laws except that any period of overstaying for a period of 28 days or less will be disregarded; You are still required for the employment in question, as certified by your employer; and You are paid at or above the appropriate rate for the job as stated in the Codes of Practice; You have demonstrated sufficient knowledge of the English language and life in the UK. For those who first applied under the category on or after 06 April 2011, and therefore making their ILR application after 06 April 2016 you will only be eligible for settlement if you are in a shortage occupation job, an occupation skilled to PhD level, or you have a gross annual salary of at least £35,000 (this gross sum increases every two years). Cooling Off Period For those who first applied under the category before 06 April 2011, to qualify for indefinite leave to remain in the UK as a Tier 2 General migrant, you will need to show that: You have spent a continuous period of 5 years lawfully in the UK as a Tier 2 General migrant or in any combinations of the relevant categories as set out in Paragraph 245HF(c) of the Immigration Rules; and You have not spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any of the five consecutive 12 calendar month periods preceding the date of application and provide specified documents to evidence the reasons for the absences, which must be in connection with the employment or for a serious or compelling reason; and You are not in the UK in breach of immigration laws except that any period of overstaying for a period of 28 days or less will be disregarded; You are still required for the employment in question, as certified by your employer; and You are paid at or above the appropriate rate for the job as stated in the Codes of Practice; You have demonstrated sufficient knowledge of the English language and life in the UK. For those who first applied under the category on or after 06 April 2011, and therefore making their ILR application after 06 April 2016 you will only be eligible for settlement if you are in a shortage occupation job, an occupation skilled to PhD level, or you have a gross annual salary of at least £35,000 (this gross sum increases every two years).

British Citizenship

Applications to become British are being subjected to increased scrutiny. The good character requirements are being interpreted increasingly strictly, and there is no right of appeal if your application is refused for any reason. As a British Citizen, you can live and work in the UK free from immigration controls. Unless you are British by descent, you must apply to be granted British citizenship. To make absolutely sure why not contact us for advice and assistance on completing your application. You can speak directly to a specialist immigration adviser by calling 07596 408273 or alternatively you can complete our British Citizenship form. At Immigration Street Legal, we have extensive experience of British Citizenship applications and can provide the following service regarding your application; Advise you about the relevant immigration laws, UKVI / Identity & Passport Service procedures and policies Discuss your immigration history and advise you about the merits of your application Check that you meet the good character requirement Ensure that your absences from the UK are fully documented Assist you with the type of documents you must submit in support of your naturalisation application Certify your passport and other documentation which means that you do not have hand over your passport whilst your application is pending consideration at UKVI / Identity & Passport Service Complete the application with you and check your referees have correctly completed their section Prepare the covering letter to introduce and support your application Submit your application and liaise with the UKVI / Identity & Passport Service for an expeditious decision on your application Deal with all enquiries from UKVI / Identity & Passport Service Advise you about the implications of the UKVI / Identity & Passport Service decision on your application

Settlement / ILR

Settlement for Partners and Family Members Have you, or a loved one, received a UK visa refusal from within the UK or overseas? With the introduction of the Immigration Act 2014, it is now more important than ever to secure specialist and competent advice as quickly as possible. The new Act removes what were standard rights of appeal from numerous immigration categories, leaving applicants with severely restricted options. Expert advice should be sought immediately following receipt of a refusal to ensure your options are weighed carefully as the next steps are critical to a successful outcome. Following the removal of rights of appeal, applicants, depending on the nature of the refusal and application, may consider lodging a fresh application, or pursing an Administrative Review or Judicial Review. At Immigration Street Legal we understand that receiving a refusal is not only hugely disappointing, but moreover a worrying and distressing time for many. Get in touch with us as soon as possible and we will assess your situation and help salvage your application. Email us your refusal decision asap, and we will contact you to discuss your options. Immigration into the UK is becoming harder so unless you are already settled in the UK you immigration position is not secure. The rules and requirements are becoming stricter, and the current immigration climate has become colder and harsher. That is because the present government wishes to reduce immigration substantially and so are enforcing the rules more strictly as well as frequently introducing new and harder ones. A significant step in this has been the curtailing of appeal rights such that since 06 April 2015 there is no longer a full right of appeal if your visa is refused. You can only appeal if your application was on the basis of your family life in the UK, generally with a family member who is settled in this country, or if it was on the grounds that you have lived here for so long you have established a private life in the UK. You can only appeal on human rights grounds – that is, if you say that refusing your application is a breach of your human rights. Even before 6 April 2015 when the climate was more favourable appeals weren’t straightforward and Tribunal statistics from October – December 2014 showed that only 39% of appeals were successful. If you receive a refusal to your application due to the complications of UK immigration law it may be difficult for you to know what to do next. Should you appeal or re-apply? What is the time limit to do so? What is the appeals process? Having had one visa refusal, how do you know that another application will succeed? Fortunately, you don’t need to face this on your own – you can give yourself the best possible chance of success by contacting us at Immigration Street Legal. We will realistically assess the merits of your case and advise you on all the options open to you.

Long Residence

If you are a non-UK national and have lived in the United Kingdom continuously and lawfully for 10 years, then you may qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK on the basis of long residence. You can apply for indefinite leave to remain on the ground of long residence regardless of the type or length of leave previously granted. This can include periods when you were waiting for a decision on an application for further leave to remain, provided that you submitted your application before your previous leave expired. Requirements for ILR on the ground of long residence: the 10 year ILR rule In order to qualify for settlement under the 10 year ILR rule, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that: You have spent a period of at least 10 years residing in the United Kingdom continuously and lawfully; and There are no public interest reasons why it would be undesirable to grant you indefinite leave to remain; and There are no general grounds for refusing your application (such as a relevant criminal conviction); and You have demonstrated sufficient knowledge of the English language and about life in the United Kingdom; and You are not in the United Kingdom in breach of immigration laws. Continuous lawful residence Your 10 year period of lawful residence must be unbroken. It will be broken if at any time during the period relied upon: You were absent from the UK for more than 18 months in total; or Your were removed or deported from the UK; or You left the UK having been refused leave to enter or remain; You evidenced a clear intention not to return to the UK on leaving; or You left the UK with no reasonable expectation of being able to return lawfully; or You were sentenced to a period of imprisonment (not suspended) or directed to be detained; or You were absent from the UK for more than 6 months at any one time; or You were absent from the UK for less than 6 months but had no leave either upon departure or return (or both). Public interest If you are able to establish 10 years continuous lawful residence, UK Visas and Immigration will consider whether there are any reasons of public interest why your settlement application should not be approved, taking into account your: Age; Strength of connections in the UK; Personal history (e.g. character, conduct, associations, and employment record); Domestic circumstances; Compassionate circumstances; and Any representations submitted on your behalf. Relevant criminal conviction Amongst other grounds, your application will be refused if you: Have ever been sentenced to imprisonment for 4 years or more; or You have ever been sentenced to imprisonment for between 12 months and 4 years, but less than 15 years has passed since the end of your most recent such sentence; or You have ever been sentenced to imprisonment for less than 12 months but less than 7 years have passed since the end of your most recent such sentence; or Within the 2 years immediately prior to the date your application is decided you have been convicted of, or admitted, an offence for which you either received a non-custodial sentence (such as a fine or community sentence) or for which an out of court disposal is recorded on your criminal record (such as a penalty notice or caution). Breach of immigration laws You may still apply for indefinite leave to remain under the 10 year ILR rule if you have overstayed the expiry of your most recent period of leave, provided that you do so within 28 days. Dependents An application for settlement on the grounds of long residence is an individual application. Therefore, any dependents will be required to submit separate applications in their own right. Some dependents (such as children born in the UK) may be entitled to British Citizenship by Registration upon their parent being granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

Returning Resident

If you are a non-UK citizen and are not currently in the UK, but have previously been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK, you may be eligible to return to the UK for settlement as a returning resident. The requirements that you will need to satisfy in order to be admitted to the UK for settlement as a returning resident will vary depending upon whether you have been away from the UK for more, or less, than 2 years. If you have been outside the UK for more than 2 years then you should apply for a Returning Resident visa before travelling. You may also apply if you have been away for less than 2 years. In each case, entry to the UK may be refused if the requirements of the Immigration Rules are not satisfied. Requirements for entry as a Returning Resident: absent from the UK for less than 2 years You may be admitted to the UK for settlement as a returning resident if the Immigration Officer on arrival is satisfied that you: Had indefinite leave to remain in the UK when you last left the UK; and Have not been away from the UK for more than 2 years; and Did not receive assistance from public funds towards the cost of leaving the UK; and Now seek admission for the purpose of settlement. If you consider that the Immigration Officer may have concerns in relation to your ability to satisfy any of the above requirements then you should consider applying for a Returning Resident visa before you travel. Requirements for entry as a Returning Resident: absent from the UK for more than 2 years If you have been absent from the UK for over two years then you should apply for a Returning Resident visa before travelling to the UK. You will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that you: Had indefinite leave to remain in the UK when you last left; and Did not receive assistance from public funds towards the cost of leaving the UK; and Now seek readmission for the purpose of settlement; and There are good reasons for you to be admitted as a returning resident. Having strong family ties in the UK, or having lived in the UK for most of your life, may be good reasons for you to be admitted as a returning resident. However there may be other good reasons. Intervening visits to the UK may assist; however they may also undermine an application for a returning resident visa depending upon the timing and circumstances of the visits.

Refugee Settlement

If you are a non-UK national and have been granted international protection in the United Kingdom for 5 years, you may qualify for indefinite leave to remain in the UK. You can apply for settlement if you have been granted asylum or humanitarian protection status in the UK and have held this status for 5 years. Any dependants granted asylum or humanitarian protection in line may also be included in the application. Requirements for settlement as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection status In order to qualify for indefinite leave to remain in the UK as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection status, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that: You have held a UK Residence Permit as a person granted asylum or humanitarian protection status for a minimum period of 5 years; and Your UK Residence Permit has not been revoked or not renewed; and You have not been: Sentenced to imprisonment for 4 years or more; or Sentenced to imprisonment for between 12 months and 4 years, if less than 15 years has passed since the end of your most recent such sentence; or Sentenced to imprisonment for less than 12 months, if less than 7 years has passed since the end of your most recent such sentence; or Been convicted of an offence for which you either received a non-custodial sentence (such as a fine or community sentence) or for which another out of court disposal is recorded on your criminal record (such as a penalty notice or caution), if less than 2 years has passed since you received your sentence; or The Secretary of State considers that you have persistently offended and shown a particular disregard for the law, if less than 7 years has passed since your most recent sentence was received. Revoked or not renewed A grant of asylum may be revoked or not renewed if the Secretary of State is satisfied that you no longer need the protection of the UK. Circumstances which may lead to such a decision include: You have voluntarily returned to your country of nationality; or Having lost your previous nationality, you have voluntarily re-acquired it; or You have acquired a new nationality and enjoy the protection of that new country; or You have re-established your life in the country in which you previously claimed to fear persecution; or There have been significant and long lasting changes in the circumstances giving rise to your grant of asylum which mean that you cannot reasonably refuse to seek the protection of your country of nationality or former habitual residence; or You should be, or are, disqualified from being a refugee (e.g. due to having committed a crime against peace, a war crime, a crime against humanity, or acts contrary to the purpose and principles of the United Nations); or You have used a misrepresentation, submitted false documents, or omitted facts which were decisive for the grant of asylum; or There are reasonable grounds for regarding you to be a danger to the security of the UK; or You have been convicted of a particularly serious crime and constitute a danger to the community of the UK. A grant of humanitarian protection status may be revoked or not renewed for analogous reason Refugee Family Reunion. If you have already been granted refugee status in the UK and have not yet completed your 5-year leave to remain period, you can apply to have your wife and children join you in the UK. Please see our section entitled refugee family reunion for more information.

Spouse / Partner Visa

The requirements for a spouse visa may look simple, but showing that you meet them is not! Most decisions, even those made at a premium appointment in the UK, are based on the papers you submit, without you ever being interviewed – which means that your paperwork needs to be perfect. We specialise in Spouse Visa applications and will guarantee this is so. At Immigration Street Legal of all the visas we are asked to prepare spouse visas are the most regular. Spouse visas have therefore become our speciality and we can give you full assurance of success. Most of our applications are granted within 2 months and many within 6 weeks. If the Priority Service is chosen then this can be 2-3 weeks, and for the Premium Service (within the UK) you can get a same day decision. There is a great deal of preparation work required to submit a spouse visa application, and we are contacted regularly by those who have underestimated the strict requirements of the rules and hence have had their applications rejected. We therefore would not recommend attempting to prepare such an application by yourself especially considering the high application fees and lengthy delays that could result. If you have already been refused a spouse visa then contact us as soon as possible as we may be able to retrieve the situation, or at worst immediately submit a new application. You can apply for a spouse visa if you are married to someone who is a British citizen, has permanent residence in the UK, or has refugee or humanitarian leave. If you are already in the UK and have a visa that allows you to remain for longer than six months you can apply to the Home Office from within the UK – otherwise, this application can only be made from your home country or a country where you are a long-term resident. A UK spouse visa is issued for an initial period of two and a half years, and you need to apply for an extension at the end of this time. You have to prove that you meet all the requirements for the visa again when you apply for the extension. The spouse visa is for couples who are both over 18, where one partner is British or settled in the UK, or has refugee or humanitarian leave in the UK, and the other partner is from outside the EEA. You also need to demonstrate that you have met in person and are legally married (in a form of marriage that is accepted in the UK) and that you are in a subsisting relationship. As a couple you must have a minimum income of £18,600 per year. In most cases it is the UK based spouse who has to show that they have this sum of money available. If your partner is in the UK but is not settled or British, you may be still able to join, or accompany, them as either a PBS Dependent or on an EEA FAMILY PERMIT. If you are not able to satisfy certain of the requirements for a spouse or civil partner visa, you may still be able to apply to join or remain with your partner on human rights grounds if you can demonstrate that there would be very significant difficulties in your relationship continuing outside the UK. For more information on this route please see PARTNER IS A BRITISH CITIZEN, PERSON WITH ILR OR REFUGEE Extension Applications Before your initial grant of leave expires, you will need to apply to UK Visas and Immigration to extend your stay. The requirements for further leave to remain in the UK as a spouse or civil partner are broadly the same as those that apply to initial applications in the spouse and civil partner visa category. Settlement Applications UK spouse or civil partner visa After spending 5 years (60 months) in the UK as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen or settled person, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK. In order to qualify for indefinite leave to remain as a spouse or civil partner you will need to demonstrate, in addition to the above requirements, that: Since you have been in this category you have lived together with your partner in the UK or there is good reason, consistent with a continuing intention to live together permanently in the UK, for any period when you have not done so. You meet the higher English Language requirement that applies to settlement applications You have passed the Life in the UK test. If you make an application for indefinite leave to remain as a spouse or civil partner but do not satisfy the above requirements, UK Visas and Immigration will go on to consider if you meet the requirements for a further extension of stay as a spouse or civil partner. The financial requirement rules are extremely strict and can only be demonstrated in one of the ways set out in the Immigration Rules. If the UK spouse gets certain benefits to do with disability or caring for someone you do not have to show an income of £18,600, but you will still have to show that you can support yourselves as a couple. There must be suitable accommodation available , which you own or occupy ‘exclusively’ as a couple, though in this context exclusively means only that there is a bedroom for your exclusive use. You will need to satisfy the Home Office that the property is secure – that is, that you are not likely to become homeless – and that it is not statutorily overcrowded. Even if you meet all the other requirements of the Immigration Rules, you can be refused because of your character and conduct. Criminal convictions, previous poor immigration history, deception or withholding material facts (whether accidentally or on purpose), using the NHS when not entitled to – these are all issues that are taken into consideration before a spouse visa is issued.

Unmarried Partner Visa

Before you can apply as an unmarried partner you need to demonstrate that you are already in a subsisting relationship, by providing evidence to show that you have lived together for two years. This category of the Rules is therefore only available to couples who have lived overseas, or if one partner is in the UK in some other category. As a couple you must have a minimum income of £18,600 per year. In most cases it is the partner who has the right to live permanently in the UK who has to show that they have this sum of money available, though if you are working legally in the UK then your income can be included as well. If you are living with someone who is a British citizen, has permanent residence in the UK, or has refugee or humanitarian leave, you can apply for a UK unmarried partner visa. If you are already in the UK and have a visa that allows you to remain for longer than six months you can apply to the Home Office in the UK – otherwise, this application can only be made from your home country or a country where you are a long-term resident. An unmarried partner visa is issued for an initial period of two and a half years, and you need to apply for an extension at the end of this time. You have to prove that you meet all the requirements for the visa again when you apply for the extension. The financial requirement rules are extremely strict and can only be demonstrated in one of the ways set out in the Immigration Rules. If the UK spouse gets certain benefits to do with disability or caring for someone you do not have to show an income of £18,600, but you will still have to show that you can support yourselves as a couple. There must be suitable accommodation available, which you own or occupy ‘exclusively’ as a couple, though in this context exclusively means only that there is a bedroom for your exclusive use. You will need to satisfy the Home Office that the property is secure – that is, that you are not likely to become homeless – and that it is not statutorily overcrowded. Before an unmarried partner visa is issued you will have to demonstrate that you can speak and understand English, at least at a basic level – A1 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference. If you are not a citizen of a majority English speaking country, or don’t have a degree that was taught in English, then the only way to meet this requirement is to take and pass an approved test from an approved provider (the list of acceptable tests and test providers changes). Even if you meet all the other requirements of the Immigration Rules, you can be refused because of your character and conduct. Criminal convictions, previous poor immigration history, deception or withholding material facts (whether accidentally or on purpose), using the NHS when not entitled to – these are all issues that are taken into consideration before a visa is issued. You will be eligible to apply for settlement once you have lived in the UK on this visa for five years.

Fiance Visa

If you are planning to get married in the UK to someone who is a British citizen, has permanent residence in the UK, or has refugee or humanitarian leave, you can apply for a UK fiancé visa. This application can only be made from your home country. The fiancé visa is valid for six months. You are not allowed to work while you are on this visa, which is issued to allow you to come to the UK to get married. Once you are married you can apply to the Home Office in the UK for a spouse visa, and once this is issued you are free to work or study as you please. If you are not getting married in the UK then you should apply directly for a spouse visa once you are married. The fiancé visa is for couples who are both over 18 who want to get married in the UK and then live here. One partner must be British or settled in the UK, or have refugee or humanitarian leave in the UK, and the other partner must be from outside the EEA. You must be legally free to marry, and must intend to marry within six months of the visa being issued. You also need to satisfy the Home Office that you are in a subsisting relationship. As a couple you must have a minimum income of £18,600 per year. In most cases it is the UK based spouse who has to show that they have this sum of money available. The financial requirement rules are extremely strict and can only be demonstrated in one of the ways set out in the Immigration Rules. If the UK spouse gets certain benefits to do with disability or caring for someone you do not have to show an income of £18,600, but you will still have to show that you can support yourselves as a couple. There must be suitable accommodation available for you, both before and after the marriage. Accommodation before the marriage can either be living with your partner or somewhere else. Accommodation after the marriage must be owned or occupied ‘exclusively’ by you and your spouse, though in this context exclusively means only that there is a bedroom for just the two of you. You will need to satisfy the Home Office that the property is secure – that is, that you are not likely to become homeless – and that it is not statutorily overcrowded. Before a fiancé visa is issued you will have to demonstrate that you can speak and understand English, at least at a basic level – A1 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference. If you are not a citizen of a majority English speaking country, or don’t have a degree that was taught in English, then the only way to meet this requirement is to take and pass an approved test from an approved provider (the list of acceptable tests and test providers changes). Even if you meet all the other requirements of the Immigration Rules, you can be refused because of your character and conduct. Criminal convictions, previous poor immigration history, deception or withholding material facts (whether accidentally or on purpose), using the NHS when not entitled to – these are all issues that are taken into consideration before a fiancé visa is issued.

Partner of a British Citizen

Are you in a relationship with someone who is settled in the UK? The Immigration Rules allow for applications from people who are in a relationship with a ‘settled’ person – that is, where your partner is British, has Indefinite Leave, or has been granted Refugee Leave. You have to show, however, that there are “insurmountable obstacles” as to why your relationship cannot continue overseas, and why you should, therefore, be allowed to remain in the UK. An insurmountable obstacle is described in the Immigration Rules as a very significant difficulty which could not be overcome, and which would cause very serious hardship for you or your partner. This is a very high standard and before you consider making an application on the basis of your relationship with a settled person, you need to have very strong reasons as to why your relationship cannot survive anywhere but in the UK

Parents & Other Family Members

This category is only open to the parents, grandparents, adult sisters and brothers, and adult children of someone who is settled in the UK, or who has refugee leave or humanitarian protection. Other relatives are not covered under the Immigration Rules. The application has to be lodged from your home country. Settlement is granted immediately if the UK based sponsor is British or has Indefinite Leave to Remain, and if the UK based sponsor has a limited time visa, then leave is granted for the same period as the sponsor’s leave. You will be eligible to apply for settlement once you have lived in the UK on this visa for five years. About you. Before this visa is granted, you have to prove that you are unable to look after yourself on a day to day basis, because of your age, illness or disability. There must also be nothing in your conduct or your previous immigration history to make you ineligible for entry to the UK. Care facilities. You also have to satisfy the Home Office that, even with the financial and practical help of your sponsor, there is no suitable care available in your home country, either because it doesn’t exist, or because it is unaffordable. Maintenance and accommodation. Your sponsor has to be in a position to maintain and accommodate you, and take care of you, without needing any recourse to public funds. Your sponsor will have to give an undertaking to support you without help from the government for five years from the date you enter the UK. Suitability requirements. Even if you meet all the other requirements of the Immigration Rules, you can be refused because of your character and conduct. Criminal convictions, previous poor immigration history, deception or withholding material facts (whether accidentally or on purpose), using the NHS when not entitled to – these are all issues that are taken into consideration before this visa is issued.

Dependent Children

This category is for the children of people who are British citizens, or who have Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. The application can be made from the UK if the child is here legally, even as a visitor; otherwise it must be made from the child’s home country. Children get settlement immediately. If you yourself are coming to the UK as a spouse, fiancé or unmarried partner there are additional requirements that your children have to meet. All children must be under the age of 18, still dependent upon their parents, single and not leading an independent life, and free from any unspent convictions. You must be able to maintain and accommodate the children adequately from your own resources, without needing help from public funds. SOLE RESPONSIBILITY If you are the only parent in the UK, you will need to demonstrate either that your child’s other parent is dead, or that you have sole responsibility for the child. If you cannot prove either of these things, you need to satisfy the Home Office that there are ‘serious and compelling family or other circumstances’ that would make it undesirable to refuse your child permission to live with you in the UK. SERIOUS AND COMPELLING CIRCUMSTANCES Over the years the courts have held that ‘sole responsibility’ means more than just supporting your child financially, though that is, of course, an important element of what you have to prove. You will need to show that you have kept in regular contact with your child, and that even though you have left someone else with the day-to-day care, you have been the person who has made all the major decisions in the child’s life. What this means is not explained in the Immigration Rules. In general, if you are relying on this, you will need to be able to prove why it would be detrimental for your child to be unable to live with you in the UK. This could, for example, be because the care arrangements in place are no longer workable, or because of serious health issues, or if the child is being abused or ill-treated. ADOPTED CHILDREN The UK recognises legal adoptions from countries that have signed up to the Hague Convention, and from certain other ‘designated countries’. If you have adopted a child legally but the country in which the adoption has taken place does not meet this criterion, then the adoption will not be recognised as valid for the purposes of UK immigration. If you and your partner live overseas for 18 months or more, and adopt a child who has lived overseas with you for 12 months or more, this could be recognised as a ‘de facto’ adoption.

Children in the UK

Do you have children who are British, settled or resident for 7 years? Another situation in which it is possible to regularise your status is if you have children who have a right to live in the UK – so that is, children who are British or who have Indefinite Leave to Remain. If the children are here illegally, or have visas but are not settled in the UK, then they need to have lived in the UK for at least seven years. Decision makers have a positive duty to have regard for the welfare of any child in the UK, but while the welfare of the child is an important issue, it is not the only issue and has to be looked at along with all the other factors of the case. The test, in this case, is whether or not it would be “reasonable” to expect the child to leave the UK . This, of course, is subjective, so that two different people looking at the same facts could come to two different conclusions about what is or is not reasonable. As always when making an application to remain in the UK, you have to prove your case, and the closer the links you can show with your child, the greater the chance of your application being successful.

Standard Visitor Visa

You can apply for a Standard Visitor visa if you want to visit the UK: for leisure, eg on holiday or to see your family and friends for business, or to take part in sports or creative events for another reason, eg to receive private medical treatment Check if you need this visa if you’re visiting from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. You might not need a Standard Visitor visa if you qualify for British citizenship . Read the guidance on right of abode (ROA) to find out what you should do instead. The Standard Visitor visa has replaced the: Family Visitor visa General Visitor visa Child Visitor visa Business Visitor visa, including visas for academics, doctors and dentists Sports Visitor visa Entertainer Visitor visa Prospective Entrepreneur visa Private Medical Treatment Visitor visa Approved Destination Status (ADS) visa If you visit the UK on business You can apply for a Standard Visitor visa if you want to visit the UK for business-related activities, eg: you’re coming to the UK for a conference, meeting or training you want to take part in a specific sports-related event you’re an artist, entertainer or musician and coming to the UK to perform you’re an academic and are doing research or accompanying students on a study abroad programme you’re a doctor or dentist and are coming to the UK to take a clinical attachment or observer post you want to take the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test or sit the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) you want to get funding to start, take over, join or run a business in the UK Check the the Visitor Rules to find the full list of business-related activities you can do with a Standard Visitor visa. What you can and can’t do You can: take part in any of the business-related activities mentioned in the Visitor Rules study for up to 30 days , as long as it’s not the main reason for your visit take part in an exchange programme or educational visit (if you’re under 18) convert your civil partnership into a marriage You can’t: do paid or unpaid work live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent visits get public funds marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership Read the guidance for more information about what you can and can’t do with a Standard Visitor visa. How long it will take You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to the UK. You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks. Check the guide processing times to find out how long getting a visa might take in the country you’re applying from. How long you can stay You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You might be able to stay for longer if: you apply (and pay an extra fee) for a long-term visit visa and you can prove you need to visit the UK regularly over a longer period you’re coming to the UK for private medical treatment – up to 11 months you’re an academic on sabbatical and coming to the UK for research – you, your spouse or civil partner may be able to stay for up to 12 months If you’re staying in the UK as an academic or to receive private medical treatment for longer than 6 months, you must apply for a biometric residence permit . You might be able to get a visit visa for up to 30 days if you’re a visitor under the Approved Destination Status (ADS) Agreement . Fees A Standard Visit visa costs £85. Long-term visit visas If you can prove you need to visit the UK regularly over a longer period, you can apply for a visa that lasts 1, 2, 5 or 10 years. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit. There’s an extra fee to pay, which depends on the length of the visa: 1 year – £324 2 years – £324 5 years – £588 10 years – £737 If you’re under 18 years old when you apply , your long-term visit visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18. Eligibility You must always show that: you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit you’re able to support yourself and any dependents for the duration of your trip you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey and any other costs relating to your visit any business or other activities you want to do in the UK, as allowed by the Visitor Rules If you’re applying for a long-term visit visa You must prove that: you have a frequent and ongoing need to come to the UK the reason why you need to come to the UK is unlikely to change while your visitor visa is valid you plan to leave the UK at the end of each visit You may be given a visa for a shorter period than requested if you don’t do this. You won’t get a refund of the application fee if you get a shorter visa or your application is refused. Your visa may be cancelled and you may get a long-term ban on visiting if your travel history shows you’re repeatedly living in the UK for extended periods. If you’re applying as an academic You can stay in the UK for 12 months if you’re applying as an academic. You must prove you’re highly qualified within your field of expertise, on sabbatical leave from your home institution and visiting to either: take part in a formal exchange with a UK counterpart carry out your own research take part in someone else’s research, teaching or clinical practice – as long as this doesn’t involve filling a permanent teaching post If you’re applying to visit for private medical treatment You must prove that you: have a medical condition that needs private consultation or treatment in the UK have made or paid for arrangements for consultations or treatment have enough money to pay for your treatment, support yourself without using public funds and pay for your return or onward journey will leave the UK once your treatment is completed, or when your visa expires are not a danger to public health if you’re suffering from an infectious disease, eg leprosy If you’re applying as an organ donor You can only visit the UK to donate organs to: a family member who you’re genetically related to (eg your sibling or parent) someone you have a close personal relationship with (eg your spouse or friend) You must prove that the person you’re donating an organ to is legally allowed to be in the UK.

Marriage Visitor Visa

You must apply for a Marriage Visitor visa if: you want to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK you want to give notice of a marriage or civil partnership in UK you’re not planning to stay or settle in the UK after your marriage or civil partnership you meet the other eligibility requirements (see below) You can’t apply if you qualify for British citizenship – including if you can have dual nationality. You must apply for British Citizenship instead. How long it takes to get a visa You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to the UK. You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks. You can check the guide processing times to find out how long getting a visa might take in your country. It costs £85 to apply. How long you can stay You can use this visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months. What you can and can’t do You can use this visa to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK: within 6 months of your arrival in any location licensed for this purpose You can’t: get public funds bring in family members (‘dependants’) – they must apply separately live in the UK for extended periods through frequent visits extend your visa or switch to another visa work – except for permitted activities related to your work or business overseas, eg attending meetings do a course of study – except for 30 days of incidental study Eligibility You must prove that you’re: 18 or over free to give notice of marriage, to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of your arrival in a genuine relationship visiting the UK for less than 6 months leaving the UK at the end of your visit able to support yourself without working or help from public funds, or that you can be supported and housed by relatives or friends able to meet the cost of the return or onward journey not in transit to a country outside the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands

Private Life in the UK

Have you lived in the UK for the required number of years? The ‘private life’ route has replaced the old 14 year route, and allows people who have been in the UK for a considerable period of time to apply to regularise their stay. It offers some concessions that weren’t in the earlier Rules, but has taken away the immediate settlement that used to be granted after a successful application under the 14 year route. Now you only become eligible to apply for settlement 10 years after first being granted leave on the basis of your private life. There are four categories of eligibility under the private life route: 1. Children who have lived in the UK for at least seven years Children who have lived in the UK for at least 7 years can apply, though you need to show that it would not be ‘reasonable’ to expect the child to leave the UK. What will be considered reasonable is not defined, but it is important to show how integrated the child is to life in the UK. 2. Young people aged between 18 and 25 Young people aged between 18-25 can apply if they have lived in the UK for at least half their lives. 3. People who have lived in the UK for at least 20 years People who have lived in the UK for at least 20 years can also apply. These are very evidence-based applications, and so the more documents you have to show that you have lived in the UK for this length of time, and the more ties you can show to the UK, the greater the chance of your application being successful. 4. People who have lived in the UK for less than 20 years who can show that they have no ties at all with their home country In the words of the Rules, no ties including social, cultural or family. In other words, you have to prove that you have no friends from your own community and haven’t spoken to your family since you left. It is almost impossible to make a successful application on this basis.

Rights of Access

If your child lives in the UK and is British or has Indefinite Leave to Remain, you can make an application to live in the UK based on your relationship with your child. This application is only for people who are not in a relationship with the child’s other parent, and if the child isn’t already living with you, you have to show that the person with whom your child lives is either British or has Indefinite Leave to Remain. Just having a child living in the UK isn’t enough – you need to show either that you have sole responsibility for your child, or that you have the right of access to the child (this can either be a formal arrangement, through the courts, or an informal arrangement, between you and the child’s other parent). You also need to be able to demonstrate that you take an active part in your child’s life. This application can be made from the UK or from overseas. You can apply for settlement after five years. MAINTENANCE & ACCOMMODATION You are free to take any employment you like on this visa, but not to access public funds. You must show that you are able to maintain yourself in the UK, and that you have suitable accommodation arranged, when you apply for your visa. ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT If you are not a national of an English speaking country, and don’t have a degree that was taught in English, you need to have passed the Speaking and Listening elements of an approved English test at level A1 CEFR.

UK Ancestry Visa

If you are a Commonwealth citizen and have a grandparent born in the UK, you may be able to live and work in the UK on the basis of your UK Ancestry. You can be accompanied or joined by your dependent family members. Initial Applications In order to qualify for leave to enter the United Kingdom on the basis of having UK Ancestry you will need to demonstrate that: You are a Commonwealth citizen; and You are aged 17 or over; and You are able to provide proof that one of your grandparents was born: in the United Kingdom; or the Channel Islands; or the Isle of Man; or on a British-registered ship or aircraft; or in the Republic of Ireland before 31 March 1922; and Any such grandparent is your blood grandparent or grandparent by reason of an adoption recognised by the laws of the United Kingdom relating to adoption; and You are able to work and intend to take or seek employment or self-employment in the United Kingdom; and You will be able to maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds. If your application is successful you will be granted leave to enter the UK for a period of up to 5 years. Settlement Applications In order to quality for indefinite leave to remain in the UK on grounds of United Kingdom Ancestry you will need to demonstrate that: You have spent a continuous period of 5 years lawfully in the United Kingdom with a UK Ancestry Visa; and You meet the requirements set out above (including being employed, self-employed or seeking employment at the date of application and throughout most of the five years); and You have not been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any of the five consecutive 12 calendar month periods preceding the date of application; and You can provide specified documents to evidence any absence that was for a serious or compelling reason; and You have sufficient knowledge of the English language and life in the UK. The UK Ancestry visa is a route available to Commonwealth citizens who want to move to the UK, alone or with their family. The application has to be made from your home country. The UK Ancestry visa is specifically for people who want to work in the UK. You are free to take any employment you like, or to set up your own business, without needing any further permission from the Home Office. You must be at least 17 years old when you apply for this visa. You will be eligible to apply for settlement once you have lived in the UK on this visa for five years. Eligibility and Maintenance You need to have a grandparent who was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. Birth in the Republic of Ireland is also acceptable, as long as it was before 1922. This must either be your grandparent by blood, or because of adoption. The adoption must be one that is recognised as legal in the UK. Maintenance and Accommodation You will not be eligible for any public funds and must be able to maintain and accommodate yourself and your family from your own resources.

Youth Mobility Scheme

If you are aged between 18 and 30 and a citizen of Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea or Taiwan then you may be eligible to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months under the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS). You can also apply for a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa if you are 18 to 30 and a British overseas citizen, a British overseas territories citizen or a British national (overseas). Family members cannot accompany you as your dependent(s), but must instead apply separately. Requirements for a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa In order to qualify for a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that: You are aged between 18 and 30; You are a citizen of Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, a British overseas citizen, a British overseas territories citizen or a British national (overseas); You satisfy a maintenance funds requirement; You do not have any children under 18 who live with you or for whom you are financially responsible; and You have not previously been in the UK under the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme or in the former ‘Working Holidaymaker’ category. If you are a citizen of Hong Kong, the Republic of Korea or Taiwan, you will need to be sponsored by an employer in the UK and obtain a certificate of sponsorship reference number before you apply. Citizens of other listed countries are sponsored by their government or authority. If your application for a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa is successful then you will be free to work (except as a professional sportsperson or doctor or dentist in training) and engage in privately funded studies during your stay in the United Kingdom. You will also be able to be self-employed and set up a company, provided that your premises are rented, your equipment is not worth more than £5,000 and you do not have any employees. Youth Mobility Scheme temporary migrants may also undertake voluntary work and au pair placements as and when they wish. Proof of Validity If you are granted leave as a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Temporary Migrant, then you can stay in the UK for a period of 24 months. You can enter the UK at any time while your visa is valid, and leave and come back at any time during your stay. However, it will not be possible to obtain an extension of your Youth Mobility Scheme stay.

Refugee Family Reunion

Your partner or child can apply to join or stay with you in the UK if: you were separated when you were forced to leave your country you’ve been given asylum or 5 years’ humanitarian protection but don’t yet have British citizenship Your partner or child can’t apply if: you haven’t received a decision on your asylum application you’re under 18 If their application is successful, your family members will be allowed to come to or stay in the UK with the same permission (‘leave’) as you. Eligibility Your partner and any children must meet the following requirements: Partner Your partner is someone you’re in a genuine relationship with. You must be able to prove one of the following: you’re married you’re in a civil partnership If you’re not married or in a civil partnership, your partner can apply if: you were given refugee status or humanitarian protection on or after 9 October 2006 you’ve lived together in a relationship like in a marriage or civil partnership for 2 years and you’ve been given asylum or humanitarian protection after 9 October 2006 You and your partner must intend to live together and continue your relationship after they apply. Children Your child is: under the age of 18 going to live with you and your partner going to be supported by you without using public funds not married or in a civil partnership not in full-time employment Family outside the UK If your family are outside the UK, we can help you to bring them into the UK by gaining them the necessary UK visa. We will complete an online application for them, as well as preparing all other necessary forms and paperwork. We will also fully advise you on what other documentation you will need in order to prove your family’s eligibility to join you in the UK. We will then arrange for your family to attend an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre in whatever country they are presently residing, and where they can submit their application. We will ensure they have all the necessary paperwork and forms to take with them so that their family reunion application is successful. Family in the UK If your family is already in the UK, then your partner or child can apply to stay with you in the UK providing all the following are true: you have refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK they’re making their first application to stay with you and they’re already in the UK they can prove their relationship pre-dates your departure from your home country because of persecution If this is the case then we can help them to obtain a UK residence card so they gain permission to remain in the UK with you. We will complete the necessary application forms and prepare all other necessary supporting paperwork. We will fully advise you what documentation you will need to provide so that your family application can succeed. Home Office Fees There’s no fee charged by the Home Office for applying for family reunion for eligible family members whether inside or outside of the UK. Lawyer’s Fees Unfortunately the government withdrew legal aid for family reunion applications in 2013, and since that time (apart from exceptional circumstances) family reunion applications are not publically funded. This means that if your require legal help to prepare your family reunion application, you must pay for it privately. Our fees At Immigration Street Legal we are aware of the difficulty that refugees have in bringing their family members to the UK, and therefore can offer our family reunion service at the price below: £249 for a main applicant £69 for each additional family member. (So if you are bringing your wife and 3 children it would amount to £249 plus (£69 x 3) which would equal £456.)

Immigration Application Service

Home Office and Visa applications can be complex and it is always highly advisable to seek advice and assistance from an immigration specialist. At Immigration Street Legal we offer you time-served immigration expertise. We have specialised in UK immigration law for over 21 years, so you can rest assured we know what we’re doing. Immigration Street Legal offers an application service for those requiring assistance to complete an immigration application. With this service we will cover everything from start to finish for you including the following: Identify which application is appropriate for you Before we start we will thoroughly interview you to identify the application most relevant to your circumstances. If there are any alternative applications we will identify these also. You will get a detailed consultation checking all aspects concerning eligibility, documentation, procedure, timescales and fees relevant to the application. We will identify your prospects of success, and any potential hazards. Inform you what the rules say. The Immigration Rules set out the requirements that you have to show you meet, but Home Office caseworkers must also consult separate guidance documents which direct them how to interpret the Rules, what specific documents are required and when they can or cannot exercise discretion in a case. We look at all these things closely when we advise you on what is needed. Provide you with a complete documents list It is for an applicant to provide supporting documents to show how the requirements of the Immigration Rules are met. We provide a complete list of all the documents you will need, both those that are mandatory as well as those we recommend based on our experience of preparing successful applications. Thoroughly check through your documents Most applications, even those made in the UK at a premium appointment, are decided on the basis of the paperwork submitted, without you ever being interviewed. We will check your documents, and take as long as necessary to make sure they are in perfect order. If there are any problems whatsoever we will work with you to deal with and rectify these before your application is submitted. Prepare your application to the highest standards We will complete your application form and all relevant paperwork, as well as draft a detailed covering letter and legal representations that set out your case, address any issues that may be problematic, and then systematically go through the different requirements of the Immigration Rules to confirm that you meet each one. Deal with all post-submission matters As your representatives we will provide a ‘start to finish’ service. Once your application is in our hands we take full responsibility. If any intermediary matters arise following submission of your application – e.g. further information or document requests from the Home Office – we will handle this for you at no extra cost. We will continue to monitor the progress of your application, and keep you updated at all times by email or telephone. Provide unlimited advice and support We will provide ongoing assistance both during and after the application procedure. You can call or email us at any time when you have a question for no extra charge.

Online Application Support

Wherever you are in the world Immigration Street Legal can help you make a visa application. In order to fully process and handle your immigration matter there is no need to actually meet in person. We can do everything online. Any other matters can be taken care of by telephone, email and by various online media communications. Original documents can be sent and returned by secure postal delivery services. We operate a digital paperless office so can transfer documents effortlessly. All your documentation, items and files are stored online in an electronic, cloud-based storage system allowing immediate digital access to your your file. So there is no need for your busy schedule to be interrupted by legal appointments. Your application can be dealt with at your own pace, in your own time and from wherever you want. 90% of preparing an immigration application is administration – collecting information, documentation and original items. The rest is knowing the law and applying it. All this can be done remotely through the tools of the modern age. So if you cannot make an appointment due to distance, work commitments or care responsibilities, or you live in another part of the UK or even the world then try our ONLINE APPLICATION SERVICE. We will communicate with you online, send you a full document list and offer step-by-step instructions. We will remain in open communication with you and inform you precisely what paperwork and information are needed to complete your application. We take full control enabling you to sit back and relax. So give our online service a try today. If you are from London or one of the larger cities you will find our charges are significantly less than normal market prices. You are likely to save hundreds of pounds whilst effectively getting the same service since companies with high overheads cannot afford to offer you similar cut-back prices. If the ONLINE APPLICATION SERVICE is for you then take the first step by completing our on-screen ONLINE APPLICATION SERVICE FORM and clicking submit. We will then look at your details and get back to you as soon as possible. Otherwise, give us a call on 07596 408273.

Fast-Track Service

If you are wishing to get a visa to the UK, extend your stay or settle in the UK you may wish to fast-track your application. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) can take several weeks or months to process applications. Current estimates are to complete 90% of non-settlement applications within 3 weeks and 95% of settlement applications within 12 weeks. However, for those who need a decision sooner, UKVI offers a range of optional premium and priority visa services. Premium Service If you already have leave to remain in the UK and are applying to extend your stay or to settle in the UK, you may be able to submit your application in person and receive a decision on the same day. The Premium Service is available for applications in all immigration categories except the following: Tier 1 Investor, Tier 1 Entrepreneur, Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur, Tier 1 Exceptional Talent, EEA Residence Card and EEA Permanent Residence Card, Naturalisation and Registration as a British Citizen, Business person, innovator, sole representative or investor, Turkish business person, Self-employed lawyer, Seaman, Gurkha, Retired person of independent means, Elderly dependant and Victim of Domestic Violence. The Premium Service is also not appropriate if your case is complex because of personal circumstances or if you are applying for leave to remain outside the Immigration Rules. The service costs £400, in addition to the standard application fee (no fee is payable if you are applying for an EEA registration certificate or to work in the UK as a Croatian national). You will need to pay the standard application fee and the Premium Service fee at the time of booking your Premium Service appointment. When applying for further leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain via the Premium Service, you will need to submit your application in person at one of seven Premium Service Centres around the UK, located in Belfast, Cardiff, Croydon, Glasgow, Liverpool, Sheffield and Solihull. Priority Service If you are applying to extend for your stay as a Tier 2 migrant, or switch into Tier 2 of the points-based system, the Tier 2 Priority Service will allow you to receive a decision on your visa application within 10 working days. The Tier 2 Priority Service is available to all those applying for leave to remain under the Tier 2 General, Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer, Tier 2 Minister of Religion and Tier 2 Sportsperson categories of the points-based system. The Tier 2 Priority Service is only available to applicants who have submitted a request to use the service and only 30 requests are accepted each day. If you are accepted for the service, then you will need to submit your application within 24 hours. Overseas Applications for UK Visas: Priority If you are applying for a non-settlement visa from overseas, the UK Visas and Immigration’s Priority Visa Service will ensure that your visa application is placed at the front of the queue, once it has been received by the UK Visas and Immigration Decision Making Centre in your country of application. Processing will commence ahead of other non-settlement visa applications and, under normal circumstances, your visa application should be processed within 3-5 working days. If you wish to apply for a non-settlement visa via the Priority Visa Service, you should book an appointment at the time of submitting your online visa application. The Priority Visa Service is not available in all countries and, where available, an additional fee is payable. For information on availability and fees in your country, please contact us. Overseas Applications for UK Visas: Settlement Priority If you are applying to settle permanently in the UK then you may wish to consider UK Visa and Immigration’s Settlement Priority Visa Service. This service will ensure that your settlement visa application is placed at the front of the queue once received by the UK Visas and Immigration Decision Making Centre, to commence processing ahead of other settlement visa applications. Under normal circumstances, your settlement visa application should be processed within 10 – 15 working days. If you wish to apply for a settlement visa via the Settlement Priority Visa Service, you should book an appointment at the time of submitting your online visa application. The Settlement Priority Visa Service is not available in all countries and, where available, an additional fee is payable. For information on availability and fees in your country, please contact us. Overseas Applications for UK Visas: Super Priority The Super Priority Visa Service is a premium visa service designed to facilitate urgent travel for those who are seeking to visit or do business in the UK. The service, which costs £600 per application in addition to the standard visa fee, ensures a decision on a visa application within 24 hours. The Super Priority Visa Service is currently available in China, India, Turkey, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, the Philippines and the UKVI visa processing centres in New York and Paris. The Super Priority Visa service is available to business visitors, family visitors and general visitors applying for a 6 month or 2 year visa who have previously travelled to the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada or a Schengen country within the last 5 years. In India it is also available to Tier 2 visa applicants sponsored by companies who are members of UKVI’s Business Express Programme. In China, the Super Priority Visas service is additionally available to Tier 2 General and Tier 2 ICT applicants, plus Tier 2 dependents applying at the same time, as well as Tier 5 Sportspeople and Entertainers.

Or call us on 07596 408273