UK Immigration Blog

Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid with Your Spouse Visa Application

Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid with Your Spouse Visa Application

Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid with Your Spouse Visa Application

The UK Spouse Visa application is notoriously difficult to navigate, partly due to the hefty and lengthy Spouse Visa requirements and the portfolio aspect of the application itself.

The application is well known for its complexity. It can be a huge burden for anyone attempting to navigate through the application process alone, and those who do try without professional support are more likely to fall victim to tedious mistakes. 

Furthermore, UKVI and the immigration officers in charge of assessing each Spouse Visa application exert little leeway when it comes to errors. These decision-makers are tasked with scrutinising each Spouse Visa application it receives. As such, even the most minor errors can result in an outright visa refusal. From there, applicants can either appeal, seek an administrative review or start the process all over again – not to mention that the Home Office does not issue refunds for failed applications.

Our immigration lawyers here at 1 Absolute Advisor have compiled the Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid with Your Spouse Visa Application. Read on to learn more about how you can protect yourself – and your wallet – from a costly visa refusal.

  1. Satisfying the ‘genuine relationship’ test

Arguably the highest hurdle of the Spouse Visa application is passing the ‘genuine relationship’ test. This test is largely subjective as an immigration official will assess not only your application, but the legitimacy and sincerity of your relationship. You must prove to the caseworker that your relationship is ‘genuine and subsisting’.

UKVI takes this aspect of the application very seriously. The UK Government is cracking down on so-called ‘sham marriages’ and ‘marriages of convenience’ where fraudsters marry for visa privileges. 

Yet there is no set guidance on how to pass the ‘genuine relationship’ test. Your immigration lawyer might advise you to gather evidence of your relationship from the day you met to the current day and map out a timeline. Photographs together, travel tickets, your marriage certificate, holidays taken together and any gifts bought for one another could all be included in your application as proof of your sincerity. Letters from family and friends may also be considered.

  1. The financial requirement 

A second common mistake applicants make is proving that they meet the Spouse Visa financial requirements.

The sponsor of the visa (the partner who is settled in the UK) must earn at least £18,600 per annum, which is known as the ‘Minimum Income Threshold’. This can be met through a combination of ways, including:

  • Income from employment
  • Non-employment income (like rental income)
  • Savings
  • Pension 
  • Self-employment income
  • Some benefits 
  • Maternity pay

But applicants can fall short of submitting all the necessary documents. 

It is also common for applicants to miscalculate their finances, particularly if he/she earns below the minimum income threshold.

  1. Unoriginal and unofficial copies

Visa applicants more generally tend to make the mistake of sending unoriginal or unofficial copies of documents. And while the Home Office changed its position in 2018 to permit photocopies, there are still some instances where applicants need to submit the original document. 

For Spouse Visa applicants, the original passports belonging to the couple will need to be shown as proof of their identity, but most other documents can be scanned.

However, bank statements and payslips that are submitted to satisfy the financial requirement need to be official with headed stationary and the bank or company logo on every page. These statements must also be recent – no more than 28 days old from the day it is received. 

  1. Incorrect or incomplete statements 

Since the Spouse Visa application has such high criteria, there is little room for error. The application must be concrete and coherent for the caseworker to make a fair verdict.

Any documents or statements that are incorrect or incomplete will be rejected by UKVI. The decision-maker will spot any signs of inconsistency or gaps in your application. If you lie or provide misleading information, the Home Office may even flag your application as deceptive, so it’s always best to be honest and full with your answers.

If evidence becomes outdated or invalid by the time it reaches the Home Office, UKVI does grant applicants the opportunity to rectify the error. However, applicants have only 10 days to supply the correct information.

Either way, submitting incorrect or incomplete forms is bound to delay the Spouse Visa processing time, so double check your application. You can even hire an immigration lawyer for a thorough document-check. 

  1. Insufficient evidence – or too much 

Failing to prove that you meet the Spouse Visa criteria with sufficient evidence is another area where applicants tend to go wrong. 

The Spouse Visa requirements are long, and you must prove that you can meet every single one with confidence. Your visa may be delayed or refused if you provide insufficient evidence.

On the other hand, while most of this guidance suggests the Married Partner Visa demands a plethora of evidence, there is also a risk of submitting too much information. Unnecessary additional information may cast a doubt over the sincerity of your application – and the caseworker will take even longer to read through it.

To mitigate against a delay or visa refusal, make sure to create a portfolio of evidence that answers all the questions, requirements and criteria succinctly and in few documents.

  1. Sitting the wrong English language test or letting it expire

A key component of the UK Married Partner Visa application is the English language test, referred to as the ‘Secure English Language Test’ (SELT). The SELT is necessary for overseas applicants to prove that they can communicate and understand English to a certain degree. Yet applicants either sit the wrong test or their certificate expires before they apply for a visa.

While there are many centres offering English language courses and examinations, only few SELT providers are approved by UKVI. This means the applicant may need to travel to the appropriate test centre, as well as pass at least level A1.

The Home Office states applicants can only take a SELT test with one of the following providers:

  • IELTS Selt Consortium
  • LanguageCert
  • Pearson
  • Trinity College London
  • PSI Services (UK) LTD

It is also important to note that the SELT certificate can be no older than two years old when applying for a Spouse Visa. If your certificate has expired, you will need to re-sit the test and submit your new certificate in your visa application.

  1. Translation

All official documentation in the Spouse Visa application has to translated into English or Welsh (depending on where you plan on living). This may mean you need to pay a translation fee, too.

Applicants often slip up here by failing to get their documents translated in full by a verified translator.

  1. Applying as a visitor

The Visitor Visa is one of a handful of UK visas where applicants are unable to switch or amend their immigration status. Visitors are permitted entry into the country for visiting, family or tourism purposes only. 

For marriage, applicants can either apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa or a Fiancé Visa. The former permits overseas nationals to enter the UK for 6 months to give notice of marriage, after which they must leave the country, while the Fiancée Visa allows holders to switch onto a Spouse Visa to remain in Britain after tying the knot. 

Therefore, visitors are unable to switch onto a Spouse Visa as a key condition of the visit permit is that they leave the UK once the visa expires.

  1. Letters

Letters and written statements are encouraged by UKVI as it gives the caseworker some context to the documents that you have supplied. 

You may already need your manager to provide an ‘employee’s letter’ as proof of your employment and salary – but you should also consider writing your own declaration. Your statement could assist in meeting the ‘genuine relationship’ requirement as you could outline your plans for the future when living with your married spouse in the UK.

Although letters aren’t compulsory, it may be the final piece of the puzzle that UKVI considers when making its decision. 

  1.  Attempting the application alone

Now that you know the Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid with Your Spouse Visa Application.Finally, the most common mistake that failed Spouse Visa applicants make is attempting the application alone.

Most visas on the UK’s points-based immigration system and its tiered system are complicated to navigate, and the Spouse Visa has gained notoriety for being the most complex of them all.

The best way to mitigate against the vast majority of these mistakes is to hire an OISC-certified immigration lawyer. Having a professional pair of eyes examine your visa application can make all the difference between a stamp of approval – or a stamp of rejection.

If you need help meeting the Spouse Visa requirements, speak to our immigration lawyers in London today. Our Spouse Visa specialists can help you to tackle the application, or simply provide a document-check. Call us today to find out how our team can help you on 0207 993 6762.

UK Student Visa New Rules 2021

UK Student Visa New Rules 2021

UK Student Visa New Rules 2021 : What is the cost for university students and how to apply 

With September now looming just beyond the horizon, there will be many last-minute applications submitted by those wishing to study a course in one of Britain’s universities through clearing. But for international students, they will also need to apply for a student visa formerly known as Tier 4 Student Visa too, which isn’t always straightforward or cheap.

Read on to learn about the Student Visa requirements, how much the Student Visa costs and how you can apply. 

About the UK Student Visa New Rules 2021

If you are planning to travel from your home country to study in the UK, you need to apply for a Student Visa. Your visa will cover you for the entire duration of your course and for a maximum of 5 years. You are able to extend your Student Visa if you need to.

To be successful in your visa application, you must already have accepted an offer to study in one of the UK’s academic institutions. This is important because your university will ‘sponsor’ your visa, essentially endorsing your application. However, please note that ‘sponsorship’ does not mean your university will pay for your Student Visa: it will merely validate your visa application.

Fortunately, beyond obtaining a Certificate of Acceptance CAS from your university, you won’t need to submit much else in your visa application. You’ll only need proof of your identity (such as your passport), evidence of your finances and proof of payment for your visa and surrounding fees.

Financial requirements 

As an international student, you are unable to apply for benefits or Student Finance, which is the loans company that assists British students with their tuition fees and maintenance. 

As a result, you will need to prove that you can afford to live in the UK independently without state support throughout the duration of your course. 

Generally speaking, you will need £1,023 per month for up to 9 months for any course undertaken outside of London. Meanwhile inside the capital, you will need £1,334 saved per each month of residency up to 9 months.

This means that in addition to your Student Visa fees, you will also need substantial savings that will last you the entire 9 months of the academic year and per each year you intend on living in the UK.

Who needs to pay for a Student Visa?

You will need to pay for your visa if you originate from overseas, including EEA citizens. Universities do not pay this fee for prospective students, though you can apply for scholarships and bursaries depending on your chosen place of study.

It is important to stress that the Student Visa is not just for university students, it is also applicable to international students who are looking to study in a UK school, college or other academic setting. 

The Student Visa fees are as follows:

  • £348 to apply while outside the UK
  • £475 to switch onto a Student Visa while already in the UK
  • £470 per each year of study for the Immigration Health Surcharge

1 Absolute Adviser – immigration lawyers in London

If you need professional guidance and support with your Student Visa, speak to our immigration lawyers in London today. Here at 1 Absolute Advisor, we can help you with your Student Visa application from start to finish, so ring us for a free consultation on 0207 993 6762 today.

UK Spouse Visa Sham Marriage

UK Spouse Visa Sham Marriage

Spouse Visa UK: What is a ‘sham marriage’?

The UK Spouse Visa is notorious for high refusal rates and unprecedented speculation on behalf of
the Home Office. Immigration enforcement has gate-crashed weddings and generally invaded
people’s personal lives when investigating so-called ‘sham marriages’.
But what is a sham marriage and why is it relevant to Spouse Visa applicants?

A sham or a scam?

The first point to consider is that the UK Spouse Visa rules dictate the applicants must be in a
genuine, long-lasting relationship. As a result of this requirement, UKVI will dig deeply into your
relationship to establish its sincerity. If, for any reason, the decision-maker perceives the relationship
to be a ‘sham’, it will result in a visa refusal.

The definition of a sham marriage is one in which a couple chooses to marry for the sole purpose of
an immigration advantage. Indeed, a UK Spouse Visa will allow any non-British individual to move to
the UK and seek settlement after a mere five years. Seeking a Spouse Visa when you’re not really the
spouse of a British national is considered a direct abuse of the immigration rules. If the couple are
not genuinely together, UKVI will consider the relationship fraudulent and the application itself
deceptive. You may even be banned for a certain amount of time from applying again.


Similar to a sham marriage, however, is a ‘marriage of convenience’. Here the couple may genuinely
be together, but decide to marry for the purpose of a visa. This is much harder for UKVI to prove, but
nonetheless stresses how crucial it is to hire an immigration professional: you wouldn’t want to slip
up casually that you had planned to marry for visa purposes.


Through the eyes of UKVI, sham marriages and marriages of convenience are virtually the same.
Therefore, applicants must be vigilant when it comes to proving that they are in a genuine
relationship.

How to pass the ‘genuine relationship’ test


Part and parcel of proving to the UK Government that the relationship is real involves submitting
evidence of having met at least once, proof of a legally binding marriage (with a certificate) and a
declaration that the couple intends to live together under the same roof in the UK. To build a
compelling case, applicants may submit years of evidence of their relationship such as travel tickets
and holidays taken together, text message exchanges and photographs together.
It is important to note that even having children and being married will not guarantee a successful
Spouse Visa application.

How can 1 Absolute Advisor help?

Our immigration lawyers in London are well versed in the UK Spouse Visa rules. We know exactly
what UKVI is looking for when it assesses your relationship and how you can prove you are genuinely
together. Don’t be a victim of UK Spouse Visa Sham Marriage

By hiring an immigration professional, you can mitigate against the high risk of a visa refusal. We will
even help you to build a compelling portfolio of supporting evidence which documents your
relationship from the day you first met.

If you need help with your Spouse Visa UK application, get in touch with 1 Absolute Advisor today on
0207 993 6762.

Immigration Lawyer In Watford

Immigration Lawyer In Watford

Are you looking for an Immigration Lawyer In Watford who can assist you with your UK Visa Application.

Immigrating to the UK, whether temporarily or permanently, can be a difficult and costly procedure for individuals who want to do so. Like most immigration departments the UK Home Office state that foreign nationals are not obliged to hire immigration lawyers to complete their immigration paperwork, this does not imply that you should do it on their own. Because of the complexities of immigration rules and the significance of each immigration case, you must hire an immigration lawyer to help you through the process.

Our Immigration Lawyer in Watford can help you great deal be it a visit visa or a spouse visa or if you wish to apply for British Citizenship.

We offer you affordable and reliable services starting from a consultation to filing your application with the Home Office. We make the entire process easy and stress free. It starts with a friendly phone call where our advisers will understand your case and make an assessment. You will then be told about the merits of your case. You can engage in one of our three service option.

Option 1: Consultation Advice. This is normally done via a zoom video call where we will advice you about your case and how best to make an application.

Option 2: Review Service. This will include a thorough review of your application and supporting documents that you have included in your application. This will ensure that you are able to file this application yourself with confidence.

Option 3: Full Service. We file the application on your behalf and represent you until you get your visa. This is the most comprehensive service.

If you are looking for a reliable, affordable and friendly immigration lawyer call us today 0207 993 6762 or simply fill in a free call back form.

UK Spouse Visa From Pakistan

UK Spouse Visa From Pakistan

UK Spouse Visa From Pakistan

If you’re a Pakistani resident with a British spouse who is either a British citizen or has indefinite permission to stay in the UK, you’re probably looking for how to apply for a spouse visa to join or stay with your partner.

The Home Office handles these applications under the Immigration Rules. “Appendix FM” (FM refers to family members) and “Appendix FM SE” (SE refers to specified evidence) are the sections of the Rules that applicants must traverse.

The regulations are not simple to comprehend. For example, paragraphs are not numbered but are tagged with acronyms, rules relate to other laws in other sections, and paragraph and sentence structures do not always seem to make any sense.

In this article, we aim to shed some light on the criteria that must be fulfilled when applying for a UK spouse visa from Pakistan.

Step 1: UK Spouse Visa From Pakistan

Like with other countries, the first step is to fill out the visa application form on the gov.uk site. This includes filling out a long application form with questions about your history and present situation. Pay special attention to whether or not all data is factually correct and consistent with prior applications. You will be prompted to pay your application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (the mandatory charge to access NHS in the UK for the visa’s duration) after the form has been verified. The application will be deemed filed after the money has been received successfully.

Step 2: UK Spouse Visa From Pakistan

The next step is to schedule and arrange an appointment to have your facial image and fingerprints (also known as biometrics) enrolled and have your papers submitted to the decision-makers. These may be done via the gov.uk link at the bottom of the submission page.

You will be taken to the VFS Global website after clicking on that link. For those unfamiliar, VFS Global is an outsourced service provider firm contracted by the Home Office to perform administrative duties connected to visa processing.

The appointment is set up by selecting a day and time from an online calendar. In Pakistan, there are four options: Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Mirpur. After you’ve scheduled an appointment, you’ll need to determine how you’ll provide your evidence.

Through VFS Global, you have four options for submitting your evidence to UK Visas and Immigration, the decision-making entity:

  • Upload supporting documentation to the VFS Global website on your own time (no additional charge): This is how most people typically go about things. It guarantees that you can inspect all the evidence submitted and don’t have to rely on a third party to do so. All scans must be properly uploaded before the appointment, and evidence of upload must be given along with the normal passports and ancillary items brought to the biometrics session. Unless you pay for the ‘keep my passport’ service, they will generally keep your passport (criteria and fees apply).
  • At the Visa Application Centre, there is a Document Scanning Assistance Service (additional fee PKR 4790 or GBP 22): This option may be bought in advance via VFS Global, with the receipt being presented to the biometrics session with your original passports and appointment sheet. Everything will be scanned and returned to you by the VAC personnel. Unless the extra service of retaining the passport is bought, the passport is generally kept, just as option one.
  • A walk-in settlement scanning service is available in the United Kingdom: For an extra GBP 75 charge, the UK-based sponsor steps in and gets all papers scanned.
  • Settlement scanning service in the United Kingdom: For an extra GBP 100, you may send it via post (with GBP 25 extra for secure return)

The UK options are generally ideal for people who have all of their papers in the UK and do not wish to scan them or transfer them to Pakistan.

The waiting period for evaluation starts after you attend your biometric appointment and submit your documents in one of the numerous methods allowed. According to the general service requirements for settlement applications, a decision is made after 12 weeks of the biometrics being registered. Priority service is available for individuals who fulfill the requirements for an extra fee of PKR 121,104 or GBP 547.

UK Visas and Immigration intends to come to a decision in 30 working days of the biometrics being registered under this scheme. The catch, of course, is that this is just an ‘aim,’ not a promise. Despite fulfilling the qualifying requirements and exhibiting no factual or evidentiary complications, applications in Pakistan, regardless of which VAC is selected, typically exceed this timeframe. Therefore, it is important to keep delays in mind when considering buying this service or preparing ahead.

Eligibility Requirements

All of the criteria in Appendix FM, paragraphs E-ECP.2.1 to 4.2, must be fulfilled to be given entry clearance as a spouse.

The applicant’s sponsor has to be British or has restricted refugee or humanitarian protection leave in the UK. (Rather than Appendix FM, refugees may be allowed to bring certain relatives into the UK under the “family reunion” regulations.)

The applicant and the sponsor should be at least 18 years old at the time of application and not have a “prohibited degree of relationship.” This implies they can’t be so close that marrying them would be illegal in the UK (for example, sister and brother and sister).

The parties must also have met face-to-face, have a real and ongoing relationship and plan to permanently live together in the UK.

If the individuals are married or in a civil partnership, their relationship must be legal, and any prior relationships must have ended permanently. Fiancées who want to marry must be willing to marry in the coming six months.

Applicants seeking entrance clearance must have completed an English language exam in speaking and listening at the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Level A1 or above.

Only a provider authorized by the Home Office may administer the exam. Lists of these providers are updated regularly, so double-check that the institute you’re applying to is still on the list before submitting your application.

Documents Required

To prove that the applicant meets all of the criteria for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa, they must provide appropriate supporting documents, which the UKVI will examine as part of the application.

The following documents must be submitted with your spouse visa application:

  • Passport must be valid.
  • Proof of your relationship’s genuineness
  • Proof that you’ve met the financial requirements
  • Proof of English language proficiency.
  • Proper accommodation

If you want to travel to the UK as a spouse or partner, you must:

  • Right to reside in the nation from where the applicant is applying
  • TB Test certificate, if required.

Read here for a detailed UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist

Decision

The decision is announced through a cryptic email that tells you that a decision was made in your case (they don’t bother to tell you the outcome). They usually text or email you again after that to inform you that the actual passport and decision letter are available for pickup. The choice is disclosed within the package after it has been collected.

If your visa is approved, you will get your passport returned with an entry-clearance vignette stamp allowing you to enter the United Kingdom. This will be valid for 30 days for spouse/partner visas. After arriving in the UK, you will be given a Biometric Residence Permit, a card that looks like an ID card and has all of your visa information and duration. This is usually collected at a post office near your home in the UK or from a separate location if you specified a different address while filling out the online application form. Those awarded fiancé visas will not get a Biometric Residence Permit; instead, their whole 6-month stay will be validated on the passport vignette.

Concluding Remarks

Those who do not want to return to the VAC after the decision has been made may pay for a courier service to send their passport. The service costs PKR 2750 or GBP 12.5 and is promoted on their website as “safe and easy.” If you’re interested, you may get it ahead of time on VFS Global’s website.

Harsh Refusal UK Spouse Visa

Harsh Refusal of UK Spouse Visa

Harsh Refusal UK Spouse Visa in a recent case where the applicant wanted to apply for a UK Spouse Visa Set entry clearance for his wife and 5 year old son to the UK.  The sponsor applicant and his wife had been married for over five years and were living in Peru. The wife had a five year old son from her previous relationship.  They all visited the UK for a short period of time on a UK Visitor Visa to see what it is like to live in the UK and naturally they fell in love.  So they decided to apply for a UK Spouse Visa along with their son.

They gathered the UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist after a long struggle for her to meet the UK Spouse Visa English language requirement finally the application was submitted.  Since the sponsor was living in Peru he did not meet the UK Spouse Visa financial requirement of £22400 so they had to rely on their savings.


Considering the UK Spouse Visa processing time they had their application decision made within the time frame. The results were unbelievable, the Home Office granted the wife entry clearance but refused her five year old son. The reason for refusal was that despite the mother having the sole custody of the son, the biological father had visitation rights.  


They now had to re-submit a new application with evidence of no objection from the biological father and a new child custody order that does not contain visitation rights. They are now awaiting a decision. Stay tuned to know the results.


The reality is no matter how well prepared you think you are such Harsh Refusal UK Spouse Visa by the Home Office is possible even if they seem illogical. Why would you grant a visa to the mother and not her child as if they would stay apart?

Moving To UK On Spouse Visa

Moving To UK On Spouse Visa

Moving to UK on spouse visa and relocating to an entirely new country is never without its challenges. But hopefully, you’ve begun the settling-in process and are ready to start your new life. If you are still looking for ways to do just that while still maintaining close contact with the people you love back home, keep reading these tips presented courtesy of 1 Absolute Advisor.

Learning About Your New Home

One of the first and best things you can do as a new immigrant is to pick up a book. To highlight more than two dozen books on immigration, which you may identify with based on your circumstances. This can serve to give you hope that you will eventually acclimate into a sense of normalcy in what may still feel like a foreign land.

Next, look for books and websites that help you get a grasp on the history of United Kingdom. Knowing the events that turned this nation into what it is today is an important step in understanding why we are the way we are. You’ll also want to take the time to get to know about local laws and traditions and find information on obtaining a labor certification and other resources on becoming a citizen.

Supporting Those You Left Behind

One of the most difficult aspects of moving to a new country is leaving your loved ones at home. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to stay connected with your family, even from thousands of miles away. To start, consider planning out regular FaceTime calls with them. You can even set up a shared family calendar through Cozi so you never have to miss out on important updates or gatherings. 

Grab cheap shipping rates and share part of the US experience with your family back home. Visit your local grocery store and pack a box of staple snacks, postcards, and other trinkets that offer a taste of your new life. If you’d rather skip the line, you can use websites that cater specifically to curating flavors for your friends and family. Snack Magic is one example.

And if your family is relying on you for financial support, there are affordable and safe ways to ensure you come through on your promise to them. If your family is in India, for example, and you plan to send money home, you can use an online service like Remitly that has a fair exchange rate and, depending on how much you plan to send, may not charge fees – even for same-day transfers.

Integrating Into a New Community

Getting to know the people and places in your new hometown may be intimidating at first, especially if you’ve come here alone and do not have any local support. A few good places to start are your church or by volunteering for community services that align with your personal goals. For instance, you might walk dogs at animal rescue shelters or help pack food boxes to relieve hunger. Your local library, museum, and Habitat for Humanity organisation are all also excellent places to volunteer your time.

If you are looking to build a social network, you can use sites, such as MeetUp or Facebook, to seek people out that share similar interests to yourself. For virtually any activity that you would like to do, there is a group that can help you connect with like-minded individuals of all ages, races, and backgrounds.

Ultimately, moving into a strange land is a daunting and sometimes overwhelming experience. But it does not have to be, and there are steps you can take to make your transition as seamless as possible without losing sight of the life you left behind. So read a book, learn about your new home, and don’t be shy about sharing it with the people you love.

If you are planning to Moving To UK On Spouse Visa and want to know how to get a UK Spouse Visa you can read our post here. A complete list of documents needed for a spouse visa can be found here

EU Citizens In The UK After 30 June 2021

EU Citizens In The UK After 30 June 2021

EU Citizens in the UK After 30 June 2021

One of the results of Brexit was the end of freedom of movement between the EU and the UK. Although old EU residence documents, such as UK derivative residence cards and permanent residence cards, are still recognized after the official Brexit end-date on 31 December 2020. But they would no longer be valid after 30 June 2021. This means EU citizens must now apply for necessary documents to enter, stay, work or study in the UK. So, if you are moving to the UK as an EU citizen, the following are some of the most commonly used visa and immigration routes available to you. 

1. Tier 1 Visa

The UK Tier 1 visas are of various types – the Tier 1 Investor visa and the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa. However, the Exceptional Talent category is no longer open for new applications. As an EU citizen, you can get a Tier 1 Investor visa with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status after 5 years if you can invest at least £2m in the UK Government or UK companies. With an investment of up to £5m or £10m, you will be eligible for ILR after 3 and 2 years, respectively.  

2. Skilled Worker Visa

If you’re sponsored by a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) authorised employer or have a job offer in the UK, you can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, formerly known as Tier 2 (General) visa. This is the major route for skilled immigrants seeking jobs in the UK. However, your job offer must be on the list of eligible occupations. Also, it must attract a stipulated minimum salary, depending on the type of work. With the Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for permanent residency in the UK after 5 years.

3. Student Visa

EU students above 16 years can apply for a Student Visa. The requirements for a student visa will depend on the programme you are applying for and your school of choice. For instance, you may need evidence of consent from your parents, depending on your age. There is also a Child Student Visa route for students between the age of 4 and 17. The UK student visa generally requires that a licensed education provider has admitted you for a course.

In addition, you must show proof that you have enough money to pay for the tuition and support yourself for the duration of your course in the UK. If you are applying from outside the UK, you may start your application process anytime from 6 months before the start date of your course. You should get a decision within 3 weeks after application. If you are applying from inside the UK, then you may apply anytime from 3 months before the start date of your course. You will usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

4.    Temporary Worker Government Authorized Exchange visa

This visa is available to EU citizens who are coming to work in the UK for a short time. It’s also available to those partaking in training, fellowship, or research programmes by any government authorized scheme. As a result, you must have a sponsor and a certificate of sponsorship reference number from them. This certificate of sponsorship is usually valid for 3 months after the issue date. Furthermore, you’re expected to have a minimum of £1,270 available to support yourself during your stay in the UK.

5. Innovator Visa

You may be eligible for the UK innovator visa if you are above 18 and want to set up a business in the UK. Specifically, the business must be innovative – different from other businesses already available in the UK market. You must first submit your business idea to an endorsing body for approval. The body’s decision can make or mar your chance of getting this visa. If they reject your business plan, you can’t get the Innovator visa. Financially, you need a minimum of £50,000 in investment funds to apply for this visa. You’re also required to prove where you got this funding from.

EU Citizens In The UK After 30 June 2021. If You Are Already In The UK

If you are an EU citizen in the UK and would like to continue living in the UK after 31 June 2021, you must apply for the newly recognised status known as the EU Settlement Scheme. The deadline for applications for this scheme is 30 June 2021. If you fail to submit your application on or before this date, you may no longer be eligible to continue living in the United Kingdom. If you are able to successfully submit your application before the deadline, you will be eligible to continue staying in the UK.

Understanding the EU Settlement: Who is Eligible?

You are eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme if you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, and you were residing in the United Kingdom before 1 January 2021. You are also eligible if you are a citizen of Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway. Other eligible persons are family members of the EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. You can also apply if you are a family member of an eligible person of Northern Ireland. Your children can also apply for the scheme.

How to Apply

You can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme either by post or electronically. It is a free application that is accessible online on GOV.UK. You will need certain documents to prove your eligibility for the application. The required documents include proof of identity and proof of residence. If you are applying as a family member, you will need proof of qualifying relationship with your family member you are applying to join. Proof of length of stay in the UK is also important.

EU Citizens Who Don’t Need to Apply for Settlement Scheme

Some EU citizens may not need to apply for the settlement scheme to be eligible to continue staying in the UK after June 2021. If you are an Irish citizen and you have a valid Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you don’t need to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. Also, if you are working in the UK as a frontier worker but don’t live in the UK, you don’t need to apply for the settlement scheme.

What Rights Does the EU Settlement Scheme Give?

If you apply for the EU Settlement Scheme successfully, you will be able to continue residing and working in the United Kingdom after 30 June 2021. The UK government will grant you either settled status or pre-settled status. This will depend on how long you’ve been residing in the UK when you submit your application. The status you get will also determine your rights as an EU citizen living in the UK after June 2021.

Understanding Settled Status

If you are granted settled status, you will be eligible to continue living in the UK indefinitely. You will also be able to apply for British citizenship if you are eligible.

If you have lived in the UK for a continuous period of 5 years, you will usually get settled status. In other words, you have spent at least 6 months in any 12-month period in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

Pre-settled Status

If you don’t have 5 years of continuous residence in the United Kingdom, you will usually be granted pre-settled status.

If you are granted pre-settled status, you will have the right to continue living in the UK for another 5 years. After you have maintained 5 years of continuous residence in the UK, you will be eligible to change the pre-settled status to settled status.

EU Citizens In The UK After 30 June 2021 have the above options and if you wish to have professional help with your application please click here to book a FREE CALL with one of our Immigration Advisers.

EU Citizens Moving To The UK In 2021

EU Citizens Moving To The UK In 2021

The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020, as a result the free movement between the UK and the European Union ended on 31 December 2020. Below are the Top 10 questions and answers for EU Citizens Moving To The UK In 2021.

I arrived in the UK before 31 December 2020, can I still apply for European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)?

Yes, to be eligible to apply, you must have arrived in the UK before 31 December 2020, and you must submit your EUSS application before 30 June 2021. The EUSS is free of charge and offers secure status for 5 years. 

I arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020, can I still apply for European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)?

If you were not resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, you will need to meet specific requirements and criteria in order to live in the UK from 1 January 2021. 

Can I join a family member in the UK after 31 December 2020?

If the applicant is not living in the UK by 31 December 2020, the applicant will be able to apply provided the below mentioned criteria is met:

-applicant’s family member was living in UK by 31 December 2020

-the relationship began by 31 December 2020

-the applicant is a close family member, for example a spouse, unmarried partner

-their family member has settled status in the UK

What permission do I need to obtain to live in the UK after 31 December 2020?

In order to live in the UK after 31 December 2020, applicants must have the relevant permission to live and work in the UK under the UK’s points-based immigration system. If applicants intend to work in the UK, they must meet certain criteria for the immigration route they are applying for. 

If applicants wish to come to the UK to work, they can apply for the Skilled Worker visa route. Applicants must have a valid job offer from an approved employer, the job offer must be at a required level and complexity and at the appropriate salary level. Applicants who wish to apply for the Skilled Worker visa route must also show English language proficiency. 

On the following link applicants can also browse through alternative work visa routes and specialist occupations: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-uks-points-based-immigration-system-information-for-eu-citizens

Can Skilled Worker permission lead to settlement in the UK?

Yes, the Skilled Worker visa route can lead to settlement in the UK provided applicants maintain 5 years of lawful and continuous residence in the UK. 

What other options do I have if I want to live in the UK? 

If you wish to study and live in the UK, the Student visa might be the best option for you! 

Applicants are required to show that they have a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter from an educational sponsor approved by the Home Office, applicants must meet English language proficiency and financial evidence requirements. More information about this route can be found on: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa 

If applicants successfully complete their undergraduate level degree or above in the UK, they will be able to apply for a Graduate visa to stay and work in the UK or look for work for up to 2 years after completing their degree. The Graduate visa route is expected to open in summer 2021. 

Applicants switching to the Graduate visa route will then be able to switch to the Skilled Worker visa route provided they’ve found a suitable job and meet all the requirements of the Skilled Worker immigration route. 

What is the visa application process for EU citizens after 31 December 2020?

All EU Citizens Moving To The UK In 2021 to work or study must apply for the most relevant visa. The visa application must be submitted online on Gov.uk website and applicants must demonstrate that they meet the requirements and the relevant criteria for the visa route they are applying for. Applicants also need to verify their identity through an ID Check application available on mobile devices and upload their supporting documentation with their completed online visa application. 

How much do I need to pay for my visa application? 

Applicants will need to pay an application fee. On the following link, you can check how much you need to pay for your visa application outside the UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table/home-office-immigration-and-nationality-fees-31-january-2021 

Furthermore, applicants need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge before they submit their visa application. This allows applicants to access the NHS in the UK. The current Immigration Health Surcharge for a student visa is £470 per year and £624 per year for all other visa and immigration applications. 

What identification document do I present at the UK Border? 

From 1 October 2021, EU citizens will not be able to use their EU, EEA or Swiss national ID card to enter the UK. EU, EEA or Swiss nationals will need to present a valid passport at the border. In some circumstances EU, EEA or Swiss nationals can continue using their national ID card to enter the UK until 31 December 2025 provided they have settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme. 

Do I need a visa to visit the UK? 

No, you can visit the UK without applying for a visa up to 6 months. You will need to apply for the most relevant visa if you want to study or work in the UK and intend to live in the UK for longer than 6 months.

If you are a EU Citizens Moving To The UK In 2021 then there are several other options that you can explore based on your individual circumstances. Why not speak to one of our advisers to see what options you have. Fill in a FREE CALL BACK form to have your call.

Top Reasons For ILR Refusal

Top Reasons For ILR refusal

In this post we will look at the top reasons for ILR refusal by the Home Office. Although this list is not exhaustive and there are many other reasons for refusal, these are the most common grounds.

Part 9 of the Immigration Rules discusses the grounds for refusal. Where an applicant does not meet the suitability requirements of the immigration route they are applying for, their application might fall for refusal under the Immigration Rules. 

The Secretary of State has outlined that decisions on suitability grounds are either mandatory or discretionary. For example, if an applicant meets some of the mandatory grounds for refusal, their application must be refused and if an applicant meets the discretionary grounds for refusal, their application may be refused. 

Below are mentioned Top Reasons For ILR Refusal. 

  1. Starting with a mandatory ground for refusal based on criminality grounds. Section 9.4.1 of the Immigration Rules part 9 state that an individual’s application must be refused if the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offence in the UK or overseas for which they have received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more, they are persistent offender or has committed a criminal offence, or offences, which caused serious harm. If an applicant’s presence is not conducive to the public good because of their character, conduct or they have been convicted of a serious criminal offence, their application for Indefinite Leave to Remain must be refused. 
  1. A discretionary ground for refusal is if the individual has made false representations, provided false documents, false information in support of their application or failed to disclose relevant facts in relation to their application. This refusal ground is stated in 9.7.1 of the Immigration Rules part 9. 
  1. Another discretionary ground for refusal is if an applicant fails to provide required information. If the applicant fails to provide a reasonable excuse to comply with a reasonable requirement, for example to attend an interview or provide further information to support their visa application, the Secretary of State may refuse applicant’s application to remain in the UK as mentioned in 9.9.1 of the Immigration Rules part 9. 
  1. Further discretionary ground for refusal is if an applicant has been involved in a sham marriage or sham civil partnership. The application may be refused if the applicant has entered or attempted to enter a sham marriage or sham civil partnership to evade immigration control as stated in 9.6.1 of the Immigration Rules part 9.
  1. Subsequent discretionary ground for refusal is if the applicant ceases to meet the requirements and criteria of the rules under which they are applying for as referred in 9.23.1 of the Immigration Rules part 9. 
  1. An application for permission to stay may be refused where the applicant has failed to pay charges to the NHS and the value of the outstanding charges is at least £500 as stated in 9.11.1 of the Immigration Rules part 9.

Now that you have learned the top reasons for refusal of an ILR application it is always advised to get professional help with your application. Considering the fee that is charged by the Home Office.

Health and Care Visa UK

Health and Care Visa UK

In this post we will explain about Health and Care Visa UK.

Healthcare in the UK has taken prime importance due to the unforeseen COVID-19 effects. This means many new job opportunities have also opened up and healthcare professionals are moving by the lots. If you belong to the healthcare profession then a Health and Care Worker Visa will allow you to come and work in the UK. Using this you can find an eligible job with the National Health Service directly, one of their suppliers or even in adult social care. More details about National Healthcare Service can be found here. (link: https://www.nhs.uk/)

Eligibility for this visa is pretty decent compared to other visa types. If you are a qualified doctor, nurse, health care or social care professional in general you can be eligible to come and work in the UK under the Health and Care Worker Visa. You must also be working in an eligible health or social care job. While it might be a bit easier owing to the low entry barrier for active professionals in the field, a Certificate of Sponsorship and information about your role has to be provided too. In addition, the employer must be approved by the Home Office and you must be paid a minimum salary based on your job role. This is a prerequisite for any kind of sponsored visa.

Being able to speak, read, write and understand the English Language is also very important for a Health and Care Worker Visa since most of the work revolves around human interaction. A conversational level competency will help you land jobs much faster over most other factors. Having a knack for developing meaningful working relations with people will also go a long way in boosting your prospects but is not necessary as a skill.

Anyone who is applying for a Health and Care Worker Visa should definitely talk to a professional consultant and enquire about all the available options before proceeding. You can arrange for a callback from one of our experts here.

If you think you don’t currently qualify for a Health and Care Worker Visa then use our knowledge repository here and find another visa type that helps you move to the UK gradually. Whatever the case, we wish you luck on your interesting journey to the UK ahead!

Sole Representative Visa

Sole Representative Visa

Sole Representative Visa


If you are an entrepreneur or work for a business who wishes to expand overseas then this is the best visa type you can come across. If you can convince your bosses to open a branch office in the UK and ask to represent your company here, you can gradually get British citizenship even! Keep reading to know more. 


When businesses wish to visit UK and test the markets without investing lot of fund, they can send one employee as a representative to the UK. This visa type is called The Sole Representative Visa. The employee becomes Representative of an Overseas Business and can visit the UK for 3 years from the date of issuing the visa. During this time they are expected to expand the business in the UK, hire local workers, approach clients and set up fully functioning branch office here in the UK. 

Given its economy, the United Kingdom is popular destination for businesses especially now after Brexit. This visa allows you to do exactly that along with hiring local staff and testing the markets.

Eligibility of the Representative:

He/She has been an employee for 12 months or more of the parent company
Is a senior level employee of the said company
Doesn’t have more than 50% ownership of the company they represent
Has authority as a decision maker in the company they represent
You can apply to come to the UK via this Visa if you are:
The sole representative of an overseas company planning to come to the UK as an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation

This visa can result in a national residency for the representative. If they sustain the business for 3 years and get a further extension of 2 years, they can apply for permanent residency after the completion of 5 years. And further extending this, after completing 6 years they can apply for a British citizenship.

To see if you can meet the requirements and get the best possible application filed why not request a FREE CALL back with one of our advisers?

How To Apply For An ILR Based On Domestic Violence

ILR Based On Domestic Violence

How to apply for an ILR based on domestic Violence

 

What is Domestic violence?

The Home Office defines domestic violence as ‘Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling,
coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or
have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality’. Some types of
domestic violence are listed below:

-emotional

-financial

-sexual

-psychological

-physical

 

To make a successful application for ILR Based On Domestic Violence route applicants must make sure they meet the below mentioned criteria:

 

  • Applicants must apply online using SET (DV) application form and make a valid application.
  • Applicants must be physically present in the UK.
  • Applicants must meet the suitability and eligibility criteria for this immigration route.
    Eligibility criteria set out in Appendix FM:
  • The applicant must be in the UK as a spouse or partner of a British national or someone who is
    present, settled in the UK with indefinite leave to remain. Applicants on fiancé (e), civil partner,
    student route visa or other limited leave status will not be eligible for this route.
    The applicant must provide supporting evidence to prove that their and their partner’s relationship
    has broken down permanently as a result of domestic abuse.
    Below is a non-exclusive list of supporting documents to prove domestic violence mentioned in the
    ‘Victims of domestic and abuse’ published guidance by the Home Office:
    -Criminal conviction
    -Police caution
    -Police report
    -Charging decision
    -A final order
    -Arrest
    -A letter from an organisation supporting victims of domestic violence
    -Medical report from a medical professional
    -Letter from the relevant authorities (social services/ welfare officers)
    -Documentation provide your domestic violence accounts (letters/ personal statements/witness
    statements/ photos/ recordings/ texts)
    Suitability criteria

The applicant’s character must not be conducive to the public good and their behaviour must not
relate to criminality or bad character.

Application fees and fee waivers

The current application fee for Indefinite Leave to Remain under Domestic Violence route using SET
(DV) application form is £2,389 per applicant.

If an applicant is financially unstable and unable to pay for their application, they can submit their
application without paying the set application fee if they are ‘destitute’ according to the Home
Office.

The Home Office provides clear guidance on who is classified as ‘destitute’:

  • Where applicants do not have enough money to support themselves
  • Where applicants cannot meet their essential living needs
  • Where applicants do not have adequate accommodation
  • Applicants with very low income
    The applicant must provide supporting evidence in the form of bank statements, utility bills, tenancy
    agreements, pay slips, local authority letters confirming financial support and other relevant
    documentation to prove that they have no means to pay the specified fee.
To see if you qualify and if you need speak to us in private and confidence please ask for a free call back by clicking on the button below.

You can find help on https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

 

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British National Overseas BNO

British National Overseas BNO

 

Photo credit: The Summary TV

Following the announcement of national security law in Hong Kong, a new visa route was launched called the British National Overseas BNO. There are eligibility, suitability and validity requirements that applicants must meet to apply for this immigration route. A detailed information on the requirements and application process is provided below. 

 

 

What is British National Overseas (BNO)?

On 31 January 2021, the UK opened a Hong Kong British National Overseas BNO that is only available to British Nationals Overseas and their immediate family members. Eligible applicants can apply from outside or inside the UK.

The BNO visa allows individuals to live, study and work in the UK.

 

 

Who is eligible?

 

You can apply for a BNO visa if you are:

 

a British National Overseas who’s permanent home is in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Hong Kong. 

18 years old or older 

 

If you meet the above-mentioned criteria, your family members can also apply for a BNO visa as your ‘dependants’ provided the applicants can show that they are living together and show proof of relationship. You and your family members must apply together. 

 

A dependant family member can include your:

 

Spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner provided both sides can prove that you are in a subsisting relationship and have been living together for at least 2 years 

 

Child/stepchild or grandchild under 18 years. Children under 18 years will need to apply with both of their parents unless one parent or grandparent has sole responsibility for them. Additional documentation will be required to prove that only one adult is the sole carer of the child

 

Child 18 years of age or older, born on or after 1 July 1997 (and their parent or child under 18 years of age) 

 

Adult dependent relatives. This includes parents, grandparents, siblings or children 18 years of age or older, provided you are living together, they are not independent and require your assistance and care. The adult dependent relative must be highly dependent on the main BNO applicant due to their age, medical condition or disability. Sufficient evidence is required to prove that the adult relative will not be provided with the same day-to-day help, care and support in Hong Kong if the main applicant moved to the UK because it is not available or affordable. If the adult relative is your child or sibling, they must live with the main applicant when making the application. Parents and grandparents do not need to live in the same household. If parents and grandparents are living as couples, they must apply together to come to the UK. 

 

 

How to apply?

 

Applications made outside the UK where your permanent home is Hong Kong. 

 

Applications made outside the UK must be submitted online. 

 

Before applying for British National (Overseas), you must make sure you’ve checked you are eligible for this visa route and collated your supporting evidence and documentation to apply. You might want to speak with one of our experienced immigration advisors who will advise you on the merits of your application. 

 

Each family member needs to make their own separate application. Your family members must apply at the same time as you. The main applicant needs to submit their application first. Once this is done, your family members should apply within 24 hours. After submission, the main applicant will be provided with a unique reference number called Global Web Form (GWF). The family members will need to state the main applicant’s reference number in their visa application. 

 

You will be required to upload your supporting documentation online with your visa application and you are also advised to bring all supporting documents (originals and copies) to your biometrics appointment. 

Once the application is submitted online, you will be redirected to a partner website called VFS.global where you will be required to book your biometrics appointment at a visa application centre. Your biometrics information includes your fingerprints and photographs. 

 

A decision on your visa application will be made within 12 weeks from the date of your biometrics appointment. You will get a letter stating the outcome of your application. The letter will cover what you need to do next. Once your visa application is successful, you will be issued with an entry clearance vignette valid for 90 days and you must travel to the UK within the validity of your entry clearance. The decision letter will also provide information about your biometric residence permit (BRP) collection point. 

 

Applications made within the UK

 

Applications made within the UK must be submitted online. 

If you’ve met the eligibility requirements for this visa route, you can switch to British National (Overseas) if you are already present in the UK on a different UK visa and you can apply by 31 March 2021. 

 

After you submit your online visa application and upload your supporting documentation, you will need to book your biometrics appointment at UKVCAS service point. You are advised to bring all supporting documentation (originals and copies) to your biometrics appointment. 

 

Applicants are not advised to travel outside the UK until a decision is made on their pending application. 

 

A decision on your visa application will be made within 12 weeks from the date of your biometrics appointment. 

Once your visa application is successful, you will be provided with a letter confirming the details of your biometric residence permit (BRP) collection point.

 

The BBC has covered this in their article here

 

To know more about how to go about applying or if you have any questions regarding your application why not ask for a free call back with registered immigration adviser. Simply click the button below or fill up the form.

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How To Apply For UK’s Points Based System

UK Points Based System
UK Points Based System
Photo credit: The Wall Street Journal

How To Apply For UK’s Points Based System?

The newly introduced point-based system has been different from the previous ones. As a potential immigrant you would need to be aware of where you stand and what has to be done. Having clarity on these would improve your chances of immigration to the UK.

Anyone who is looking to immigrate to the United Kingdom would have a fair share of questions which we aim to answer in this post. These answers would enable you to not just understand the system better but also put forward your best case in a bid to attain immigration. 

We look at what the UK point based system for 2021 is, who can be eligible, and how to apply for the same. This way you would have all the necessary information handy. We also look at how the Brexit agreement would affect you as a potential immigrant. 

In order to understand all the details provided below you should be aware of what the system is all about. This step-by-step guide would ensure that you are educated enough about the UK’s points based system 2021.

What is the UK’s Points Based System?

Anyone looking to migrate to the UK to work and live and gain permanent residency will now have to apply via UK’s points based system that will award points for different factors such as age, qualification, work experience, job offer etc. Candidates have to score a total of 70 points more on this later.

If you are an EEA national who is already living in the United Kingdom by 31st of December 2020 this point based system is not applicable to you. You have the right and can continue to work even in 2021 up to the 30th of June in the United Kingdom. 

Your employers are obligated to accept your National Identity Cards as well as Passports until this time. This is however, just a transition phase measure which everyone would have to be well aware of. 

Employers tend to hire skilled workers from around the world based on this point system that is floated by the government. This acts as a means of regulating who is allowed to work in the United Kingdom with all the legalities covered. 

In case someone is not able to meet all the requirements they would not be eligible to come the United Kingdom directly on a work visa. So, it is imperative that you have all the mandatory areas covered before you start looking at optional ones to attain points that is required in the UK. 

Who is eligible for the UK’s Points based system?

An applicant needs to score a total of 70 points for different elements in order to qualify. These points are made up by factors thats are mandatory and non mandatory. An applicant must meet the mandatory points as mentioned in the points table below before they can look at the non-mandatory points which can be traded with one another.

Skilled workers planning to work in the United Kingdom would have to follow the below criteria to ensure that they meet all requirements. There are no shortcuts about it and the below table makes everything crystal clear for everyone. 

Requirement Not Tradable/Tradable with Other Specific Requirements Number of Points
The employer should provide you with an offer of appointment. The employer should also be an approved sponsor. No 20
Availing the employment with the appropriate skill level. No 20
Fluency in spoken English and ability to understand.  No 10
For people with salary anywhere between £20,480 and £23,039 Yes 0
For people with salary anywhere between £23,040 and £25,599 Yes 10
If your salary is £25,600 or over Yes 20
If you are having an employment with an occupation which as a scarcity as nominated by the Migration Advisory Committee. Yes 20
If you have an academic qualification which is a PhD having a subject that is relevant to whatever employment that you have taken up. Yes 10
If you have an education qualification that is a PhD in a STEM subject which is relevant to the employment. Yes 20

Anyone who chooses to apply would need to have 70 points. Among these 70 points your mandatory requirement would be of 50 which cannot be traded with anything else. However, you have 20 points that can be tradable with others to work in the UK.  

There are 5 tiers that the point-based system is comprised of for people aspiring to work in the United Kingdom. They have been categorized into various categories in accordance to employment, investment, and others. 

You would have to be aware that an employer should be registered with the HomeOffice’s register of tier 2 sponsors. Only these are capable of providing you with sponsorship that carries the mandatory 20 points that is required. 

If you visit the register of sponsors you would be able to get a list of the employers or organisations that are registered with them. The regulations were put in place for the register of sponsors from the 31st of March 2009. 

How To Apply For UK’s Points Based System?

There are a few steps that can give you clarity on how you can go about applying for a UK visa. With these details you would know what you already have and what you need to acquire before you become eligible for a work permit to the United Kingdom. 

  • To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you need to:

    You will be able to save your application and come back to it at another time if you need to.

There are some basic requirements that you would need for applying for a United Kingdom visa. These are irrelevant of whatever type of visa you apply for and includes employment, business, and student visa. The requirements are as follows:

  • A completed application form depending on the visa that you are applying for. You can either choose to complete the application process online or have a manual one filled up and submitted. However, the online version of the form is easier by all means for anyone. 
  • Two photographs that are in specifications with the size and colour that is required by the government of the United Kingdom. 
  • You should possess a passport issued by your home country or residing country. The passport should essentially have a blank page and should be valid for 3 months after your planned departure from the United Kingdom. 
  • The applicant would also have to prove that they are able to take care of them financially while in the United Kingdom. This can include your pay slips, bank statements, and other income related documents. 
  • You should also possess a document that show where you are likely to stay while in the United Kingdom. It is not imperative that you pay in full for this accommodation while applying for the visa.
  • A detailed travel plan or itinerary should be provided while at the time of applying. This should include dates, places, appointments, and other details which would be scrutinised before your visa is granted or approved. 
  • People traveling from certain countries would have to provide test results of tuberculosis too. 
  • The biometric information is something that you would require to submit if your planned stay exceeds 6 months in the United Kingdom. 
  • You should also provide them with the receipt that states that you have already paid for your UK visa application.

Conclusion

Irrelevant of your current status in the country that you belong to there are these things that you would have to furnish. Only upon qualifying on all these aspects you would be granted a visa for an entry into the United Kingdom.   

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UK Spouse Visa Extension.

Those who wish to continue in UK after 30 months by which time their UK Spouse Visa expires, can apply for extension of their UK Spouse Visa. After obtaining the visa extension they can live in UK along with their spouse or partner for another 30 months. They can apply for visa extension at the Home Office for which they have to pay £1,033 as Extension Visa Fees. While applying for Visa Extension also the applicant is required to fulfil the minimum financial requirements. The applicant and his/her spouse/partner together should have an annual income not less than £18,600. Those who have children are required to earn extra £3,800  for first child and additional £2,400  for each additional child.

UK Spouse Visa is valid for 30 months only. One can apply for visa extension after 2.5 years. The application is to be made at the Home Office. For extension of the visa the applicant has to pay £1,033 as Extension Fees. The applicant has to fulfil the same financial requirements that they fulfilled while applying for UK Spouse Visa. The application will be processed after paying the visa extension fees and on submitting the necessary documents to prove that the minimum financial requirements are fulfilled.

Since the UK Spouse Visa expires after 2.5 years, one has to apply for visa extension. After obtaining the visa extension he/she can continue in UK for another 30 months. The application for Extension along with the supporting documents are to be submitted at the Home Office. An amount of £1,033 is to be paid as Visa Extension Fees.

For more information on UK Spouse Visa extension you can visit here

Here is an interesting article on Spouse Visa

If you need help with your visa extension why not request a free call back to discuss your case here

English Language Requirement For Spouse Visa

english-language-spouse-visa

In this post we will discuss English Language requirement for the UK Spouse / Partner Visa route.

The UK Home Office introduced English Language requirement as part of the immigration process in November 2010. Although this was initially introduced for selected few visa application types, it is now widely used under multiple visa categories as a general requirement to reduce burden on UK tax payers and promote easy integration of migrants into the society.

Who needs to meet the English Language Requirement for a UK Spouse Visa and UK Partner Visa category?

English language requirement applies to: 

  • Leave to remain as a spouse or civil partner
  • Leave to remain as an unmarried or same sex partner
  • Entry clearance as a partner
  • Entry clearance as a spouse

What is the level of English language requirement for UK Spouse visa and partner visa?

Most applicants are required to meet CEFR Level A1 or A2 (unless exempt: more on this later)
 

All entry clearance or initial leave application for UK Spouse visa need a minimum of CEFR level A1 (unless exempt)

All applications for leave to remain where previously exempt from A1 or were last granted visa as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner also need to meet the CEFR level A1 (unless exempt)

All UK Spouse visa applications for leave to remain where last granted visa with A1, which expires on or after 1 May 2017 need to meet the CEFR Level A2 (unless exempt)

Note: THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT FOR A UK SPOUSE VISA is only applicable to the main applicant and not the dependents

Where can you take the English Language Test for UK Spouse Visa?

Applicant has to take a test at one of the approved UK English Language test centre

You can only take an SELT with one of the following providers:

  • IELTS SELT Consortium (UK or overseas)
  • LanguageCert (UK or overseas)
  • Trinity College London (UK only)
  • Pearson (UK and overseas)
  • PSI Services (UK) Ltd (overseas only)

The approved IELTS SELT Consortium tests are:

  • IELTS for UKVI
  • Life Skills

The approved LanguageCert tests are:

  • LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
  • LanguageCert International ESOL SELT (Speaking and Listening)

The approved Trinity College London tests are:

  • Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
  • Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE)

The approved Pearson tests are:

  • Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
  • Pearson PTE Home

The approved PSI Services (UK) Ltd tests are:

  • Skills for English UKVI (4 component)
  • Skills for English UKVI (2 component)

Click HERE to download a list of approved secure English language test for UK Spouse Visa (in the UK) OR Click HERE to download a list of approved secure English language test for UK Spouse Visa (Outside the UK)
 Besides taking the test there are other ways to meet the English Language Requirement for a UK SPOUSE visa application. 1) If you are an national of a majority English speaking country (more on this later) 2) You have formal education at a Bachelor or Masters level awarded in the UK or where the qualification is awarded abroad and this is recognised by UK NARIC of equivalent to Bachelor or Masters level.

Exemption from english language requirement for uk spouse visa is applied under following conditions:

  • If the applicant is aged 65 and over at the time of their UK Spouse Visa application
  • They have disability that stops them from meeting the English Language requirement for spouse visa
  • Under exceptional circumstances

Following nationals can claim exemption from English language requirement for a UK spouse visa under majority English speaking countries?

Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; the Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Canada; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; New Zealand; St Kitts and Nevis; St Lucia; St Vincent and the Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago; United States of America.

It is important that you take the right test at an authorised centre to meet the English language requirement for a UK Spouse visa to avoid refusal. If you have any specific questions about how to meet this requirement or general requirement for a uk spouse visa you can read our comprehensive post here. Why not speak to one of our registered immigration advisor about your application by asking a free call back below

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UK Spouse Visa Fee

UK Spouse Visa Fee. The above video explains the total cost involved in getting a UK Spouse Visa. Please note these are subject to change by the Home Office at any time. For latest information on the cost of UK Spouse Visa can be found here.

Main charges are:

For Entry Clearance Spouse Visa (Those Applying from Abroad): £1523

Immigration Health Surcharge £1200

For those applying for a UK Spouse Visa Extension (within the UK) the fee is £1054

Immigration Health Surcharge (Within the UK) £1000

Biometric Enrolment Fee.

We might also want to consider fees if you wish to engage a UK Immigration Lawyer to represent your case. The typical fee for this service start from £850. Although this is optional it is highly recommended to engage this service considering the large amounts of Home Office fees involved and these are non-refundable if your application is refused.

In addition to the fees applicant applying for a UK Spouse Visa are required to meet financial criteria to satisfy the Home Office that you are in a position to support your potential wife/husband/partner. These mainly are to evidence that you earn a salary of minimum £18600 or have cash savings of at least £62500. These can be higher if you have children in the application.

If you are looking to file a UK Spouse Visa application and would like a professional immigration lawyer to review your application or represent your case please visit our site https://1-absolute-advisor.com/. Simply request a free call back by filling up a form here

1 Absolute Advisor is an OISC registered firm that provides immigration advice to clients wishing to come to the UK or have their status changed or extend within the UK. Our success rate is 99.5% and we pride ourselves in unparalleled customer services.

Here are some additional tips for those coming from abroad on a UK Spouse Visa

UK Entry Clearance Refusals Explained.

UK Entry Clearance Refusal

 

“UK Entry Clearance Refusals Explained” is an brief attempt to help individuals applying for a UK Visa.

 

It can be quite difficult to understand why your UK Entry Clearance application was refused and you surely want to learn more about how to go about re-applying without making the same mistakes on your application. Or perhaps you are about to make your application for a UK Entry Clearance and you want to get it right the first time.

 

 

UK Entry Clearance Refusals Explained in this post will help you do exactly that.

 

There are 2 main categories under which a UK Entry Clearance application can be refused. These are broadly classified as:

 

A) Mandatory refusal.
B) Discretionary refusal.

 

 

Lets dive deeper into each of the above types.

 

 

Mandatory refusal of an entry clearance application is a hard refusal where the deciding officer has to refuse your application on grounds of not meeting the application criteria. The reasons under this category are quite straightforward as to why an application will be refused. 

 

  • Entry clearance: mandatory refusals

  • Entry for purpose not covered by the rules

  • Deportation order or conviction

  • Overseas criminal record certificates: no longer GGFR

  • Failure to produce valid passport or travel documentation

  • Exclusion by Secretary of State

  • Deception

  • Document examination (DER) and verification reports (DCR)

  • EEA family permits

  • Previous breach of UK Immigration Rules

Discretionary refusal is when the officer can consider whether the circumstances allow him or her to use their discretion while making the decision to refuse. These are quite tricky and one has to learn as much in order to prepare the best application.

 

  • Required information not provided

  • Returning resident: paragraph 18 not met 
  • Returning resident away for more than two years

  • Passport authority not recognised by UK government

  • Contriving to frustrate the immigration rules

  • No ability to return or be accepted elsewhere

  • No written sponsor undertaking Child under 18, no parent or guardian written consent
  • Criminal convictions

  • Refusal conducive to public good

 

 

It can be quite daunting when it comes to making an UK Visa application and it is important that you prepare your application to the highest standard. Please do your research before you apply or consider getting professional help from registered immigration consultant here. Detailed information can be found on UK Government website here.

 

 

Hope you have found this post “UK Entry Clearance Refusals Explained” helpful.

UK SPOUSE VISA DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist

The above UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist infographic explains the most important documents required for a UK Spouse visa application. This is not an exhaustive uk spouse visa document checklist and the full requirement for the application can be found here. Please note the requirements mentioned in this post are correct and up to date when this post was produced. One must always check for the latest requirements by visiting the Home Office website.

Alternatively you can seek help from a registered Immigration Adviser. The OISC, maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate where you can find a suitable adviser. We are one of the recognised advisers who have filed hundreds of uk spouse visa applications and have a 100% success rate.

We understand how important it is for your spouse to join you in the UK and the process of getting a uk spouse visa is not as straight forward as it used to be few years ago. To make it worst the UK government charges substantial amount in application fee, so it is paramount that you get the application right the first time.

We offer a FREE 15 minutes call with one of our registered advisers who have years of experience dealing with these applications and have been vetted by the regulatory body to meet the highest standards when it comes to representing clients with their uk spouse visa application. Please click on this link to request a free call and we will get back to you within 24 hours (usually a lot quicker) to arrange a time where we can discuss your uk spouse visa application and answer any queries you may have.

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