If you’ve been considering a move to the UK, one of the first concerns you may have is where to get accurate and helpful information about the process.  Finding a good UK immigration lawyer is often the first resource that many people seek out, but there are numerous other organizations that can offer help and advice during the initial information gathering stage.   Listed here are a few of those organizations and what they can do to help.

Immigration Advisory Service

The Immigration Advisory Service or IAS is an organization that operates independent of the government and offers free immigration advice to those who are eligible.  They also offer fee structured help as well.  They can answer questions about visa, immigration processes and procedures.  Help is available in several languages and all services are confidential.

Refugee and Migrant Justice

This organization offers advice and help to refugees to the UK and those seeking asylum in the UK.    They have several offices throughout England and offer advice giving sessions both by appointment and through drop in sessions.  They also help direct people to the correct offices for assistance with other matters such as housing, education and financial assistance.

UK Council for International Student Affairs

This is a most valuable resource for international students hoping to study in the UK.  They supply current and accurate information on student visa applications and procedures, fees, housing, and regulations regarding your requirements to be able to work in the UK while you study there.

UK Border Agency

Operating under the Home office, the UK border agency was formed to increase border security and be a welcoming first contact to legitimate travellers and workers.  On their website you can find a wealth of resources concerning working, living, visiting and studying in the UK.

Immigration Law Practitioners Association

This group is made up of lawyers who specialize in immigration law.  Their main objective is to connect people who are seeking immigration advice with a qualified immigration lawyer who can help them.   While the ILPA office itself does not offer advice, it does provide a directory of members who are available.

Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner

The OISC is an organization that monitors the quality and accuracy of advice that is given to those seeking to immigrate to the UK.  They regulate advisors and ensure that they are competent and qualified and act continuously in the best interest of the customer.  They are also responsible for handling complaints that may be made against certain immigration advisors.  Their website includes an interactive advisor locator service so you can locate a certified advisor in your area.

Immigrating into the UK can be a challenge and it is important to be sure that you are getting the most accurate and up to date information possible in order to make the process run smoothly.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.ukmigrationlawyers.co.uk as the original source).

Please note that these articles and the information contained herein are purely for general guidance and do not constitute a professional legal or any other opinion as to the merits of a particular application or whether specific immigration requirements have been met of a particular category. This information is generic and should not be relied upon as a definitive guide to fulfilling specific category requirements. However should any individual do so it is at his or her own risk for which UK Migration Lawyers Limited cannot be held responsible in any way.

The Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009, has established changes to the United Kingdom’s citizenship law that became effective as of January 13th 2010.

These are the changes effective as of this date:

1.    Children born overseas to parents in the armed forces
After January 13th, if a child is born outside the UK, he or she can be registered as a citizen if:

-    He or she was born to a Foreign and Commonwealth member of the United Kingdom armed forces,

-    The parent was serving outside the United Kingdom when he or she was born,

-    Both parents agree with the registration.

2.    Children born outside the United Kingdom to British citizens by descent
These children can be registered after January 13th, 2010 under section 3(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981, as long as the request is made any time before the child turns 18 years old.

3.    British nationals who are overseas with no other citizenship or nationality
These people can be registered under section 4B of the British Nationality Act 1981 as long as they don’t have another citizenship or nationality.  A BN(O) will not enter in this category if he or she has done something, after March 19th 2009, which made him or her lose another nationality.

4.    Children of British mothers
Any person whose mother is British, will be able to register as a British citizen under section 4C of the British Nationality Act 1981 if he or she would have become a United Kingdom citizen when they were born if women had been able to pass on citizenship as men were.

Even more, the new law supports automatic citizenship for any person born in the United Kingdom after January 13th 2010, to a parent in the armed forces.  The children born to such a parent but who were born before this date also have the right to citizenship; however, this change leaves no doubt in this respect.

In case of questions or doubts, consult with a UK immigration lawyer to clarify your situation.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.ukmigrationlawyers.co.uk as the original source).

Please note that these articles and the information contained herein are purely for general guidance and do not constitute a professional legal or any other opinion as to the merits of a particular application or whether specific immigration requirements have been met of a particular category. This information is generic and should not be relied upon as a definitive guide to fulfilling specific category requirements. However should any individual do so it is at his or her own risk for which UK Migration Lawyers Limited cannot be held responsible in any way.

If you are applying for citizenship or indefinite leave to remain, one of the ways in meeting the language requirement and life in the UK is by taking the Life in the UK test.

The Life in the UK test is a computer-based exam that is only available at an accredited Life in the UK Test centre.  The Life in the UK test has 24 questions with a time limit of 45 minutes.  The questions chosen for the Life in the UK test are based off of the information in the official handbook for the class, “Life in the UK: A Journey to Citizenship” (second edition).  This is the only official handbook for this test, and can be obtained at any official Life in the UK testing centre, or might be provided at certain ESL classes.  All answers, as well as questions can be found in this particular book, and with the adequate amount of practice, the Life in the UK test shouldn’t pose any difficulties.

This particular test can cost anywhere from £33.28 (GBP sterling), and the official book usually costs around 10 Euros.  You are aloud to take the test as many times as needed, however this may be a costly exercise if you do not prepare yourself adequately.  You should also make sure that when studying for the test you read the read relevant chapters in your Life in the UK handbook thoroughly, until you feel you are confident enough to take the test.  There are also practice tests available that may assist you more than just by going through the book on its own.  Taking practice tests are an excellent way of preparing for the real thing, and are highly recommended to anyone that is taking the test.

Before taking the Life in the UK test, make sure you have proper identification such as a passport, a full or provisional UK photo card license, the proper immigration status documents that are endorsed with a UK Residence Permit, as well as any other home office documents, such as a Certificate of Identity Document, Stateless Person Document, or Convention Travel Document.  If you are confused about any citizenship questions, or need more information about the Life in the UK exam, it is recommended that you contact a UK Immigration lawyer for further information.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.ukmigrationlawyers.co.uk as the original source).

Please note that these articles and the information contained herein are purely for general guidance and do not constitute a professional legal or any other opinion as to the merits of a particular application or whether specific immigration requirements have been met of a particular category. This information is generic and should not be relied upon as a definitive guide to fulfilling specific category requirements. However should any individual do so it is at his or her own risk for which UK Migration Lawyers Limited cannot be held responsible in any way.

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The first part of this reform was established in July 2009, and there is currently public consultation going on that considers including new points based elements in the qualifying criteria sometime before approving the naturalization of a foreign person.

The reforms present important restrictions to the activities of migrants who want to become citizens and most probably will impact whether these people will be ready to travel for business or other reasons in representation of a UK company.

The second part of the reform asks for several changes in UK citizenship law, and includes the new ‘path to citizenship’.  Most of the detail of this new path will appear in future immigration rules and guidance, but it includes the following points:

-    The indefinite leave to remain will be substituted by the probationary citizenship, which is really an extra period of limited leave to remain before applying for either citizenship or permanent residence.

-    Migrant workers could be required to be in uninterrupted employment during the probationary citizenship period.

-    The migrants on probationary citizenship will not be able to access certain public funds and will not be regarded as settled under immigration UK law and for nationality law purposes.

-    The period of the probationary citizenship stage will be between one and three years for the migrants who later apply for citizenship, and between three to five years for the ones who later apply for permanent residence.

-    The period of the probationary citizenship stage can be reduced if the migrant meets an ‘activity requirement’ that deals with getting involved in voluntary activities, nevertheless, the details on how to do this are not known yet.

-    The migrants who want to apply for permanent residence or citizenship must hold leave/status in specific qualifying immigration categories.

-    The maximum permitted absence time during each year of the qualifying period will be ninety days, however, there can be extenuating reasons that will have to be studied.

The new ‘path to citizenship’ is planned to begin in July 2011, with transitional protection of as far as two years for the migrants who have applied for indefinite leave to remain by the time it starts.

Migrants and employers should be concerned, because the policy regarding treatment of excess absences will most probably not be available before mid 2010, and no one knows if the policy will be applied with hindsight.

Migrants who want to protect their eligibility to apply for probationary citizenship, naturalization, and/or permanent residence may have to avoid leaving the UK for more than ninety days per year until the policy is finalized.  This will certainly impact the hiring decisions of UK employers that need to send employees abroad to work on global projects, or who offer international work positions or programs.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.ukmigrationlawyers.co.uk as the original source).

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For some people it is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream to become a citizen of the United Kingdom.  For some it means returning to their ancestral roots and for others it is the anticipation of a new and different lifestyle.  For anyone considering citizenship, it means announcing their commitment to becoming a loyal and contributing member to the UK way of life.

There are really very few steps to finalizing UK citizenship.  Here is a short guide that highlights the main procedure.

The first step to becoming naturalised as a UK citizen is to determine if you are eligible. A person is considered eligible if he/she is 18 and has been living in the UK for the last five years or three years as a spouse to a UK citizen. You may also be eligible to apply if your spouse is in designated service to the crown outside of the UK.

Your next step is to obtain and fill out an application.  Forms are available through government agencies or you can enlist the help of a UK immigration lawyer to help you obtain and fill out your application.   The application will provide information on where to send it when completed and what fees and documents you must submit with it.

Once your application has been submitted, you can expect some waiting time before you hear if it has been approved.  The British authorities make every attempt to process applications within six months. You should receive notice that your application has been received, and the government will contact you if they are in need of any other documents.

Before submitting your application you will need to either take the Life in the UK test or pass a relevant ESOL course to prove your knowledge of life in the UK. The former is a test of 24 multiple choice questions based a wide range of topics chosen from the book “Life in the United Kingdom…A Journey to Citizenship,” which you are required to read. There are many web sites that offer some pre-test quizzes that you can take in preparation.  There is a fee to take the test which is payable for each time you try the exam, so it pays to study well and pass on the first try!

When you finally receive the good news that your application has been accepted, you will also receive an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony.  Details of the ceremony and how to prepare for it will be included with the invitation.  At the ceremony you will say an oath and pledge your allegiance to the Queen and country or make an affirmation.  Upon completion, you will receive your long awaited certificate of British citizenship.

Feel free to share this if you found it useful. Tell your friends about this article and feel free to post it to your blog or site. Please, mention the original source: ukmigrationlawyers.co.uk

Also, go ahead and browse our blog for more interesting articles on UK immigration.

Disclaimer: Please note that these articles and the information contained herein are purely for general guidance and do not constitute a professional legal or any other opinion as to the merits of a particular application or whether specific immigration requirements have been met of a particular category. This information is generic and should not be relied upon as a definitive guide to fulfilling specific category requirements. However should any individual do so it is at his or her own risk for which UK Migration Lawyers Limited cannot be held responsible in any way.

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The immigration process can be one of the most important events in a person’s life. An immigration application / appeal process can make all the difference in where your children grow up, education and their quality of life, as well as the opportunities they could have.  Because immigration law can be so complex, and because major changes happen all the time, finding a good immigration lawyer in the UK can make all the difference in the world.  Do not let bad advice and / or experience from co-workers, friends or relatives lead to your immigration chances being dashed, before you ever get started.

A good immigration lawyer can advise you concerning every detail of UK immigration law, the latest changes in the law, as well as your best course of action.  They will carefully determine every fact, and every aspect of your individual situation, and give you the best advice, as well as the best chance for emigrating successfully.  Your UK immigration lawyer will work closely with you, whether it’s by the phone, or in person, and will prepare your case accordingly so that you have the best chances for success.  The immigration lawyer will be able to decide exactly what individual immigration benefits you may be eligible for, as well as what immigration agencies you might have to go through.

Even if the immigration process doesn’t seem too complicated, there are plenty of setbacks that may occur, which may disrupt your immigration efforts.  Even filling out the immigration application can be confusing, and making one or two mistakes could cost you extra time and money, and possibly could disrupt your whole immigration process.  A small mistake could have major effects, as it could limit your immigration options; it could limit your stay in the United Kingdom, or could result in a complete visa denial.  If you end up having to hire an immigration lawyer later on in the process to appeal a decision or prepare a fresh application, it will only cost you more money and aggravation.  The smart move is to consult with an immigration lawyer from the very beginning, so that the process will run smoother in the end.

Oftentimes your friends or co-workers, and even some immigration consultants, do not have the necessary training or in-depth knowledge to thoroughly understand and apply complex immigration case- law and statutes, and sometimes are not qualified to help you decide what the best course of action is for your particular situation.  The UK immigration process is much more detailed and complex than just filling out forms and require real technical knowledge and professional expertise.

Feel free to share this if you found it useful. Tell your friends about this article and feel free to post it to your blog or site. Please, mention the original source: ukmigrationlawyers.co.uk

Also, go ahead and browse our blog for more interesting articles on UK immigration.

Disclaimer: Please note that these articles and the information contained herein are purely for general guidance and do not constitute a professional legal or any other opinion as to the merits of a particular application or whether specific immigration requirements have been met of a particular category. This information is generic and should not be relied upon as a definitive guide to fulfilling specific category requirements. However should any individual do so it is at his or her own risk for which UK Migration Lawyers Limited cannot be held responsible in any way.

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Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure for the whole family.  But don’t forget your furry family members when you are applying for all your visas with the help of an immigration lawyer in Birmingham.  You most certainly want to take them with you so you must be sure to follow the rules and procedures that will make this happen.

The UK has a certification process called “PETS”, and once your cat or dog has fulfilled all the requirements of this process, he or she will be able to enter and live in the UK with you. Here are the basic steps to take to ensure you and your pet can relocate easily.

At least six months prior to your anticipated move, have your pet vaccinated for rabies.  At the end of this six month period your vet will perform a blood test which will verify the success of the vaccination.  At this point the vet will sign your “PETS” certificate.

Even before the vaccinations and blood tests, you should have your pet micro chipped.  This will ensure a safe return if he were to get lost, and is a requirement of entry.

You will also need to have your pet treated for ticks and tapeworm.  This again, is a simple procedure that your vet can carry out and should be completed 24-48 hours prior to your departure.  A certificate stating that the test has been done must be signed by your vet and carried with you.

Once all of these procedures and tests have been completed, and the six month waiting period has passed, your vet will sign and give you the “PETS” certificate.  All that remains to be considered now is booking your transportation.  Pets may travel into and throughout the UK only on specified air, rail and sea providers.  A list of these providers can be obtained from government offices, tourist centers or perhaps even your own travel agent.

You need not worry about a dog or cat license for your pet as they no longer require them in the UK.  There is a list, however, of dangerous breeds, and you may need a special permit of some kind if you own one of these dogs.

So as long as you get your “PETS” certificate, you and your furry family member should be able to continue on your new adventure together with ease!

Feel free to share this if you found it useful. Tell your friends about this article and feel free to post it to your blog or site. Please, mention the original source: ukmigrationlawyers.co.uk

Also, go ahead and browse our blog for more interesting articles on UK immigration.

Disclaimer: Please note that these articles and the information contained herein are purely for general guidance and do not constitute a professional legal or any other opinion as to the merits of a particular application or whether specific immigration requirements have been met of a particular category. This information is generic and should not be relied upon as a definitive guide to fulfilling specific category requirements. However should any individual do so it is at his or her own risk for which UK Migration Lawyers Limited cannot be held responsible in any way.

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One way of coming to work in the UK is as an employee of someone who is immigrating or returning to the UK.  If you are between the ages of 18-65, you may accompany them and work for them by applying for a domestic worker visa.  This type of work applies to nannies, housekeepers, chefs, drivers etc.  The requirements for this type of visa are fairly simple.  You must prove that you are living with your employer, and have been in their employ for at least a year prior to making the application.  Your spouse and children are allowed to come to the UK with you provided that you have living accommodations and wages to allow you to provide for yourself since you will not be eligible for government benefits.

Domestic worker visas can be obtained initially for a 12 month periods and can be extended if requirements continue to be met.  You will need to provide proof that you are living with your employer, and you can even change employers during your visa period as long as you stay in the same type of work.  A job such as this can also provide opportunities to see other parts of the world because you are entitled to travel with that employer when in their employ.  Likewise, you may remain behind in the UK if you choose not to accompany your employer out of the country, as long as your employer is returning.  If your employer intends to leave the UK permanently, you will have to leave as well.

Another way that the UK government has made this type of work easier for employees coming to the UK with their employers is to allow them to return to their home country for visits or personal reasons without any difficulty gaining re-entry to the UK.  You need only carry proof of employment with you.

Feel free to share this if you found it useful. Tell your friends about this article and feel free to post it to your blog or site. Please, mention the original source: ukmigrationlawyers.co.uk

Also, go ahead and browse our blog for more interesting articles on UK immigration.

Disclaimer: Please note that these articles and the information contained herein are purely for general guidance and do not constitute a professional legal or any other opinion as to the merits of a particular application or whether specific immigration requirements have been met of a particular category. This information is generic and should not be relied upon as a definitive guide to fulfilling specific category requirements. However should any individual do so it is at his or her own risk for which UK Migration Lawyers Limited cannot be held responsible in any way.

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The British government puts a high value on attracting foreign students to come study in their county, from all over the world, and prides itself on its history and its diversity.  UK universities are renowned all over the world, for having some of the highest academic standards, while harboring some of the finest higher learning institutions in the entire world.  UK universities have a reputation around the world for not only being some of the best schools academic wise, but also culturally and spiritually as well.  If you are looking to join the already 1.3 million students currently studying in the UK, the first thing you’ll have to do is get a student visa.  You may want to first contact an immigration lawyer in the UK to see if you are eligible to get a student visa.

To obtain a student visa you will need to supply the UK immigration services with several documents.  You will need to obtain a formal acceptance letter from the school or university you will be attending, not to mention proof that you are the actual recipient of this letter.  You will most likely need to contact the admissions office, at the college or university you will be attending, to provide you with an original signed document, indicating the purpose and length of your study.  You must also make sure that your school of choice is registered with the Department of Education and Skills Register of Education and Training Providers.  This is a basic requirement for admittance, and you will not be able to enter the UK without it.

You will then need to complete and submit an online application form on the visa4UL website, where you will incur a small fee to complete the application.  After your online application has been submitted, and completed, you will send in the completed application to the British Embassy Government Consulate that is located in your area.  Upon obtaining clearance from this consulate, you are free to enter the UK and start studying.

To complete the process you will need a valid passport, and evidence of your residential status in the country where you reside.  You will need a passport photo, and possibly evidence of government sponsorship, if applicable.  You will also need to prove financial support for yourself, during your stay in the United Kingdom.  A student visa to the UK is usually good for about a year.  Students cannot work more than 20 hours while classes are in session and any dependent that may be accompanying you will need to file for a separate visa as well.

Feel free to share this if you found it useful. Tell your friends about this article and feel free to post it to your blog or site. Please, mention the original source: ukmigrationlawyers.co.uk

Disclaimer: Please note that these articles and the information contained herein are purely for general guidance and do not constitute a professional legal or any other opinion as to the merits of a particular application or whether specific immigration requirements have been met of a particular category. This information is generic and should not be relied upon as a definitive guide to fulfilling specific category requirements. However should any individual do so it is at his or her own risk for which UK Migration Lawyers Limited cannot be held responsible in any way.

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