Frequently Asked Questions - about UK immigration
How do I find out if I am eligible to apply?
Check the current UK immigration regulations - click
here.
Take a 5 minute FREE eligibility "Quick Check - click here
Proceed
to a detailed "Full Check" assessment by our Registered Migration Agents and Licensed Immigration
Advisers - click here
How long does it take to get a permanent residence visa (known in the United Kingdom as Indefinite Leave to Remain - ILR?
In the United Kingdom you must first apply under one of the temporary visa classes before you are eligible to apply for permanent residence (known in the UK as Indefinite Leave to Remain ‘(ILR")
Every application is different and processing times largely depend on the type of visa being applied for and the location of the UKBA office. See UKBA
processing time guide..
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What are the current pass marks for the various different visa classes?
The current passmark for the Tier 1 (General) visa class (replaced the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme) is 95 points.
If you would like to know if you meet these pass marks, we will work it out for you for FREE. Click here to complete a FREE initial eligibility assessment .
Will the immigration authorities or embassy help me to prepare my application and make sure that everything
is correct before applying?
No.
This type of service is no longer provided by the UK Government. The
authorities exist to enforce the immigration law, rule on residence
applications and to issue residence visas. Although basic information
and applications forms are available, the authorities are unable to
provide independent advice and personalized guidance on your specific
case. Only a registered Migration Consultant can provide this sort of
service.
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Can the immigration authorities refuse my application?
Yes. A surprisingly large number of applicants are unaware how strictly the immigration regulations are enforced and are often unnecessarily refused or delayed due to technical errors on their application or by submitting the wrong supporting documentation. So the moral of the story is to seek the professional guidance and independent advice of a migration consultant before lodging an application for residence. Consultants exist to help you find the best way through the immigration maze and are highly effective in doing so.
What is a permanent resident?
Essentially, a residence permit is a right affixed into your passport granting you the permanent right to live and work in a country. You are generally eligible for state medical care, education and social welfare assistance. Temporary residents are generally not entitled to medical care or social welfare assistance at any time and are generally unable to remain in the country for longer than 5 years.
When I migrate, will I lose my current passport?
No, not necessarily. Firstly, you will enter on a temporary visa and you will be able to apply for ILR or permanent residency after spending the required amount of time in the United Kingdom depending which visa you have been granted. Normally after one year as a permanent resident it is recommended that you apply for UK citizenship as long as you meet the residence requirements as in order to keep your permanent residence or ILR you should not spend longer than two years outside the UK. If you continue to only spend short periods of time in the UK over many years it is likely that you will lose your ILR. The UK government universally allows dual-nationality (i.e. the holding of two passports) but having said this, you must check that your own country of citizenship allows dual-nationality, as this right must be reciprocal. If not, you will need to surrender your other passport in order to become a citizen of the United Kingdom.
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