24 June 2015
Crackdown on skilled migrants – a step too far?
The election of a majority Conservative government in May 2015 included a manifesto commitment to reduce net migration from the ‘hundreds of thousands’ to the ‘tens of thousands.’
As part of this policy David Cameron announced that this would include a crackdown on non-EU skilled workers coming into the UK under Tier 2 of the points based system.
27 March 2015
Restructuring your business or investing in a UK business? Mind the immigration traps
As the UK economy emerges from recession, it is an exciting time to be doing business here. We have seen a significant increase in clients coming to us following mergers with questions about immigration matters. Whatever the outcome of the 2015 General Election in May, the new Government will be working with a stronger economy and encouraging businesses to invest in the UK which will have an impact on immigration. This blog explores some of the practical considerations in respect of immigration rules that companies should be aware of.
6 March 2015
British Consulate-General in New York lauches Super Priority Visa Service
Following the roll out of the Super Priority Visa Service (“SPVS”) in India and China, the British Consulate-General in New York has announced that it will also adopt the service, effective of today. The service is available for a fee of £600 (roughly equivalent to $936) and can be purchased online from the VFS Global website.
6 March 2015
Closure of Tier 1 (General) extension is imminent
By way of a follow-up note, we wanted to remind you that after 6 April 2015 it will no longer be possible to submit a Tier 1 (General) extension application. All those who are able to do so, should submit their extension application prior to this date in order to ensure they may continue to reside and work in the UK under this category. Applicants will be granted sufficient further leave to bring their total leave up to five years, at which point they will be eligible to apply for settlement, otherwise known as indefinite leave to remain, subject to meeting all the other requirements. Applicants may continue to apply for settlement any time prior to 6 April 2018, after which point it will no longer be possible to obtain settlement in this category.
16 October 2014
Business visitors - Changes to the UK immigration rules for fly-in, fly-out lawyers
As part of a package of changes to the Immigration Rules, the Home Office have today published a welcome change which will benefit lawyers working for international law firms.