12 May 2015
Home Office reporting delays in issuing Biometric Residence Permits
The Home Office is reporting a delay in the issuance of Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for Tier 2 (General), Sportsperson and Ministry of Religion applicants, following changes introduced in late April 2015 in the recording of National Insurance (NI) numbers on the BRP. For in-country applicants in these Tier 2 categories, they will require a NI number when making their leave to remain application in the UK. Before issuing the BRP, the Home Office will need to check the NI position with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and it is this additional check which is currently causing delays of up to 10 days.
30 April 2015
Updated Registered Travellers Scheme
We previously updated you on 26 November 2014 regarding the Registered Travellers Scheme which has since been opened up to a greater number of applicants. Although it is still limited to nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the US, the categories of applicant have been expanded to include all visa holders with the exception of Tier 5 (Sporting & Creative Concessions), EEA family permit holders and those with discretionary leave and leave outside the immigration rules. In addition it is still available to visitors who have visited the UK at least four times in the previous 52 weeks.
27 April 2015
Changes to visit visas
With effect from 24 April 2015, changes have been made to the visitor visa categories of the Immigration Rules. The changes apply for all applications for visitor visas to the UK made on or after 24 April.
9 April 2015
Changes introduced to the British nationality regime
A number of recent rule changes have been introduced to the British nationality regime. This blog provides a brief overview of some of the key changes.
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.
