Month: April 2013

UKBA announce implementation date for changes to family visitor appeals

April 29, 2013

The UK Border Agency has announced that from the end of June 2013, the full right of appeal for applicants refused leave to enter the UK as a family visitor will be removed. On the 25th April 2013 Royal Assent…

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Switzerland imposes new immigration limits on EU states

April 26, 2013

This week, the Swiss government announced a twelve month cap on the number of nationals from European Union (EU) states who can obtain long term residence permits to live in Switzerland. The move has caused considerable controversy, since although Switzerland…

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Changes to the knowledge of language and life in the UK requirements

April 24, 2013

This month has brought another Statement of Intent from the UK Border Agency, this time affecting applications for settlement, or, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and naturalisation. The Home Secretary announced last year that from October 2013 all applicants for settlement (unless...

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UKBA launches re-tendering exercise for English language test providers

April 23, 2013

Recently, the UK Border Agency announced plans to carry out a re-tendering exercise for approved secure English language test providers. The re-tendering exercise will take place this summer and is designed to ensure that "all approved providers offer a high quality…

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Home Office announces the replacement of the UKBA

April 19, 2013

The Home Secretary announced at the end of March that the UK Border Agency would be abolished and replaced with two separate functions that would both sit under the umbrella of the Home Office again. Yesterday, in addition, the new...

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CHINA: Changes to Immigration Laws

April 15, 2013

Further changes to Chinese immigration laws have been announced by the government. Currently, the new regulations only apply in Beijing and we have been advised that the implementation plan for these changes is still under discussion, but they are expected…

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Home Office Launches Reminder Pilot for migrants

April 10, 2013

This week the UK Border Agency (UKBA) announced the launch of a new pilot which is now in force. The Home Office, in partnership with Capita, has devised a scheme which will remind individuals whose permission to stay in the…

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Changes to the UK Immigration Rules now in force

April 8, 2013

As we have highlighted previously in our news and blog pages, the 6th April 2013 saw numerous changes to the UK Immigration Rules take effect. The changes will apply to all types of immigration applications made from the 6th April and…

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Important changes to the restricted certificates of sponsorship (RCoS)

April 5, 2013

Due to recent changes to the codes of practice for skilled employers, the UKBA has made some adjustments to the restricted certificate of sponsorship application process (RCoS) for this transition period, which will apply for March, April, and May 2013. If you…

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UK Immigration changes from 6th April 2013

April 3, 2013

As mentioned in our previous blog and in response to the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) report, the government released a Statement of Intent which outlines the new UK Immigration Rules based on MAC"s recommendations. The new changes will be implemented…

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