The Tier 2 (General) category of the Points Based System is for non-European migrants who have been offered a skilled job by a UK employer to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker. Under this category, you must have a job offer in the UK and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an organisation that is a licenced sponsor in the UK. If the organisation wishing to sponsor you is not a licenced sponsor, they will need to apply for a sponsorship licence before they can assign a CoS to you.

How we can help with Tier 2 General Visa application?

If you wish to apply for a Tier 2 General Visa we can help you with your Tier 2 visa application and queries. Our expert team of lawyers can assist you with the preparation of your Tier 2 General Visa application and ensure that you meet with all the requirements of the relevant Immigration Rules. We will ensure that all key points are substantiated with documentary evidence thereby leading to a successful application and avoiding the unnecessary expense of resubmitting your Tier 2 General Visa application to the Home Office.

Qualifying Criteria for a Tier 2 General Visa

You can make an in-country or entry clearance tier 2 visa application. In order to make a successful application for a Tier 2 General visa, you must score a minimum of 70 points as required by the Points Based System. This includes scoring points for:

• Attributes – includes having a licensed sponsor and a valid Certificate of Sponsorship;
• English language skills; and
• Maintenance (funds).

Your employer must meet the requirements under this category and accept certain responsibilities to help immigration control.

Making an Application for a Tier 2 General Visa from inside the UK

Switching from Tier 4 General Student category:

• you must have successfully completed and passed a UK recognised Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, Postgraduate Certificate in Education or Professional Graduate Diploma of education or have completed a minimum of 12 months study in the UK towards a UK PhD during your current period of leave or a period of continuous leave which includes your last grant of leave; and
• you must have studied for the eligible award at a UK institution that is a UK recognised or listed body, or an education provider which holds a licence for sponsoring students under Tier 4 of the Points-Based system.

In this situation, your employer is exempt from meeting the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT). Your employer will need to issue an unrestricted CoS which you will need to make an application for Tier 2 General visa. Your job and salary level must comply with the requirements of the Code of Practice.

Switching from Tier 1 Post Study Work (PSW) visa:

If you are in the UK on a PSW visa, you can switch into the Tier 2 General category from inside the UK. Your employer will need to issue you with an unrestricted CoS which you will need to make an application for Tier 2 General visa. Your job and salary level must comply with the requirements of the Code of Practice.

Documents you must provide for tier 2 general visa

When you apply you’ll need to provide the following details with your tier 2 general visa application:

• your certificate of sponsorship reference number
• proof of your knowledge of English
• a bank or building society statement or letter that shows you have enough personal savings (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your sponsor can support you)
• a current passport or travel document to prove you can travel – you need a page in your passport that’s blank on both sides for your visa
• expired passports or travel documents if you need them to show your travel history
• your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country
• a criminal record certificate – if you’re working with vulnerable people
• You must provide the original plus a photocopy of every document you provide.
• If your documents aren’t in English or Welsh you’ll also need to send a certified translation.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

You’ll need to provide a criminal record certificate if you work in:

• education, for example, teachers, education advisers and school inspectors
• healthcare, for example, nurses, doctors, managers, pharmacists, dentists, ophthalmic opticians
• therapy, for example, psychologists, speech and language therapists
• social services, for example, social workers, managers, probation officers

You’ll need a certificate from any country you’ve stayed in for a total of 12 months or more over the last 10 years.

Duration of Tier 2 General Visa & Applying for ILR

Tier 2 Work Permit Visas can last in between one day to five years, depending on the time frame specified by the sponsoring company.

Once you have been in the UK for a minimum of five years under this tier 2 general Visa category, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. After a year, you can apply for British Naturalisation as a UK citizen.

What you can and can’t do on tier 2 general visa

You can enjoy these benefits on tier 2 general visa:

• work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
• do a second job in certain circumstances
• do voluntary work
• study as long as it doesn’t interfere with the job you’re sponsored for
• travel abroad and return to the UK
• bring family members with you

You can’t do the following on tier 2 general visa:

• own more than 10% of your sponsor’s shares (unless you earn more than £159,600 a year)
• get public funds
• apply for a second job until you’ve started working for your sponsor

Change of Employer

If you are working in the UK with a Tier 2 General visa but wish to change employment,  your potential employer will need to issue you with a CoS which will need to be submitted to the Home Office. Once you have been issued with a CoS, you will need to make an application for Further Leave to Remain under Tier 2 of the Points Based System.

Why we provide the best legal advice in relation to your Tier 2 Work Permit Visa:

We are a UK Solicitors law firm and are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (link is external) (SRA) and as a professional law firm are completely exempt from requiring authorisation by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (link is external) (OISC). Many businesses offering immigration services are only OISC regulated and as such are not professional legal organisations such as Solicitors firms or Barristers’ chambers. OISC businesses are not allowed to do legal work before the Courts such as Judicial Review or statutory challenges of Home Office decisions. Also, as a professional organisation, our policy is not to employ sales staff to give you “advice”. Instead, every telephone consultation is conducted by a lawyer; offering you accurate and informed legal guidance. Under your instruction, our qualified team of immigration solicitors and barristers will guide you through your case from the outset; ensuring that neither time nor money is wasted and that no mistakes are made when it matters the most.

Expert Immigration

As a leading law firm with a track record of success, you can be assured your immigration matter is in safe hands and that the best strategy for your case will be adopted. It is crucial that you seek specialist legal advice at the outset and prior to making any type of immigration application. We can assist your with your applications for any type of Visa including Tier 2 general visa or permit and any form of leave to remain (or for entry clearance) under the points-based system. We ensure our clients comply with the Immigration Rules and the strict requirements of the UKBA prior to making an application, thereby eliminating much of the stress of tier 2 general visa application process.

Contact us for successful Tier 2 General application

Our experienced team of professionally qualified solicitors and barristers will guide you through the process of tier 2 general visa application step by step, complying with the strict letter of the law and limiting the possibility of failure. Consider HS Legal as your Tier 2 ICT Visa adviser; call us for a telephone consultation today.

Our Immigration Experts are able to give specialist legal information and advice in this area of law. To contact one of our Immigration Solicitors or Immigration Barristers please complete our online Enquiry form and we will get in touch or call us now on 01206500181

The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route allows graduates to extend their stay in the UK following their graduation to establish their business. The government have placed a limit on the number of tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa applications which is currently capped at 1,000 per year and equally divided amongst participating institutions. You can only apply for this visa if you are currently in the UK.

If you are granted permission to stay under a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa, you will be entitled to stay in the UK for 1 year, after this year you can apply for an extension. If successful, this will allow you to stay for another year.

How we can help with Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa application?

If you wish to apply for a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa we can help you with your application and queries. Our expert team of lawyers can assist you with the preparation of your Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa application and ensure that you meet with all the requirements of the relevant Immigration Rules. We will ensure that all key points are substantiated with documentary evidence thereby leading to a successful Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa application and avoiding the unnecessary expense of resubmitting your application to the Home Office.

Qualifying for a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa

In order to qualify for a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa you must show:

• You have been endorsed by a UK higher education institution and this endorsement confirms they have assessed you and your business plan;
• The UK higher education institution has awarded you a recognised bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree;
• You satisfy the English language requirement; and
• You have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK.

Conditions of a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa

Whilst staying in the UK on a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa you are not entitled to any state benefits or public funds. You are also not allowed to be employed as a doctor or dentist in training or a professional sportsperson. The only employment you may undertake is work for the business your Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa is based on, plus other employment of no more than 20 hours per week.

Documents you must provide for Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa application

The documents you need to provide depend on how you’re being endorsed.

Endorsed by a UK higher education institution (HEI)

When you apply for Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa you’ll need to provide:

• a current passport or other valid travel identification
• a letter of endorsement from your UK HEI
• bank statements showing you’ve had at least £945 in savings if applying from inside the UK or £1,890 if applying from outside the UK – you must have had this in your bank account for 90 days before you apply

You’ll also need to provide the following if your degree was awarded by a different UK HEI than the one providing your endorsement:

• an original certificate of your qualification or an accepted alternative
• proof that you have knowledge of the English language
• You need a page in your passport that’s blank on both sides for your visa.

Endorsed by the Department for International Trade (DIT)

When you apply for Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa you’ll need to provide:

• a current passport or other valid travel identification
• a letter of endorsement from DIT
• an original certificate of your academic qualification
• previous passports
• a residence permit or valid visa if you’re not a national of the country from where you’re applying
• proof that you meet the English language requirement
• bank statements showing you’ve had at least £945 in savings if applying from inside the UK or £1,890 if applying from outside the UK – you must have had this in your bank account for 90 days before you apply
• a letter from NARIC that proves you can use your qualification to apply for this visa

Why we provide the best legal advice for Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visas

We are a UK Solicitors law firm and are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority(link is external) (SRA) and as a professional law firm are completely exempt from requiring authorisation by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner(link is external) (OISC). Many businesses offering immigration services are only OISC regulated and as such are not professional legal organisations such as Solicitors firms or Barristers’ chambers. OISC businesses are not allowed to do legal work before the Courts such as Judicial Review or statutory challenges of Home Office decisions. Also, as a professional organisation, our policy is not to employ sales staff to give you “advice”. Instead, every telephone consultation is conducted by a lawyer; offering you accurate and informed legal guidance. Our experienced team of professionally qualified solicitors and barristers will guide you through the process step by step, complying with the strict letter of the law and limiting the possibility of failure. Consider HS Legal as your Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa adviser; call us for a telephone consultation today.

Expert immigration

As a law firm with a track record of success, you can be assured your immigration matter is in safe hands and that the best strategy for your case will be adopted. It is crucial that you seek specialist legal advice at the outset and prior to making any type of immigration application. We can assist you with your applications for any type of Visa including Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa or permit and any form of leave to remain (or for entry clearance) under the points-based system. We ensure our clients comply with the Immigration Rules and the strict requirements of the UKBA prior to making a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa application, thereby eliminating much of the stress of the application process.

Contact us for successful Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa applications

Our experienced team of professionally qualified solicitors and barristers will guide you through the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa application process step by step, complying with the strict letter of the law and limiting the possibility of failure. Consider HS Legal as your Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa adviser; call us for a telephone consultation today.

Our Immigration Experts are able to give specialist legal information and advice in this area of law. To contact one of our Immigration Solicitors or Immigration Barristers please complete our online Enquiry form and we will get in touch or call us now on 01206500181

The Tier 1 UK Entrepreneur Visa category is for business persons who would like to establish a business in the UK or join and invest into an existing business. In order for your application to be successful, you must meet a certain criterion.

How we can help with Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa application?

If you wish to apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa we can help you with your application and queries. Our expert team of lawyers can assist you with the preparation of your tier 1 entrepreneur visa application and ensure that you meet with all the requirements of the relevant Immigration Rules, we will ensure that all key points are substantiated with documentary evidence thereby leading to a successful entrepreneur visa application and avoiding unnecessary expense of resubmitting your application to the Home Office.

Conditions for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa

Generally, a successful Entrepreneur Visa applicant is initially given a 2-year visa. An extension of a further 3 years can be applied for as long as the business is operating, an investment has been made and 2 jobs have been created. Applicants may, after 5 years, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Permanent Residency). Further, partners and dependent children are able to join you on this visa and are free to work and go to school.

What are the UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa benefits?

The UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa holders can enjoy the following:

• Permanent residency after five years.
• Opportunity to fast track residency after three years when qualifying milestones are met.
• British Citizenship for you and your dependents after six years and permanent residency.
• Any time you spend in the UK under your Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa can be combined with time spent under other visas to contribute to the ten-year residency qualification.

• You can study to further enhance your entrepreneurial skill
• Open other business ventures
• The gateway to the European market.

Qualifying for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa

To submit a successful Entrepreneur Visa application, you must be able to satisfy the following requirements:

• A minimum investment of £200,000; to start the proposed business; or
• Have access to £50,000 from a registered capital firm regulated by FSA or a UK entrepreneurial seed funding competition (endorsement from UK TDI) or a UK Government  project for specifically establishing a business; or
• Have access to £50,000 and are applying for leave to remain and have, or were, granted leave as a Tier 1 (graduate entrepreneur) migrant, or
• Have access to £50,000, are applying for leave to remain, have or were granted leave as a Tier 1 (Post-study work) migrant, were registered with HMRC as either self-employed or a director of a new or existing business no more than 3 months before your application and finally; are engaged in business activity other than the work necessary to administer your business that conforms with the National Qualifications Framework Level 4 and above.
• The sum must be held in a regulated bank account;
• The money must be disposable in the UK;
• The applicant must intend to either establish, take over or become a director of one or more businesses in the UK within a period of six months;
• The applicant must show an intention to invest the money in a business. The money, therefore, must be in the applicant’s own possessions in the financial accounts of a UK incorporated business of which he is the director, or available from a third party named in the application;
• The applicant must only be working in the running of the business;
• The applicant must provide a business plan and evidence of market research into their chosen business sector;
• The applicant must provide evidence of educational and business experience ( if any), immigration history and previous activity in the UK;
• The applicant must register with HMRC as self-employed, in addition to having been registered as a director of his new or existing business;
• The money available must be spent on running the business. This does not include the applicant’s own remuneration.
• The applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves, and any dependants, until the business becomes profitable; and
•  Applicants must meet with the English language ability requirements.

Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa extension

To be eligible for an extension to a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa, the following criteria must be satisfied:

• Applicants must have invested or had invested on their behalf, a minimum of £200,000 / £50,000 in a UK business.
• Applicant must, within six months, have registered with HMRC as a self-employed person, registered a new UK business with the applicant as a director or registered as a director of an existing UK enterprise.
• At the time of the extension application, the candidate must be engaged in activity within this business.

When applying for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa extension, it is a necessary requirement that the applicant can demonstrate that they have created positions of employment for people with the UK settled status. For a new business, this means that an aggregate of two positions, full time or equivalent, must have been created with each lasting for at least one year.

In cases where an applicant has taken control over an established UK business, their investment and presence in the company must have created two positions similar to those outlined above.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for an Entrepreneur Visa

The government has an accelerated process for qualifying for ILR, whereby Tier 1 Entrepreneur migrants will be able to settle in the UK more quickly if they create 10 jobs or turn over £5 million in a three year period.

EC Association Agreement Countries: Applicants from Bulgaria or Romania may immigrate to the UK under this visa category without the need to fulfil the £200,000 investment or create jobs for EEA nationals. However, they will still be able to demonstrate a viable business plan and to provide adequate funds to support themselves and any dependents until the business begins to make a profit.

Switching to a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa

You can switch to a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa if you already have permission to stay in the UK under a different immigration category. For example, if you have permission to stay under another Tier 1 Visa or a Tier 2 or Tier 4 Visa you can switch to a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa. You also have the option to switch if you are a student, nurse, postgraduate doctor or dentist, self-employed lawyer, writer, composer, artist, innovator or investor. If you do not fall within these categories you will need to leave the UK and make your Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa application from abroad.

We provide the best legal advice for Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visas

We are a UK Solicitors law firm and are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority(link is external) (SRA) and as a professional law firm are completely exempt from requiring authorisation by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner(link is external) (OISC). Many businesses offering immigration services are only OISC regulated and as such are not professional legal organisations such as Solicitors firms or Barristers’ chambers. OISC businesses are not allowed to do legal work before the Courts such as Judicial Review or statutory challenges of Home Office decisions. Also, as a professional organisation, our policy is not to employ sales staff to give you “advice”. Instead, every telephone consultation is conducted by a lawyer; offering you accurate and informed legal guidance. Under your instruction, our qualified team of immigration solicitors and barristers will guide you through your entrepreneur visa case from the outset; ensuring that no time nor money is wasted and that no mistakes are made when it matters the most.

Expert Immigration

As a law firm with a track record of success, you can be assured your immigration matter is in safe hands and that the best strategy for your case will be adopted. It is crucial that you seek specialist legal advice at the outset and prior to making any type of immigration application. We can assist you with your applications for any type of Visa including tier 1 entrepreneur visa or permit and any form of leave to remain (or for entry clearance) under the points-based system. We ensure our clients comply with the Immigration Rules and the strict requirements of the UKBA prior to making a tier 1 entrepreneur visa application, thereby eliminating much of the stress of the application process.

Contact us for successful Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa applications

Our experienced team of professionally qualified solicitors and barristers will guide you through the process of tier 1 entrepreneur visa step by step, complying with the strict letter of the law and limiting the possibility of failure. Consider HS Legal as your Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa adviser; call us for a telephone consultation today.

Our Immigration Experts are able to give specialist legal information and advice in this area of law. To contact one of our Immigration Solicitors or Immigration Barristers please complete our online Enquiry form and we will get in touch or call us now on 01206500181.

You can apply for a Schengen Visa for the purpose of leisure, tourism or business. It makes travelling between the European member countries easier. A Schengen Visa would be beneficial for people who wish to visit several European countries on the same trip.

How we can help with Schengen visa application?

Our expert team of lawyers can assist you with the preparation of your Schengen visa application and ensure that you meet with all the requirements of the relevant Immigration Rules. We will ensure that all key points are substantiated with documentary evidence, thereby leading to a successful Schengen visa application whilst avoiding the unnecessary expense of re-submitting your application to the Home Office.

What’s a Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa is a document issued by the appropriate authorities to the interested party for visiting/travelling to and within the Schengen Area. A Schengen visa holder can travel freely to all 26 members’ states of the Schengen zone.

Qualifying criteria:

To meet the requirements of Schengen Visa:

• You must intend to stay for a maximum of up to 90 days in any given 6 month period.
• You must be able to show that you have enough money to support your travel around Europe.

Countries you can travel to on Schengen Visa.

With a Schengen Visa you are able to visit the following countries:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Please note that the UK is not a member of the Schengen group of countries, therefore you are unable to visit the UK on a Schengen Visa.

Documents you must provide with your Schengen visa application

The following documents are required for any short-term Schengen visa application:

• The following documents are required for Schengen visa application:
• Fully completed and signed Visa application form.
• You must attach two recently taken photos.
• A valid passport not older than 10 years and it should be valid for at least three more months before the date you plan to leave Schengen area.
• If you have any older passports with visas on them.
• Your entry and exit Dates and flight numbers from the Schengen area.
• A document that proves you have travel health insurance for the whole Schengen territory, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros in case of any medical emergency as illnesses, accidents and even repatriation in case of death.
• A document that shows your accommodation details throughout your stay in Schengen.
• Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself financially throughout your stay in the Schengen.
• Proof of paid visa fee

Schengen Visa validity

The Schengen visa allows the holder to a total stay of up to 90 days within a period of 6 months for tourist or business purposes. If you get a multiple entry Schengen visa, you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the region must not total more than 90 days.

Why we provide the best legal advice

We are a UK Solicitors law firm and are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority(link is external) (SRA) and as a professional law firm are completely exempt from requiring authorisation by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner(link is external) (OISC). Many businesses offering immigration services are only OISC regulated and as such are not professional legal organisations such as Solicitors firms or Barristers’ chambers. OISC businesses are not allowed to do legal work before the Courts such as Judicial Review or statutory challenges of Home Office decisions. Also, as a professional organisation, our policy is not to employ sales staff to give you “advice”. Instead, every telephone consultation is conducted by a lawyer; offering you accurate and informed legal guidance. We have often instructed at immigration appeal (link is external) stages in cases that ‘immigration businesses’ have dealt with and which were clearly hopeless applications at the outset. Under your instruction, our qualified team of immigration solicitors and barristers will guide you through your case from the outset; ensuring that neither time nor money is wasted and that no mistakes are made when it matters the most.

Expert immigration

As a law firm with a track record of success, you can be assured your immigration matter is in safe hands and that the best strategy for your case will be adopted. It is crucial that you seek specialist legal advice at the outset and prior to making any type of immigration application. We can assist you with your applications for any type of Visa including Schengen visa or permit and any form of leave to remain (or for entry clearance) under the points-based system. We ensure our clients comply with the Immigration Rules and the strict requirements of the UKBA prior to making an application, thereby eliminating much of the stress of the Schengen visa application process.

Contact us for successful Schengen visa applications

Our experienced team of professionally qualified solicitors and barristers will guide you through the process Schengen visa step by step, complying with the strict letter of the law and limiting the possibility of failure. Consider HS Legal as your Schengen Visa adviser; call us for a telephone consultation today.

Our Immigration Experts are able to give specialist legal information and advice in this area of law. To contact one of our Immigration Solicitors or Immigration Barristers please complete our online Enquiry form and we will get in touch or call us now on 01206500181.

Once you have completed five years of lawful residence in the UK and you have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for at least one year, you can apply for naturalisation as a British Citizen. If you are married to a British Citizen, you can apply for British citizenship as soon as you have completed three years residence in the UK and you have ILR. If successful, it will mean you will no longer be subject to immigration control and you would be free to live and work not only in the UK but anywhere in the EEA.

How we can help with your naturalisation process?

We can help with your naturalisation application and queries. Our expert team of lawyers can assist you with the preparation of your British citizenship application and ensure that you meet with all the requirements of the relevant Immigration Rules, we will ensure that all key points are substantiated with documentary evidence thereby leading to a successful application and avoiding unnecessary expense of resubmitting your application to the Home Office.

What is naturalisation?

Naturalisation is the legal act or process by which a non-citizen in a country may acquire citizenship or nationality of that country. It may be done by a statute, without any effort on the part of the individual, or it may involve an application and approval by legal authorities.

What is British naturalisation?

British naturalisation is the process by which you can apply for British citizenship. For some countries you are not allowed to hold 2 nationalities so it is worth checking before you commence your application that you are eligible and what is likely impact of your current right to nationality of applying to become British.

The rules leading eligibility for British citizenship and for the application process are strict and vary depending on the circumstances of your application.

Applying for British citizenship

In order to apply for British citizenship, you must have had Indefinite Leave to Remain for at least 12 months. The only exception is EEA citizens and their family members. Upon five years continuous residence in the UK ending on or after 30 April 2006, EEA citizens who have continuously exercised ‘treaty rights’ (as a worker, self-employed person, student, self-sufficient person or a job seeker) and their family members automatically acquire permanent residence status.

Once EEA citizens and their family members have had permanent residence status for a period of at least 12 months, they are entitled to apply to naturalise as a British citizen.

Qualifying Criteria for British Citizenship

There are a number of requirements that one has to fulfil in order to make a successful application for British citizenship:

• Minimum age of 18;
• Sound mind;
• The intention of having your home in the UK;
• Sufficient knowledge of English Language;
• Sufficient knowledge of life in the UK;
• Good character;
• Residence requirements; and
• References.

What documents do you need to apply for British citizenship?

If you are applying for British citizenship as a spouse, you will need the following documents:

• A passed Life in the UK test
• Evidence of competence in English (qualification or British degree certificate)
• Passport or travel documents which cover the last three years
• (If your passport does not cover the past three years) you need to show sufficient evidence of living in the UK, such as study records, P60’s, wage slips, benefit letters
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Completed application form (AN)

If you are applying to become a British citizen through a different route, you will need the same documents. However, you will need to prove you have spent the last five years as a resident in the UK rather than three.

What are the English language requirements for citizenship?

To meet the British citizenship requirements, you need to show you are competitive in English. You can do this with either:

• a degree qualification which was taught or research in English
• an English test qualification of a minimum of ‘C2’

Not every nationality of the person needs to demonstrate that they meet English language requirements to become a citizen. For example, if your first language is English, you do not need to pass a test.

There are other circumstances in which you will not need to pass the English test in order to meet the British citizenship requirements. These are:

• If you are aged 65 or older when you submit your application
• If you are not in the right physical or mental condition to sit the test
• Exceptional compassionate circumstances

How long does it take to get a British citizenship?

The British citizenship application process usually takes around three months. However, this is the top estimate. Citizenship applications take significantly longer than many other visa applications because it is a far more complex procedure. When you become a British citizen, you are free from all immigration boundaries and gain full rights in the UK. As a result, UKVI is particularly cautious with which applications they choose to accept.

Naturalisation certificates

Naturalisation certificates are issued to all people who are granted British citizenship through naturalisation.

Usually, naturalisation certificates contain:

• full name
• residence/address of the applicant
• birthplace
• age/date of birth
• parents’ names
• name of spouse (if married)
• occupation
• children with their names and ages (if still of dependent age)

Why we provide the best legal advice in relation to your Naturalisation application

We are a UK Solicitors law firm and are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority(link is external) (SRA) and as a professional law firm are completely exempt from requiring authorisation by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner(link is external) (OISC). Many businesses offering immigration services are only OISC regulated and as such are not professional legal organisations such as Solicitors firms or Barristers’ chambers. OISC businesses are not allowed to do legal work before the Courts such as Judicial Review or statutory challenges of Home Office decisions. Also, as a professional organisation, our policy is not to employ sales staff to give you “advice”. Instead, every telephone consultation is conducted by a lawyer; offering you accurate and informed legal guidance. Under your instruction, our qualified team of immigration solicitors and barristers will guide you through your case from the outset; ensuring that neither time nor money is wasted and that no mistakes are made when it matters the most.

As a leading law firm with a track record of success, you can be assured your immigration matter is in safe hands and that the best strategy for your case will be adopted. It is crucial that you seek specialist legal advice at the outset and prior to making any type of immigration application. We can assist you with your applications for any type of Visa or permit including naturalisation and any form of leave to remain (or for entry clearance) under the points-based system. We ensure our clients comply with the Immigration Rules and the strict requirements of the UKBA prior to making application for British citizenship, thereby eliminating much of the stress of the application process.

Contact us for a successful Naturalisation application

Our experienced team of professionally qualified solicitors and barristers will guide you through the process of British citizenship step by step, complying with the strict letter of the law and limiting the possibility of failure. Consider HS Legal as your naturalisation adviser; call us for a telephone consultation today.

Our Immigration Experts are able to give specialist legal information and advice in this area of law. To contact one of our Immigration Solicitors or Immigration Barristers please complete our online Enquiry form and we will get in touch or call us now on 01206500181.

If you have had lodged an unsuccessful application to enter or to remain in the UK, you can appeal against this decision under the ambit of the Human Rights Act 1998, providing you can meet a certain criterion.

An application made under this Act is called a Discretionary Leave application. An application of this kind is made outside the ambit of the immigration rules and is based on exceptional, compassionate and compelling circumstances. In order to make a successful application, you will need to satisfy the following criteria:

• The applicant must have resided continuously in the UK for at least 20 years; or
• The applicant must be  under the age of 18 years of age and have resided continuously in the UK for at least seven years; or
• The applicant must be aged 18 years or above but under 25 years and have spent at least half of their life residing continuously in the UK; or
• The applicant must be aged 18 years or above and have resided continuously in the UK for less than 20 years and have no social, cultural or family ties with their country of origin.

How we can help with your Human Rights application?

Providing you can meet with the above criteria we can assist with your Human Rights application and queries. Our expert team of lawyers can assist you with the preparation of your application and ensure that you meet with all the requirements of the relevant Immigration Rules, we will ensure that all key points are substantiated with documentary evidence thereby leading to a successful Human rights application and avoiding unnecessary expense of resubmitting your application to the Home Office.

Human Rights Act

The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) was affected in the UK by the Human Rights Act 1998. This has opened up the number of options available to an applicant to stay in the UK, as it has enshrined and extended the basis upon which an individual could be allowed to remain in the UK for protection and humanitarian reasons.

The key area of human rights in this area to consider can be found in Article 3 of the Human Rights Act 1998. Prohibiting the use of torture, it states that “No one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.” If you have a genuine fear that you will be exposed to torture, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment and you are being deported to your home country, you can utilise this right and avoid removal from the UK.

Article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998 enshrines the Right to respect for private and family life, it stipulates that  “there shall be no interference by a public authority with the exercise of this right except such as is in accordance with the law and is necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security, public safety or the economic well-being of the country, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.” You can rely on Article 8 if you can show that you will face serious and unjustified interference with your family or private life following your removal from the UK. However broad the consideration for private life may be, the right to pursue a business without undue interference from state authorities is still retained.

As a consequence of the aforementioned legislation, a vast amount of case law has developed in which rights are discussed and substantiated. Asylum and Human rights are very complex areas of law, to make a successful application it is imperative to seek advice from an experienced, professional legal adviser, such as HS Legal.

We have a team of experts specialising in all aspects of Asylum and Human Rights, who would be able to guide you through the relevant legislation and case law and devise a strategy which will lead you to a successful outcome.

If you are already in the UK, you need to apply to the Home Office for asylum as soon as practicable. The home office endeavours to deal with such applications expediently and you may be detained whilst this is processed. You will also have to endure a lengthy interview in which you will have to explain the basis of your claim.

Our trained immigration lawyers would be able to guide you this process and devise a strategy which will facilitate a successful outcome.

A vast amount of cases are refused at the initial application stage. You do have the right to appeal, but you will have to adhere to complex rules and guidelines. If you do not appeal in time, you may lose the right to appeal.

We have a team of in-house experts specialising in all types of Human Rights Applications, they will assess your case and advise you on the best strategy to pursue. You will also be made aware of any pitfalls your case may incur.

Qualifying criteria for a Human Rights application:

To meet the requirements on the grounds of Human Rights application:

• You must be unable to go back to your country of origin as there is a genuine risk that you will be exposed to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

The following are Human Rights and freedoms that are included:

• The right to liberty and security
• The right to no punishment without law
• The right to the fair trial
• The right to respect private and family life
• The right to marry
• The right to a remedy of human rights abuses
• Freedom of thought, conscience and religion
• Freedom of expression
• Prohibition of discrimination
• Freedom of assembly and association
• Prohibition of torture
• Prohibition of slavery and forced labour
• Prohibition of the abuse of rights

What we can do for you to ensure your Human Rights case is successful

The law in this area changes and develops frequently, with a vast array of case law. Our legal experts will guide you through the complex minefield of case law and legislation. The success of your case will depend on how well your case is argued, the type of strategy adopted and the manner in which case law is applied to your circumstances.

In addition, we will do the following:

• Conduct a detailed assessment of your personal circumstances to ensure this is the right course for you. If so then identify which category is applicable to your matter.
• We can ensure that we have the correct documents to strengthen and support your application.
• Complete and submit your Human Rights application.
• Keep you updated in regards to your application.

Why we provide the best legal advice in relation to your Human rights application

We are a UK Solicitors law firm and are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority(link is external) (SRA) and as a professional law firm are completely exempt from requiring authorisation by theOffice of the Immigration Services Commissioner(link is external) (OISC). Many businesses offering immigration services are only OISC regulated and as such are not professional legal organisations such as Solicitors firms or Barristers’ chambers. OISC businesses are not allowed to do legal work before the Courts such as Judicial Review or statutory challenges of Home Office decisions. Also, as a professional organisation, our policy is not to employ sales staff to give you “advice”. Instead, every telephone consultation is conducted by a lawyer; offering you accurate and informed legal guidance. Under your instruction, our qualified team of immigration solicitors and barristers will guide you through your case from the outset; ensuring that neither time nor money is wasted and that no mistakes are made when it matters the most.

Expert Immigration

As a law firm with a track record of success, you can be assured your immigration matter is in safe hands and that the best strategy for your case will be adopted. It is crucial that you seek specialist legal advice at the outset and prior to making any type of immigration application. We can assist you with your applications for human rights application, for any type of Visa or permit and any form of leave to remain (or for entry clearance) under the points-based system. We ensure our clients comply with the Immigration Rules and the strict requirements of the UKBA prior to making an application, thereby eliminating much of the stress of the application process.

Contact us for successful Human Rights application

Our experienced team of professionally qualified solicitors and barristers will guide you through the process step by step, complying with the strict letter of the law and limiting the possibility of failure. Consider HS Legal as your human rights adviser, call us for a telephone consultation today.

Our Immigration Experts are able to give specialist legal information and advice in this area of law. To contact one of our Immigration Solicitors or Immigration Barristers please complete our online Enquiry form and we will get in touch or call us now on 01206500181.

An EEA Family permit is for nationals of countries outside the EEA who are family members of EEA nationals, wishing to come to the UK.  Although the UK is a member of the EEA, a non-EEA family member of a British citizen should not come to the UK using an EEA family permit. However, a non-EEA family member of a British citizen living abroad can apply for an EEA family permit to join the British citizen on their return to the UK.

How we can help about EEA family permit application?

We can help with your EEA Family Permit application and queries. Our expert team of lawyers can assist you with the preparation of your application to ensure that you meet with all the requirements of the relevant Immigration Rules, we will ensure that all key points are substantiated with documentary evidence thereby leading to a successful EEA Family Permit application, avoiding the unnecessary expense of re-submitting your application to the Home Office.

What is the EEA family permit?

A European Economic Area Family Permit (EEA family permit) is an immigration document that assists the holder to enter the United Kingdom as a family member of a citizen of a contracting state to the European Economic Area agreement or a Swiss citizen.

How long is an EEA residence card valid for?

• An EEA Family Permit will be granted for six months.
• An EEA Residence Card will be granted for up to five years, after which time an applicant may be eligible to apply for an EEA Permanent Residence Card.
• During their stay in the UK, applicants can work, study, marry and leave and re-enter the UK as often as required.
• An application for An EEA Residence Card can be made once an applicant has lived in the UK for at least five years.

EEA Countries:

Currently, the countries which make up the EEA are as follow:

• Austria;
• Belgium;
• Croatia;
• Cyprus;
• Czech Republic;
• Denmark;
• Estonia;
• Finland;
• France;
• Germany;
• Greece;
• Hungary;
• Iceland;
• Ireland;
• Italy;
• Latvia;
• Liechtenstein;
• Lithuania;
• Luxembourg;
• Malta;
• Netherlands;
• Norway;
• Poland;
• Portugal;
• Romania;
• Slovakia;
• Slovenia;
• Spain;
• Sweden; and
• The UK.

EEA Family Permit for ‘Family Members’

An EEA family permit is distributed overseas to nationals of countries outside the European Economic Area who are family members of EEA nationals.

Definition of a ‘family member’ is the following:

• Your husband, wife or civil partner;
• Your children or grandchildren (or the children or grandchildren of your husband, wife or civil partner) who are under 21 years of age or are dependent on you; and
• The parents or grandparents of you and your husband, wife or civil partner, if they are dependent on you.

It should be noted that if you are a student only your husband, wife or civil partner and dependent children have a right of residency. However, if you and your partner are not married or in a civil partnership, you must be able to show that you are in a sustainable relationship with one another.

Extended family members do not have an automatic right to live in the UK, such as brothers, sisters and cousins. In order to be considered, they must show that they are dependent on you.

If you do not fall under the definition ‘family member’ you cannot apply for an EEA family permit.

EEA Registration Certificate

An EEA Registration Certificate is available for EEA or Swiss nationals and is a document certifying your permanent residence in the UK under European law. This is available if you have lived in the UK for a continuous period of five years but it is important to note that you do not need a documentation establishing your right of residence in the UK if you are an EEA national.

EEA Residence Cards

If you are the non-European family member of an EEA or Swiss national, and you have come to the UK with them, you can apply for a residence card. This is a document which confirms your right of residence under European law. Your residence card may take the form of an endorsement in your passport (also called a ‘vignette’), or it may be a separate document called an ‘immigration status document’. A residence card is normally valid for 5 years from the date when it is issued.

Documents you must provide with EEA Family permit application

For your EEA family permit application You must provide:

• a valid passport
• evidence of your relationship to your EEA family member, for example, a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, birth certificate or proof that you’ve lived together for 2 years if unmarried
• your family member’s valid passport or national identity card (or a certified copy if you cannot provide the original)
• proof of your dependency if you’re dependent on your EEA family member

EEA family members

For your EEA Family permit application your EEA family members will have to provide :

You must show that your EEA family member has a permanent right of residence or is one of the following if they’ve been in the UK for more than 3 months:

• working, for example, an employment contract, wage slips or a letter from an employer
• self-employed (for example contracts, invoices or audited accounts with bank statements) and paying tax and National Insurance
• studying, for example, a letter from the school, college or university
• financially independent, for example, bank statements
• Your family member must have full health insurance (comprehensive sickness insurance) if they’re studying or financially independent.

Why we provide the best legal advice in relation to an EEA Residence & Family Permit:

We are a UK Solicitors law firm and are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority(link is external) (SRA) and as a professional law firm are completely exempt from requiring authorisation by theOffice of the Immigration Services Commissioner(link is external) (OISC). Many businesses offering immigration services are only OISC regulated and as such are not professional legal organisations such as Solicitors firms or Barristers’ chambers. OISC businesses are not allowed to do legal work before the Courts such as Judicial Review or statutory challenges of Home Office decisions. Also, as a professional organisation, our policy is not to employ sales staff to give you “advice”. Instead, every telephone consultation is conducted by a lawyer; offering you accurate and informed legal guidance. Under your instruction, our qualified team of immigration solicitors and barristers will guide you through your case from the outset; ensuring that neither time nor money is wasted and that no mistakes are made when it matters the most.

Expert Immigration

As a law firm with a track record of success, you can be assured your immigration matter is in safe hands and that the best strategy for your case will be adopted. It is crucial that you seek specialist legal advice at the outset and prior to making any type of immigration application. We can assist you with your applications for any type of Visa or permit including EEA family permit and any form of leave to remain (or for entry clearance) under the points-based system. We ensure our clients comply with the Immigration Rules and the strict requirements of the UKBA prior to making an EEA family permit application, thereby eliminating much of the stress of the application process.

Contact us for a successful EEA Residence & Family Permit applications:

Our experienced team of professionally qualified solicitors and barristers will guide you through the process of EEA family permit step by step, complying with the strict letter of the law and limiting the possibility of failure. Consider HS Legal as your human rights adviser; call us for a telephone consultation today.

Our Immigration Experts are able to give specialist legal information and advice in this area of law. To contact one of our Immigration Solicitors or Immigration Barristers please complete our online Enquiry form and we will get in touch or call us now on 01206500181