New forms for applicants in the UK

01 December 2013

New application forms have been published for use from 1 December 2013 by applicants who are already in the UK:

• FLR (FP) – for use in place of the FLR(O), if you are applying for limited leave to remain in the UK on the basis of:
  • Family life as a partner on the 10-year route to settlement;
  • Family Life as a parent of a child in the UK (5-year and 10-year routes to settlement);
  • Private life in the UK;
  • Family or private life where you know you do not meet the requirements of the rules, but would like to apply anyway

This form is available from the ‘Applying from inside the UK‘ page. It is not currently available on the form finder page.

• FLR (AF) – leave to remain (Armed Forces)
• SET (AF) – settlement (Armed Forces)

New versions of the following application forms have also been published:

• FLR(O) – the revised form will not include categories now covered by the FLR(FP) and FLR(AF)
• FLR(M) – leave to remain (partner)
• SET(DV) – settlement (victim of domestic violence)

You should use the new forms if you apply on or after 1 December 2013. However, we will continue to accept applications made on the previous version of forms FLR(O), FLR(M) and SET(DV) up to and including 22 December 2013.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/november/67-newforms

Today, Friday 8 November 2013, revised immigration rules affecting members of HM Forces and their families have been laid in Parliament.

The new rules come into effect on 1 December 2013. They were announced in a written ministerial statement on 4 July 2013, and will bring Armed Forces family rules in line with the family Immigration Rules in Appendix FM.

This will mean that:

• members of HM Forces wishing to sponsor a non-EEA dependant to come to or remain in the UK will have to meet a minimum income threshold;
• a basic English language requirement, at A1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), will apply to all non-EEA partners seeking leave to enter or remain in the UK as a dependant of a member of HM Forces;
• to qualify for settlement, all non-EEA partners and children between the ages of 18 and 65 will be required to pass the Life in the UK test and hold an intermediate speaking and listening qualification, at B1 level on the CEFR;
• all non-EEA partners of HM Forces personnel granted leave under the Immigration Rules will serve a 5 year probationary period before being eligible to apply for settlement.

On 5 July 2013 the Home Office appealed against a High Court judgment in a legal challenge to the minimum income threshold for spouses/partners and children applying under the family route. The Home Office will continue to put on hold cases which are being refused solely due to not meeting the minimum income threshold until the case is finally determined by the Courts.

For full details of the changes see the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 803) on the right side of this page. The written ministerial statement can be found on Gov.uk.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/november/18-rules

Immigration Bill introduced

The government has announced the introduction of the Immigration Bill on Thursday 10 October 2013.

The bill will reform the removals and appeals system, making it easier and quicker to remove those who have no right to be here. It will end the abuse of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights – the right to respect for private and family life. It will prevent illegal migrants accessing or abusing public services and the labour market.

For further details see the Immigration Bill on the GOV.UK website. The progress of the bill and explanatory notes can be found on the Parliament website.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/october/15-immigration-bill

oday, Friday 6 September 2013, a written ministerial statement was laid in Parliament outlining a number of changes to the Immigration Rules.

The changes, which come into effect on 1 October 2013, will mean greater flexibility for businesses and workers and include:

• removing the English language requirement for intra-company transferees;
• making it easier for graduate entrepreneurs to switch into Tier 2;
• waiving share ownership restrictions for some senior staff; and
• allowing some students to work as interns under the Tier 5 government authorised exchange scheme.

Tourist and business visitors will benefit from the following changes:

• Allowing tourists and business visitors to do some study where it is not the main purpose of their visit.
• Expanding the activities a business visitor can do in the UK.
• Removing the prospective student route.

Further changes include:

• expanding checks to ensure applicants for work and student visas are genuine, and that they intend to meet the conditions of leave they apply for;
• introducing powers to refuse Tier 4 extension applications where the applicant cannot speak English;
• introducing a scheme which allows some locally engaged staff in Afghanistan to relocate to the UK;
• setting new youth mobility scheme quotas for 2014;
• enabling those who demonstrate exceptional promise in the arts to apply under Tier 1;
• changes to the way we handle settlement applications for refugees who have committed crimes, and adding the power to curtail leave for persistent or serious offenders;
• introducing temporary Immigration Rules so participants and personnel can come to the UK during the 2014 Commonwealth Games;
• minor changes and clarifications to the Immigration Rules, including those relating to family life.

From 28 October there will also be changes to the way applicants for indefinite leave to remain are required to demonstrate their knowledge of the English language and of life in the UK.

For full details of the changes please see the Statement of Changes to the Immigration rules (HC 628) and the explanatory memorandum on the right side of this page. The written ministerial statement can found on Gov.uk.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/september/08-rules

SPECIALIST CIVIL LITIGATION SOLICITORS

BASED IN ENFIELD, NORTH LONDON

*Please note our civil litigation services are available to those who have a dispute that has a monetary value of approximately£7,500+*

Civil Litigation is a varied field. It is a way of resolving disputes or claims to an individual, company, local authority or government department. Civil Litigation can cause all sorts of issues for our clients and as always we are here to support, listen and assist with practical advice.

Our civil litigation solicitors have covered a range of Civil, County and High Court legal disputes and defences. Our supportive, flexible and cost effective approach means we can adapt to the individual needs of our clients, seeking swift and positive resolutions.

Should you ever find yourself embroiled in a dispute then our team can offer you the advice and assistance you need in making or defending a claim.

We possess the requisite experience and expertise in negotiating on your behalf and if necessary, issuing/defending proceedings at the High Court or County Court depending on the nature and value of the claim being dealt with.

Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you receive a service tailored to meet your needs.

Hayat & Co. Solicitors can provide a thorough understanding on the different aspects of litigation and what impact it can have on yourself, your family and your future. Litigation matters require meticulous examination of every issue involved as, should your claim fail, you carry the great risk of having to pay your opponent’s legal costs. It is often a more appropriate option to resolve matters through mediation or arbitration which are usually less costly and time consuming than litigation.

Should you need any further assistance in this regard or feel as though you may have a dispute that requires an expert legal opinion to be resolved then please contact us.

Contractual disputes

Contractual disputes can occur at any time and include consumer disputes, debt recovery and business contract breaches. Our advice is to resolve issues quickly without resorting to litigation. When resolution fails, we will take the necessary action to fully protect your position.

Inheritance, Wills and Probate Litigation

In the event of an unexpected death of a loved one, the validity of a will can be challenged and may give rise to family disputes, resulting in litigation. When court proceedings become necessary, we can ensure the estate of the deceased is distributed in a way you think is fair. We will clearly advise you on your entitlements and represent you at Court to help you to achieve the best possible solution.

Insolvency

We provide legal advice to individuals or companies in any stages of insolvency and to creditors. We can help you manage your liabilities and decide on the best course of action whether you are a creditor or debtor. We can assist you with bankruptcy, individual and company voluntary arrangements, liquidations, administrations and receiverships.

Negligence

Professionals such as doctors, dentists, surveyors, accountants and building contractors owe you a duty of care when they carry out work for you. If they breach that duty, they may be guilty of professional negligence. Our team are experts at assisting with all types of negligence claims from establishing liability to issuing court proceedings. Call to discuss your matter with one of our specialist advisors.

Property

Your property is normally your most valuable asset. Whether you are a landlord seeking possession of your home, a tenant who has been unlawfully evicted or you are engaged in a dispute with a neighbour or mortgage company, we have cost effective solutions for all kinds of disputes that relate to your property. Contact our specialists for advice.

To discuss any aspect of our work, or to obtain a quote for your case:

Email: hayatandco@talktalk.net

London Metropolitan University granted new licence – update for students

09 April 2013

Following today’s announcement to allow London Metropolitan University to again sponsor international students please see below guidance for non-EEA students.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsfragments/72-LMU-student-page

6 April changes to the Immigration Rules

05 April 2013

As previously announced, a number of changes to the Immigration Rules are coming into effect on 6 April 2013.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/april/10-rules-april

Chinese visitors continue to choose the UK

01 March 2013

Quarterly immigration statistics (released 28 February) have shown that the UK is continuing to attract visitors from China.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/march/03-chinese-visitors