The Home office have recently issued guidance on where to get tested for tuberculosis (TB) in South Africa for your UK visa application.

Here’s what you need to know.

(Updated as of 12 February 2021)

Why would I need to be tested for tuberculosis in South Africa for a UK visa?

If you are a resident of South Africa, Lesotho or Swaziland and you wish to come to the UK for more than 6 months, you must be tested for tuberculosis. Tests must be conducted by a Home Office approved clinic and you must obtain an IOM medical certificate to confirm you are free from TB. Any test conducted by a non-Home Office approved clinic will be accepted.

Are there any instances where I would not need to be tested for tuberculosis in South Africa for a UK visa?

You would not require a tb test certificate if you:

• are a diplomatic passport holder travelling on official business or on a posting to the UK
• qualify for an exempt visa
• are applying for a certificate of entitlement
• applying as a returning resident

Please note that as there are no approved test clinics in Lesotho or Swaziland, you must travel to South Africa for a TB test at an approved clinic.

Where are the approved test clinics to be tested for tuberculosis in South Africa for a UK Visa?

• Cape Town
  • Intercare
• Durban
  • Shipmed Medical Services
• Pretoria
  • Walker Creek Office Park

How do I make an appointment at a test clinic to be tested for tuberculosis in South Africa for a UK Visa?

Appointments can be arranged via telephone or email. When contacting the clinic to arrange an appointment, you must clarify you need the test for a UK visa application.

What do I need to know about attending a test clinic to be tested for tuberculosis in South Africa for a UK Visa?

• You must contact the IOM office to book a TB screening appointment
• You miust not attend the cloinic without your IOM confirmation of your TB screening appointment through the IOM office
• You must make it clear that the tb test is for the UK visa application
• Appointments are usually granted within a few days. In some instances (such as the UK visa peak season between June – September) it may take 10 days
• If your test shows that you do now have TB, you will be granted a certificate which is valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray

What should I bring with me to test clinic to be tested for tuberculosis in South Africa for a UK Visa?

• your passport or UNHCR/MHA registration documents.
• proof of payment of the test fee (printed)

If you’d like an appointment with a female clinician, please ask when you schedule your appointment.

If you need to cancel your appointment you should contact the IOM and refer to their cancellation policy and procedure.

How much does it cost to be tested for tuberculosis in India for a UK Visa?

Fees vary dependent on the clinic you select to do your test.

Please be advised that the above information is not exhaustive as there are more requirements and points to consider.

For more information provided by Bolton’s leading Immigration Solicitors on South Africa: tuberculosis test clinics for a UK visa, send an email to info@compasslaw.org.uk to book a telephone/Skype consultation. The fee is £30.

Compass Immigration Law LTD:

“The direct route to immigration expertise.”

Follow us:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CompassLaw

Twitter: @CompassImmLaw_

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/compass-immigration-law-ltd/ 

Instragram: @CompassImmLawLtd 

www.compasslaw.org.uk

 

 

The Home Office have recently issued Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidance pertaining to jobs that qualify for travel exemptions.

Here’s what you need to know.

(Updated as of 15 February 2020)

What are the Coronavirus guidelines for jobs that qualify for travel exemptions?

To help protect the country from coronavirus, before travelling to the UK, people entering must:

• Quarantine for 10 days
• complete a passenger locator formbefore travel to the UK

Please note that you must quarantine in a government approved hotel if you have been in a country on the travel ban red list in the 10 days before you arrive.

Are travel corridors impacted by the Coronavirus guidelines for jobs that qualify for travel exemptions?

All travel corridors are suspended. Anyone who is not exempt will need to quarantine for 10 days on arrival in the UK.

How will restrictions in the UK be impacted by the Coronavirus guidelines for jobs that qualify for travel exemptions?

Once in the UK, you must follow any local / national restrictions:

• national restrictions in England
• national restrictions in Northern Ireland
• national restrictions in Scotland
• national restrictions in Wales

Please be advised that the above information is not exhaustive as there are more requirements and points to consider.

For more information provided by Bolton’s leading Immigration Solicitors on Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions, send an email to info@compasslaw.org.uk or contact us on 01204 531 535 to book a telephone/Skype consultation. The fee is £30.

Compass Immigration Law LTD:

“The direct route to immigration expertise.”

Follow us:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CompassLaw

Twitter: @CompassImmLaw_

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/compass-immigration-law-ltd/ 

Instragram: @CompassImmLawLtd 

www.compasslaw.org.uk

 

The Home office have recently issued guidance pertaining to rights to work in the UK for EU, EEA and Swiss Citizens.

Here’s what you need to know.

(Updated as of 12 February 2021)

What do I need to know about my right to work in the UK as an EU, EEA and Swiss citizen if I arrived in the UK by 31 December 2020?

You and your family must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme if you wish to continue living, working and studying in the UK after 30 June 2021. To be eligible, you must have already started living in the UK by 31 December 2020. Alternatively, you must be joining a close family member who holds status, or is eligible to apply to the scheme before 30 June 2021.

What do I need to know about the EU Settlement Scheme in relation to my right to work in the UK as an EU, EEA and Swiss citizen if I arrived in the UK by 31 December 2020?

Application to the scheme is free of charge and you need to complete a simple three-step process online via a mobile phone, tablet, or computer.

You will be granted either ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled status’ if your application is successful. The status is dependent on how long you have been living in the UK at the stage of application. Status under this scheme will allow you to:

• Travel in and out the UK
• Access public funds such as pensions and benefits (if you are eligible)
• Enrol in education / study in the UK
• Use the NHS
• Work in the UK

Work can commence before you have made an application, but you must make apply before the 30 June 2021 deadline.

Please note that if you do not apply before the deadline, you can lose existing rights in the UK including the right to live, work, rent and access free healthcare.

How do I prove my right to work in the UK as an EU, EEA and Swiss citizen if I arrived in the UK by 31 December 2020?

Until 30 June 2021, you can prove your right to work in the UK using your passport or national ID card.

If your application to the EU Settlement Scheme is successful, you will be granted online access to your immigration status. This can be used as proof of your right to work in the UK and can be done by using the online Right to Work service.

What do I need to know about my right to work in the UK as an EU, EEA and Swiss citizen if I arrive in the UK after 31 December 2020?

To live and work in the UK, you must have permission to do so under the UK’s points-based immigration system unless you are eligible to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme.

How do I get the right visa to work in the UK as an EU, EEA and Swiss citizen if I arrive in the UK after 31 December 2020?

In most instances, you will have to apply for and be granted a ‘Skilled Worker’ visa before coming to the UK. To be eligible:

• Your job offer must be from an employer who can sponsor your visa application
• You must be able to speak English to the required standard
• The Job offer must be at the appropriate salary and skill level

How do I prove my right to work in the UK as an EU, EEA and Swiss citizen if I arrive in the UK after 31 December 2020?

You will have online access to your immigration status to prove your right to work in the UK if you have a visa under the points-based immigration system and an application was made using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. If you did not use this method, your biometric residence permit will enable you to use the online ‘Right to Work’ service.

Please note that you will not have the right to work in the UK if you:

• Do not have a visa or status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• Entered the UK as a tourist

Please be advised that the above information is not exhaustive as there are more requirements and points to consider.

For more information provided by Bolton’s leading Immigration Solicitors on Understanding your right to work in the UK: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, send an email to info@compasslaw.org.uk to book a telephone/Skype consultation. The fee is £30.

Compass Immigration Law LTD:

“The direct route to immigration expertise.”

Follow us:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CompassLaw

Twitter: @CompassImmLaw_

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/compass-immigration-law-ltd/ 

Instragram: @CompassImmLawLtd 

www.compasslaw.org.uk

 

The Home Office have recently issued various guidance pertaining to visiting the UK.

Here’s what you need to know.

(Updated as of 10 February 2021)

Can I visit the UK?

You can visit the UK:

• On a business trip
• For a holiday or to see family or friends
• For private medical treatment
• For research

Dependent on the nature of your visit, and where you are travelling from, there are a few things you need to know.

Do I need a visa to visit the UK?

Subject to the country you are from, you may be able to visit the UK without a visa, or by applying for a visa waiver.

How do I apply for a visa to visit the UK?

If you are coming to the UK on a business trip, the visa you can apply for depends if you are:

• Being paid by a UK to come as an expert in your profession
• Coming on a business trip and not being paid by a UK company

If you are coming to the UK holiday or to see family or friends, or for private medical treatment you can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.

Alternatively, there is a different method to apply if:

• You wish to stay in the UK with family for more than 6 months
• You are a Chinese citizen visiting as part of a tour group

How do I apply for a family permit to visit the UK?

You may be able to visit the UK on a family permit if your family member is:

• A British citizen
• A person of Northern Ireland
• An EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland citizen

Can I apply for a visa waiver to visit the UK?

You can apply for a visa waiver if you have a passport from:

• Kuwait
• Oman
• Qatar
• The United Arab Emirates

Please be advised that the above information is not exhaustive as there are more requirements and points to consider.

For more information provided by Bolton’s leading Immigration Solicitors on Visiting the UK, send an email to info@compasslaw.org.uk or contact us on 01204 531 535 to book a telephone/Skype consultation. The fee is £30.

Thank you for your cooperation and stay safe.

Compass Immigration Law LTD:

“The direct route to immigration expertise.”

Follow us:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CompassLaw

Twitter: @CompassImmLaw_

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/compass-immigration-law-ltd/ 

Instragram: @CompassImmLawLtd 

www.compasslaw.org.uk

 

 

 

 

The Home office have recently issued guidance pertaining to Indefinite Leave to Remain if you have an Innovator visa.

Here’s what you need to know.

(Updated as of 10 February 2021)

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Indefinite Leave to Remain refers to how you settle in the UK. It grants you the right to live, work and study in the UK indefinitely. Additionally, you can apply for benefits (if eligible) and you can apply for British Citizenship.

What is an Innovator Visa?

If you are an experienced businessperson(s) wishing to establish a business in the UK, you will come under the Innovator visa category. Usually, you will need to either have at least £50,000 to invest in your business or have previously invested this minimum amount in your business).

Am I eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain if I have an Innovator visa?

When considering your eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain if you have an innovator visa, you must have:

• Lived in the UK for a minimum 3 years using an Innovator visa. Time spent in the UK on another visa will not be included
• A new endorsement confirming you have met the requirements for business growth
• Passed the ‘Life in the UK Test’ if you are aged 18-64

Please note that March 2022 will be the earliest opportunity for you to apply as this date will be 3 years after this method of settlement was introduced.

When do I apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain if I have an Innovator visa?

Applications can be made 28 days before you are eligible. If you apply earlier than this, your application may be refused.

You should not wait until your visa expires. If you do, you will have to renew your visa before you apply.

How much will it cost, and how long will it take for a decision on my Indefinite Leave to Remain if I have an Innovator visa application?

• It costs £2,389 for each person applying
• Your partner and children can be on the same application form if they are eligible
• It cost £19.20 per person to have your biometric information (fingerprints and photos) taken
• Usually decisions are given within 6 months
• You must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you receive a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

In some cases, an application may be considered complex and may take longer. These instances are:

• If you need to attend an interview
• If your supporting documents need verification
• Because of personal circumstances, for example: criminal convictions.

Please be advised that the above information is not exhaustive as there are more requirements and points to consider.

For more information provided by Bolton’s leading Immigration Solicitors on Indefinite Leave to Remain if you have an Innovator visa, send an email to info@compasslaw.org.uk or contact us on 01204 531 535 to book a telephone/Skype consultation. The fee is £30.

Thank you for your cooperation and stay safe.

Compass Immigration Law LTD:

“The direct route to immigration expertise.”

Follow us:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CompassLaw

Twitter: @CompassImmLaw_

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/compass-immigration-law-ltd/ 

Instragram: @CompassImmLawLtd 

www.compasslaw.org.uk

 

 

 

 

The Home Office have recently issued guidance on the EU Settlement Scheme as the deadline to apply is 30 June 2021.

Here’s what you need to know.

(Updated as of 21 January 2020)

What is the EU Settlement scheme?

The purpose of the EU Settlement scheme is to grant EU, non-EU, EEA and Swiss citizens (and their eligible family members), the ability to protect their residence in the UK once the transition period has ended. This applies to those already living in the UK before the end of the transition period.

Who can apply for the EU Settlement scheme?

Any EU, EEA or Swiss citizen (and eligible family member) can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme if they wish to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021. Family members of eligible persons of Northern Ireland can also apply. If successful, ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ status will be granted.

How long does the EU Settlement scheme take?

Applications for the EU settlement scheme usually take around 5 working days to be processed, but in some instances, it can take up to one month. If more information is requested, the application may take longer than a month.

When is the deadline for the EU Settlement scheme?

As the deadline to apply to the EU Settlement scheme is 30 June 2021, eligible applicants are urged to apply now to secure their legal right to stay in the UK. Here are some key facts:

• As of 31 December 2020, there have been almost 4.9 million applications to the EU Settlement scheme
• This includes:
  • 4 million applications from England
  • 243,600 from Scotland
  • 700 from Wales
  • 500 from Northern Ireland
  • In December 2020 alone, there were 402,400 new applicants

Please be advised that the above information is not exhaustive as there are more requirements and points to consider.

For more information provided by Bolton’s leading Immigration Solicitors on the EU Settlement Scheme, send an email to info@compasslaw.org.uk or contact us on 01204 531 535 to book a telephone/Skype consultation. The fee is £30.

Compass Immigration Law LTD:

“The direct route to immigration expertise.”

Follow us:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CompassLaw

Twitter: @CompassImmLaw_

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/compass-immigration-law-ltd/ 

Instragram: @CompassImmLawLtd 

www.compasslaw.org.uk