Tag: Solicitor

UK: Tuberculosis test clinics for Hong Kong BN (O)

Posted by Compass Immigration Law Ltd on with 0 Comment

The Home office have recently issued guidance on where to get tested for tuberculosis (TB) in the UK if you are a Hong Kong British National (Overseas).

Here’s what you need to know.

(Updated as of 08 January 2021)

When would I need to be tested for tuberculosis as a Hong Kong British National (Overseas)?

You must be tested for tuberculosis if all the following applies:

  • You are in the UK
  • You wish to apply for the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa
  • you did not provide a TB test certificate when you last entered the UK, because the duration of the visa you applied for was 6 months or less or you applied to enter the UK at the border

Where are the approved test clinics to be tested for tuberculosis as a Hong Kong British National (Overseas)?

How do I make an appointment at a test clinic to be tested for tuberculosis as a Hong Kong British National (Overseas)?

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. An appointment is usually granted within a few days of your request. Appointments cannot be prioritised.

What should I take to the test clinic to be tested for tuberculosis as a Hong Kong British National (Overseas)?

When attending a test clinic, you will need:

  • valid identification which contains your photograph such as a passport
  • a photocopy of your identification
  • the tuberculosis test fee
  • if you have had tuberculosis in the past or have any other lung disease you should provide details of your previous screening and, if possible, your medical notes and x-ray result

How much does it cost to be tested for tuberculosis as a Hong Kong British National (Overseas)?

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 UK: tuberculosis test clinics for Hong Kong BN (O), send an email to info@compasslaw.org.uk to book a telephone/Skype consultation. The fee is £30.

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Prove your right to rent in England

Posted by Compass Immigration Law Ltd on with 0 Comment

The Home Office have recently issued guidance on proving your right to rent in England.

Here’s what you need to know.

 (Updated as of 06 January 2021)

What does right to rent mean?

The Right to Rent scheme is a method used by landlords to ensure that tenants who occupy their properties have a legal right to reside in the UK. Before a prospective tenant can rent a home in England, landlords and letting agents must ensure their legal right to reside in the UK with passport and immigration checks.

How do I prove my right to rent?

“You can use this service if you”:

  • have a biometric residence card or permit
  • have settled or pre-settled status
  • applied for a visa and used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document on your phone

“If you’re an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you can continue to use your passport or national identity card to prove you can rent in England until 30 June 2021.

If you do not have any of these documents, check how to prove your right to rent.

You do not need to prove your right to rent in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.”

What you’ll need

“You’ll need your date of birth and details of one of the following”:

  • your biometric residence permit
  • your biometric residence card
  • your passport or national identity card

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 proving your right to rent in England, 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/ 

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www.compasslaw.org.uk

View a tenant’s right to rent in England

Posted by Compass Immigration Law Ltd on with 0 Comment

The Home Office have recently issued guidance on a tenant’s right to rent in England.

Here’s what you need to know.

 (Updated as of 06 January 2021)

What does right to rent mean?

The Right to Rent scheme is a method used by landlords to ensure that tenants who occupy their properties have a legal right to reside in the UK. Before a prospective tenant can rent a home in England, landlords and letting agents must ensure their legal right to reside in the UK with passport and immigration checks.

Who can use the online right to rent check?

This service is to be used when checking a tenant’s right to rent a residential property in England if you are:

  • the landlord
  • an agent acting on behalf of the landlord
  • a tenant subletting without your landlord’s permission
  • You do not need to check a tenant’s right to rent property in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Additionally, this service is to be used if your tenant:

  • has a biometric residence card or permit
  • has settled or pre-settled status
  • applied for a visa and used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their identity document on their phone

“If your tenant is an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, they can continue to use their passport or national identity card to prove they can rent in England until 30 June 2021.”

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 viewing a tenant’s right to rent in England, 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 UK’s points-based immigration system: employer information

Posted by Compass Immigration Law Ltd on with 0 Comment

The Home Office have recently issued guidance to help employers prepare for the UK’s new points-based immigration system.

Here’s what you need to know.

(Updated as of 04 January 2021)

What is the UK’s points-based immigration system?

Due to free movement between the UK and EU ending on 31 December 2020, the UK has introduced a points-based immigration system to ensure equality between EU and non-EU citizens.

How will the UK’s points-based immigration system impact employers?

Excluding Irish citizens, if you wish to hire from outside the UK, permission will be required in advance.

A sponsor license is needed for more eligible employees from outside the UK and before application, it is essential to check if employees meet the conditions for coming to the UK to work.

With the points-based immigration system, points will be accrued to those who meet the specific requirements. At this time, visas will be granted to those with sufficient points.

Under the points-based immigration system, UK employers can recruit worldwide through numerous immigration routes.

How do I become a licensed sponsor under the UK’s points-based immigration system?

Before you begin an application, you must ensure the potential employees will meet the requirements for coming to the UK to work.

The wait time for an application is usually 8 weeks and will commence from when the application is received. As a licensed sponsor, you can hire globally.

Unsponsored routes such as ‘Global Talent’ do not require a license to hire employees.

Irish citizens or those from the resident labour market with existing rights to work in the UK do not need a sponsor to work in the UK. This is inclusive of EU citizens with settled / pre-settled status, and non-EU citizens with an Indefinite Leave to Remain status in the UK.

Additionally, you will need to:

  1. Check your business is eligible
  2. Determine the type of skilled worker license you require
  3. Determine who will manage sponsorship within the business
  4. Apply online and pay a fee

Which routes are available under the UK’s points-based immigration system?

There are numerous routes available under the UK’s points-based immigration system. These include:

  • Skilled worker route
  • Global Talent route
  • Graduate route
  • Intra-company Transfer
  • Start-up and Innovator
  • Health and Care Visa
  • Creative route
  • Sporting routes

How will I know whether a job meets the required skill level under the UK’s points-based immigration system?

Under the UK’s points-based immigration system, jobs will have corresponding Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes. As each SOC code has an assigned skill level, this will be used to determine if a job meets the Skilled Worker route conditions.

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 UK’s points-based immigration system: employer information, 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

Windrush Compensation Scheme overhauled

Posted by Compass Immigration Law Ltd on with 0 Comment

The Home Office have recently issued guidance detailing reformations regarding the Windrush Compensation Scheme.

Here’s what you need to know.

(Updated as of 14 December 2020)

What is the Windrush Scheme?

Established by the Home Office, the Windrush Compensation Scheme was implemented to aid Commonwealth citizens, their children, and other long-term residents in acquiring documentation (free of charge), to prove their immigration status.

What changes have been made to the Windrush Compensation Scheme?

After consulting with the Windrush Working Group, the government has announced the following changes to the Windrush Compensation Scheme:

  • Once their claim has been approved, individuals that have been impacted by Windrush will now receive a minimum of £10,000 compensation via the Impact on Life category
  • This will be paid as a new early preliminary payment if they can show any impact on life
  • Payments at all levels within the Impact on Life category has risen from £10,000 to £100,000 for all eligible cases
  • Preliminary payments will commence this week
  • Affected individuals will be considered for either a preliminary or final payment in the first quarter of 2021
  • Cases where an offer or payment has already been made will be reviewed to implement the necessary increases
  • The 12-month cap on compensation for lost earnings will be removed.

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 Windrush Scheme: full eligibility details 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

Frontier workers permit for EU citizens

Posted by Compass Immigration Law Ltd on with 0 Comment

The Home Office have recently issued guidance pertaining to frontier worker permits for EU citizens.

Here’s what you need to know.

(Updated as of 11 December 2020)                          

What is a frontier worker?

A frontier worker is an EU or Swiss citizen that is employed / self-employed in the UK but reside elsewhere. A frontier worker can still enter the UK for work once free movement ends if they were working in the UK on or before 31 December 2020. From 1 July 2021, a frontier worker permit will be required to enter the UK for work.

Am I eligible to apply for a frontier worker permit?

“You can apply for a frontier worker permit if you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and you”:

  • live outside the UK
  • started working in the UK on or before 31 December 2020 and continue to work here

“Your frontier worker permit will last for 5 years. You may be eligible for a five-year permit if you’re on maternity or paternity leave when you apply, and you will return to your previous employment, or find another job, at the end of this period.”

How do I apply for a frontier worker permit?

  • Applications can be made free of charge online at gov.uk
  • The three steps to make an application are:
    • Confirming your identity and contact
    • Preparing your application
    • Providing evidence and submitting your application
  • You can cancel your application if required

What happens if my frontier worker permit application is successful?

  • If successful and your identity was verified using the UK Immigration: ID check app, a digital frontier worker permit will be issued
  • If you did not verify through the app, you will either:
    • Receive a physical version if you applied within the UK
    • Be sent an email detailing the process to collect from the UK if you applied from outside the UK

How do I renew my frontier worker permit?

You will be required to renew your permit every 5 years, or 2 if you applied with a retained worker status. The eligibility and suitability requirements must be met to renew your permit.

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

For more information on Frontier workers permit for EU citizens, 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

Prove your English language abilities with a Secure English language Test (SELT)

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“The Home Office have recently issued guidance for visa or citizenship applications, where you may need to prove your knowledge of English by passing a secure English language test (SELT).”

Here’s what you need to know.

(Updated as of 11 December 2020)

What is SELT?

SELT refers to a Secured English Language Test. Used by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), SELT refers to the approved English Language tests used to confirm one’s aptitude when making a visa application.

Which applications require a SELT?

Dependent on the immigration you apply for, you are required to take one of two tests.

Application routes which asses reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities are:

  • Student
  • Minister of Religion (T2)
  • Skilled Worker
  • Start-up
  • Innovator

Application routes which asses speaking and listening abilities are:

  • Citizenship
  • Settlement (aka indefinite leave to remain)
  • Parent
  • Partner
  • Representative of an Overseas Business
  • Sportsperson (T2)

The level of test, known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), is dependent on the route you are applying for.

Where can I find an approved SELT?

Tests must:

  • be on the list of approved English language tests
  • have been sat at an approved test location
  • have been awarded in the two years before the date of your application
  • Approved English Language Tests have been assessed to meet the necessary Home Office requirements
  • Immigration / Nationality applications must include an approved English Language Test

How do I book a SELT?

  • Use the approved provider’s website to book your test
  • Ensure the booked test is approved for SELT
  • Usually you can take the test within 28 days of booking
  • You may have to travel to another location as the tests are not usually in the closest location to you
  • Details used to book your test must match the information on your passport / other identity document

How do I prove my identity on the day of my SELT?

Your identity document must:

  • be current and valid
  • be an original, not a photocopy
  • include a photo of you
  • match the information you gave when you booked the test

Acceptable documents

  • passport
  • Biometric Residence Permit
  • Biometric Residence Card
  • convention travel document
  • stateless persons travel document
  • travel document issued by the United Nations
  • travel document issued by the International Red Cross

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 proving your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT), 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 UK’s points-based immigration system: information for EU citizens

Posted by Compass Immigration Law Ltd on with 0 Comment

The Home Office have recently issued information for EU citizens regarding the UK’s points-based immigration system.

Here’s what you need to know.

(Updated as of 09 December 2020)

What is the UK points-based immigration system?

Due to the UK leaving the European Union on 31 January 2020, free movement between the UK and the EU will end on 31 December 2020. In turn, this means:

  • From 1 January 2021, a points-based immigration system will be implemented to prioritise skills over a person’s background.
  • If you do not live in the UK, or have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you must meet specific requirements to study or work in the UK
  • You will need to pass checks such as UK criminality
  • You can continue to visit the UK for up to 6 months at a time

How will the UK points-based immigration system impact EU citizens already living in the UK?

EU, EEA or Swiss citizens (and their family) living in the UK by 31 December 2020 can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2021.

How do you apply through the UK points-based immigration system?

  • Applications can be made online via gov.uk
  • You must meet the relevant criteria and accrue the necessary points for the visa you require
  • Visa routes will open up and continue into 2021
  • Though most people can complete applications via smartphone apps, some applicants may need to attend a Visa Application Centre
  • An application fee must be paid and if you intend to be in the UK for more than 6 months, an Immigration Health Surcharge must be paid (granting access to the National Health Service)

Which visas are available through the UK points-based immigration system?

Through the UK’s new points-based immigration system, there are numerous options available dependent on the type of visa you require. These include but are not limited to:

  • Skilled worker visa
  • Skilled work: Health and Care visa
  • Global Talent
  • Start-up / Innovator visa
  • Specialist occupations such as
    • Minister of religion
    • Sportsperson
    • Creatives
  • Student / Graduate visa

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 UK’s points-based immigration system: information for EU citizens?, 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

EU Settlement Scheme: introduction for employers

Posted by Compass Immigration Law Ltd on with 0 Comment

The Home Office have recently issued information pertaining to employers and EU Settlement Scheme.

Here’s what you need to know.

(Updated as of 09 December 2020)

What does the EU Settlement Scheme mean for employers?

If an EU citizen and their family members (inclusive of children and non-EU citizens) wish to continue to live, study and work in the UK after 30 June 2021, they will need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

What obligations does an employer have regarding the EU Settlement Scheme?

  • Though there is no legal requirement for employers to communicate information pertaining to the EU Settlement Scheme, employers may direct employees to the relevant government updates
  • Employees are responsible for EU Settlement Scheme applications and are not obliged to inform employers if they have applied or the outcome of said application
  • Employers cannot discriminate against an EU citizen employee
  • Unless qualified to do so, employers must not interpret EU Settlement Scheme information or give immigration advice to employees
  • Given the deadline for EU Settlement Scheme applications is 30 June 2021, EU citizens must be a UK resident by 31 December 2020 to be eligible to apply
  • As the UK will introduce a points-based immigration system from 1 January 2021, employers will need to be a licensed sponsor to hire eligible employees currently residing outside the UK

What right to work checks will be conducted under the EU Settlement Scheme?

“Job applicants can prove their right to work using any of the following”:

  • their valid passport or national identity card (until 30 June 2021) if they are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen
  • their valid biometric residence card (until 30 June 2021) if they are a non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizen family member
  • their digital status under the EU Settlement Scheme using the Home Office’s online view and prove your immigration status service to generate a share code: uk/view-prove-immigration-status

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: employer information, 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

EU Settlement Scheme: community support for vulnerable citizens

Posted by Compass Immigration Law Ltd on with 0 Comment

The Home Office have recently issued information pertaining to organisations funded to provide support to vulnerable and at-risk EU citizens applying to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Here’s what you need to know.

(Updated as of 08 December 2020)

What is the EU Settlement Scheme?

“If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you and your family can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021. You can also apply if you’re the family member of an eligible person of Northern Ireland. If your application is successful, you will be granted either settled or pre-settled status.”

What community support is available for vulnerable citizens under the EU Settlement Scheme?

“Charities, local authorities and voluntary organisations across the UK are being funded to provide help and information to vulnerable EU, EEA and Swiss citizens applying to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Practical support is available for a range of needs including disabled people, children, those with severe mental health conditions, victims of human trafficking or domestic abuse, those without a permanent address, those who are homeless and those who are elderly or isolated.

The 72 grant funded organisations are located across the UK to ensure services are available to those who most need it.”

Where can I find the grant funded organisations under the EU Settlement Scheme?

For a comprehensive list of the grant funded organisations under the EU Settlement Scheme, click here.

For more information on the EU Settlement Scheme: community support for vulnerable citizens, 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