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Information on applying for a student visa? Student visa's currently take two weeks to receive once the application is in. Your best bet is to get a family member from home to say they will sponsor you - they will need to send you a copy of their bank statement showing the equivalent of a regular salary, and a balance of at least a couple thousand pounds. Is also beneficial if you get a letter from a landlord or friend saying you can stay at your abode rent free. (Otherwise you need to show sufficient funds or rent as well.) The letter needs to be from the person that owns the property - a letter from a flatmate is not enough! You need to have enrolled in a course prior to putting in your application. London Computer College and pathways are the main ones - a full year course will set you back around a thousand pounds. Should your visa application be unsuccessful you get MOST of your money back. (You can re-apply to extend your study visa each year, as long as you meet the requirements of 15 hours of study a week mon to fri between the hours of 9 and 6). On a study visa you are also allowed to work parttime hours (20 per week) while studying - and full time on the holiday allowance. Holiday allowances vary depending on whether you are applying for a six month or one year student visa. Colleges that offer courses: London computer college a couple minutes walk from oxford or bond st tubes, very central and key if you are moving around a lot. Pathways have offices in hammersmith and old street (up near angel.) You can do serious IT accreditation courses at both, or simply take Work, Excell and Powerpoint if you wish. They both offer a full range of flexible courses and you can study at your own pace. Can also give you the phone number of a lawyer that organises student visas as well if you wish. The initial consult is free. Is better to apply in the final month of your current visa - but make sure you have all the necessary documentation so you don't run out of time! Good luck! Fiancée
Visa - Hi! There are a number of options your fiancee could look at - too many to go into here without knowing further requirements from yourself. Generally though, she could apply for a fiancee visa - however, this visa will not allow your partner to work, and the Home Office will look for evidence that you intend to marry within six months of the application. (For full requirements of this visa you can look at: http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/default.asp?PageId=1010. If your finacee is wishing to stay on and continue to work her best option would be to look at getting a work permit herself - depending upon her work skillset and experience, she may also qualify for the Governement approved shortlist which could speed up her application by as much as a month. Please look through our section on UK Visa's at http://www.ukdiscovered.com/finding_a_job/visas/index.html - these should answer most of the basic questions you have. Should more questions present themselves then we look forward to hearing from you! Shortly we will be hosting 'Partnership Pages' within the site as well - which will present UKD approved 'specialists in their fields.' One of which will cover Immigration and Visa Services. If you would like to be notified of the availability of this service, simply send a blank email to subscribe@ukdiscovered.com - our FREE weekly newsletter, where all new UKD services will be announced as they become available. I'm australian but with a british passport. My boyfriend and I are coming over, him on a working holiday visa. If we plan on staying in the UK, are we able to possibly apply for fiance visa? We have been together 4 years. Will he have to go back to australia while we apply for it? And are we still able to get it even though I haven't been a permanent resident in the UK for quite a few years? I do plan to stay permanently in the UK. WHat are our options? Hi Michelle, You're best bet in wanting to stay on after your boyfriends visa expires, would be to apply for a fiancee visa on your british passport. You can apply for one of these in the UK (check back in a fortnight - UKD are building a Products and Services section, offering quality (services (such as visa applications) by qualified consultants at specially discounted rates for UKD users. Please note though, there are some general requirements you will have to meet if you are planning to apply for one of these types of visa's. There are also working restrictions on this visa. You can read about these at: http://www.ukdiscovered.com/finding_a_job/visas/ancestry.html cheers, the UKD team PS Providing you hold a british passport (as opposed to an ancestry visa) there is no problem in the fact you haven't been a permanent resident in the UK for quite some time either. Hi, This is a two-fold question: 1) I'm originally from the UK, having moved to Australia in 1985 at age 12. Would I have had a NI number at that age? If "Yes" how do I go about finding out what it is, so I can utilise it when I arrive back in the UK in September? 2) My husband is travelling to the UK on an ancestry visa from Australia. As I am a Brit Citizen, with a Brit passport, would he qualify for a Brit passport as my husband? What are the rules on this? Thanks, Lis Hi Lis, You're best way to find if you have an NI number is to ring your nearest NI office and let them know of your circumstances - where you used to live etc. If you had one back then they should be able to track it down for you based on the information you provide. Further details on this can be seen at: http://www.ukdiscovered.co.nz/things_to_know/nationalinsurance.html Based on your brit passport, your husband would also qualify for a spousal visa.. we will be publishing a page full of relevant information for spouses next Monday, so check back with us! (Look for this under our 'finding work' section, under UK Visa's.) If you're wanting to apply - check out the great deal we've arranged for our members via a specialist lawfirm - offering the best service and price in London at: http://www.ukdiscovered.co.nz/partners/breytenbach.html Hope this helps! Kind regards, the UKD team Hi Lis, just to let you know as promised, we have now published new information on spouses rights to work and live in the UK. You can view this page at: http://www.ukdiscovered.co.nz/finding_a_job/visas/spouse.html cheers, the UKD team What
exactually... Posted 9-12-2001 14:21 hi there, if he's caught, he will be deported back to South Africa. His passport will also be stamped, and a record of his overstaying will be kept on UK records, this will affect his ability to enter the UK for a number of years. It may also affect his application to visit other countries as well. I assume there is no option of him being able to apply for a work permit? Our immigration affiliate listed in our members products and services area is owned and run by a Mr Hannes Breytenbach - a South African who specialises in UK immigration. He also has offices in South Africa and may know of a way to help your boyfriend. His contact details can be found at: http://www.ukdiscovered.com/partners/breytenbach.html Hope it all works out. regards, the UKD team I left the UK at the expiration of my 2 year working holiday visa. I was working as a contractor via my own limited company. I still owe the Inland Revenue money for company taxes I did not pay. To date I have made no effort to pay this outstanding amount. I am now wondering the following: 1: What is the best way to pay this outstanding amount without prosecution 2: If I have not paid this ammount, would it make it difficult for me to apply for UK citizenship? I have been back to the UK several times since leaving due to business trips. I have never had any trouble at customs. What would be the best course of action for me to take? Thanks SM Hi Mike, you haven't said how long ago this was - leaving the country and having not paid your taxes. I'm assuming you know this is not just considered an oversight by the UK IRD, but will deem it illegal, and they could prosecute. They may or may not do this if you front up to pay your taxes in your own behalf - a lot of it would probably depend on how long overdue the taxes owed are, and how much you owe. I think it also goes without saying that if these unpaid taxes are linked to your name, and therefore your UK citizenship application - it would impact on your success. If you are serious about cleaning this up, and doing it properly (which is a must if you are considering returning for citizenship), you're going to have to fork out the fees and go via a professional agency with ACCREDITED accountants. We have one listed in our Members area, or you can search the UK directory of Yahoo. They would be able to tell you what you're chances are of avoiding prosecution or further trouble with the UK authorities. Hope this helps and best of luck. I have a UK Ancestry Visa and been in the UK for 2 years. I want to leave and maybe come back well after the 4 years is up.Am I able to re-apply for a UK Ancestry visa again and be granted another 4 years or is that it. Hi Clazza, Providing the English Government doesn't change their current policy on those holding ancestry visa's in the future - you will be able to return at a later date after re-applying for another four years. The risk is that if the UK formally joins the EU they may evaluate their current immigration policies. cheers, the UKD team Hi, I am an Australian currently coming to the end of my 2yr working holiday visa in a few months. However I have managed to secure an extension to my current contract for another 6 months until the project is completed. I am looking to be able to stay on in the UK legally in that time. Do you have any information about applying for a visa extension with the Home Office for an additional 6 months? Even if I have correspondence from my employer confirming the project ending in 6 months? Hi Johno, If you are looking for an extension allowing you to work for a further six months in the UK - you will need to have your employer sponsor you for a work permit for that duration. Be careful on how you apply for this permit however, as you are not supposed to already be working in a professional capacity on a two year working holiday visa. A work permit can take as little as a week or two to process if you qualify for the UK shortlists - these lists are viewable at: http://www.ukdiscovered.com/finding_a_job/visas/shortage.html or longer if you do not qualify for the shortlist (the employer then has to show they have advertised in the UK to fill your position, and show why you are more suitable than another person already resident in the UK. Full details on what you need in order to apply for a permit is held at: http://www.ukdiscovered.com/finding_a_job/visas/work_permits.html I'd also suggest you get a professional to organise this permit for you - whether you apply through Breytenbach & Co, professional immigration lawyers that offer an exclusive discount to our members, or any other reputable agency or lawfirm in London. We hope this helps - feel free to email us again if you have any further questions. Regards, the UKD team Just my luck.. My grandfathers family was British although just before he was born the family decided to immigrate to South Africa and did not bother to apply for a british passort (or so my dad thinks), although all his brothers and parents had british passports. My Grandfather is no longer alive. How can I double check to see if he really did not have a British Passport or eligability as If there is any hope of being able to get an Ansestral Visa then I want to give it a whirl. Hi L, We've looked into your situation, and, unfortunately, can confirm that in order for you to qualify for an ancestral visa, you have to prove that one of your grandparents was BORN IN THE UK. From your email it would appear that your grandfather was born in South Africa, and as such you would not qualify for an ancestral visa. We are in contact with a qualified lawyer who specialises in Immigration Visa's and Work Permits in London, who offers us guidance in these matters, and he has mentioned that he may be able to help you further in staying on in the UK, once looking into all of your options. They also have an office in South Africa, so will definitely know of all the options available to you. They're office charges £75 for an initial in depth consultation, which is then refundable against your application fee. (In effect a free consultation.) They also charge no more than the standard immigration businesses in the UK. If you'd like to get the contact details, please email us at immigrationadvice@ukdiscovered.com and we will forward on your details. Sorry we couldn't give you better news! Regards, the UKD team I am 21 years old. My mother is married to an English Man and thus has UK residency. My parents have been divorced since I was small and I lived with my mom until she came from South Africa to England. I got a 2 year WHV and have been in England for a year. Would I be able to stay in the country after my 2 year WHV i.e. get right of abode, or will I have to go back to South Africa and leave my family behind?? Hi Bonnie, After looking into this we've found that unfortunately you have no rights to residency on the basis of your mother being married to an Englishman (and in doing so she attained UK residency.) Due the fact you are over 21 years of age, you have to qualify in your own right. If, however, you have any brother's or sister's under the age of 18 your mother's residency could benefit them in gaining entry to the UK. There are other options you may want to look into, should you wish to stay on in the UK at the end of your two year visa. Full details of these can be found at: http://www.ukdiscovered.com/finding_a_job/visas/index.html The ones that may be of particular interest to you might be the student visa or the work permit Please get back in touch if you have any further questions. the UKD team If I wait till she is eligable to get a British Passport, then will I be able to apply for ancestral visa. A Student visa is not suitble as I want to work full time. A dont have a degree and thus my chances of a company sponsoring me is minimal. Hi Bonnie - as mentioned, due to the way your mother obtained her residency, and the fact you are over 21 years of age - you will not be eligible to get an ancestry visa; even when she gains a full UK passport. We can recommend you to a specialist immigration lawyer in London for qualified advice if you'd like, if so please email us direct at immigrationadvice@ukdiscovered.com. Unfortunately you will have to look at other options - please also note that having a degree is not necessarily a prerequisite for obtaining a work permit, providing you can show relevant experience in your chosen field of work. regards, the UKD team 52
week allocation Posted 6-8-2001 13:31 Hi Saf, in answer to your question - it's about as strict as any other law in the UK(!) When counting your weeks, I assume you have remembered to not count anytime not working, or on holiday or travelling? Are you planning on leaving the UK at the end of this contract? If so, and the allocation only just takes you over the 52 weeks, perhaps you could negotiate with your employer to only contract you up to the 52 week limit? If you are wishing to stay on and work for longer than this period, you may wish to look into your other options. Getting sponsored for a work permit is one option, or applying for a student visa may be another. You can click on these text links to gather more information about these options. As to how strictly it is enforced, it all depends on whether your prospective employer, or recruitment agency (if you have one) looks into your past working history in the UK - we cannot recommend you take the option of working longer than your 52 week allocation however, as this is in violation of your visa requirements, and is therefore illegal. If you would like to know more about the work permit, student visa, or any other visa's available feel free to email us again! I have worked about 40 weeks so far out of the year that I have been here. I still have another 52 weeks of my WHV of which I am ment to travel. Which means that this 6 month contract will take me about 25 weeks over my allocation. Will this be the same if I form a limited company and work under that? I would love to get a work permit and stay here forever, but since I am only contracting the company would never sponsor me. Yep - 52 weeks is 52 weeks, regardless of what type of avenue you choose to work through. Returning
to UK after Visa has expired Posted 6-5-2001 16:07 Hi Lisa, you could face problems, it really depends on the mood of the customs official you get on the day! To help you case - we'd suggest you take any documentation with you that you can to show you are moving to Dublin, including flight tickets and anything else (such as letters from recruitment agents, letting agents etc.) Providing they really believe you are moving on to Dublin you shouldn't have too many problems. regards, the UKD team Hello, After browsing your website I noticed that certain IT positions are available under the 'shortage occupations'. I am an Australian and was in the UK on a working holiday visa 3 years ago. I am 29 years of age. I am currently studying a Diploma in E-business Support and due to finish by the end of this year. I am very keen to get back to London to work but have heard that it is only possible if an employer sponsors someone. In my case would I be able to apply for jobs either advertised or not once I've graduated and had a few months work experience? If this is possible, would that agency/employer have to apply for my visa? Any help you have on this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Hi Ozzie Girl, there is nothing stopping you from applying for positions in the UK at any time - although the companies may find it a stumbling block that you are currently in Australia and without a work permit. One way to alleviate this is to verify that you meet the IT skills shortage for the UK, are you aware of what these are? If not, let me know and I would be happy to email the requirements to you. (These details will be published to the site within the next couple of weeks.) There are other options available to you as well, depending upon your circumstances. If you'd like you can email us direct so we can more speedily ascertain your requirements, skills and options. If you know enough details already and are ready to apply, check out our UKD Member Services section over the next fortnight. We will be publishing advertising space for companies specialising in this area. If you're worried about the cost of applying through an agency, please remember that under your circumstances can be a tricky business - and these people are qualified specialists who achieve a high success rate for their clients, because they know what they're doing. Hope this helps - feel free to email us again should you have any further questions! regards, the UKD team how
much for a student visa? Posted 5-14-2001 15:25 Hi Toni - having phoned around ourselves, the visa application itself should set you back anywhere from £300 - £400; and then you have the additional cost of the course fees itself. Course fees obviously vary a great deal depending upon your course of choice! At UKD we have started to build a Member Services Catalogue, where we will list only the premier qualfied consultants that offer their services at competitive rates - where possible we will try to negotiate discounts for our members as well. Check out this area: http://www.ukdiscovered.com/partners/index.html for regular updates and additions to this area. Hope this helps! the UKD team I AM A DUAL AUSTRALIAN/ BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDER. I HAVE BEEN LIVING HERE WITH MY AUSTRALIAN PARTNER FOR 14 MONTHS. HE IS ON A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA. AS WE HAVE BEEN IN A FIVE YEAR RELATIONSHIP AND HAVE BEEN LIVING TOGETHER WHAT ARE OUR OPTIONS WITH REGARDS TO ANY ENTITLEMENT FOR HIM TO STAY OVER HERE AS LONG AS I DO?? Hey Aussi Girl! there are some options available for your boyfriend depending upon the more specific circumstances of your relationship... You say that it is a five year relationship - does that mean you have been living together for that whole time? If not, for how long - and do you have proof of living together (such as a shared bank account or history of bills in both names etc)? Is marriage on the cards - in respect to applying for a fiancee visa? Obviously there are a lot of issues to consider here, to best narrow down his options. (If these answers are too personal a nature to post on the boards, feel free to email us direct at: immigrationadvice@ukdiscovered.com - this service is free also.) Talk to you soon! UKD Moderator Hi just wandering what info you have discovered, as I am a similar situation. My partner is getting the ancestory visa for the UK, and I am getting a 2 yr working holiday visa. We have been living together for 3 years. Does this make me eligible for another visa (IE access to ancestory)??? We are not engaged but maybe in the future!!! Let me know what you can thanks. Hi Nat25, we haven't heard back from aussi girl yet but in answer to some of your questions - at the end of your 2yr working holiday - if you and your partner were thinking of marrying in the future, then the fiancee visa may be an option for you. There are many restrictions on this visa however - and generally they will expect you to have definite marriage plans - say to marry within the following six months. For the full lowdown on this visa you may want to check out the details linked from: http://www.ukdiscovered.com/finding_a_job/visas/ancestry.html We hope to hear from you soon! (You can also email us direct, in confidence, at immigrationadvice@ukdiscovered.com - this service is still free!) regards, the UKD team I accidently put something about this in the wrong section. But I am in an identical situation as the first girl. I have a both passports but have been living permanently in australia for quite a few years now. My boyfriend and I are coming over in a few weeks, him on a working holiday visa. We may decide on settling permanently in the UK, or at least for quite a few more years than allowed on his visa. We have been living together for 3 and a half years, but have not shared accounts or anything like that. We have been boarding at my parents house to save money, so we haven't got any legal things joined at all. What are our options if we decide to stay in the UK? Or even just want to stay longer than the 2 years. All, Although there is such a thing as a defacto visa - they are difficult to gain. In order to qualify you have to show a legal reason why you can't be married. (ie: you're partner is already married and going through divorce proceedings.) Fiancee visas are possible - but you must still show plans to marry; generally within a six month period - and there are restrictions on working in the UK. The best bet for your partners are to try to gain a legitimate visa under their own steam - for those still wanting to work, a student visa or work permit are their best options. (Or of course to marry and apply for a spouse visa!) For full details on requirements you need to abide by, or have to meet in order to apply for these visa's, check out our visa section at:http://www.ukdiscovered.com/finding_a_job/visas/index.html Regards, the UKD team Returning
to the UK Posted 5-17-2001 07:03 Hi Hel, You're one of the lucky ones with having an ancestry visa so you should have nothing to worry about when returning. (Providing you don't have a criminal record of course!) They may want to see that you can support yourself while in the UK - but this is generally rare for ancestry visa holders. The only thing to remember if you are wanting to apply for right of abode at the end of your four years - is to keep an eye on the amount of time within the four years you are spending in the UK; as there are restrictions. Check out the full details at: http://www.ukdiscovered.com/finding_a_job/visas/ancestry.html/ Cheers, the UKD team I am applying for a working holiday visa, and my partner is eligible for a Ancestory Visa. Does this make our travelling together difficult?? How long much does the ancestory visa require you to work?? and then to get right of abode etc?? Any info would be great thanks!! Hey Nat - welcome to UKD! In answer to your questions, we've assumed you've meant applying for visa's to the UK! Providing both you and your partner get your respective visa's you won't have any trouble travelling together. Of course, don't forget to check out what visa's you may or may not need when travelling to various countries however! (You will need to obtain these before arriving in each respective country.) Visa requirements for travel will vary depending upon your nationality, and what country you're wishing to visit. If you're not sure on certain locations, you're best bet is to get in touch with the relevant Home Office for that country. (If you're in the UK - we will have postings of most Home Offices for various destinations available within our "Things to Know" section later in the week.) Ancestry visa's for the UK have no restrictions on working in the UK - although certain requirements have to be met if you're partner is looking to stay on in the UK long enough to apply for right of abode after four years. Check out these requirements at: http://www.ukdiscovered.com/finding_a_job/visas/ancestry.html There are restrictions on a two year working holiday visa - such as you are only permitted to work for 12 months of the two year allocation. For full details on the requirements and restrictions on this visa, check out the details at: http://www.ukdiscovered.com/finding_a_job/visas/working_holiday.html All the best - and let us know if you have any further questions! Cheers, the UKD team 2
yr workinghol maker visa Posted 4-27-2001 08:16 Hello! thank you for using our service! In answer to your questions: - there really is no 'best' time for applying for your student visa - other than applying before your current one runs out of course! Generally 4 - 6 weeks nearing the end of your current visa is sufficient. - bear in mind that it is better to put in your visa application once you have ALREADY enrolled in a recognised educational institution. - unfortunately we do not post current prices of the various visa processing institutions; but as an approximation you are probably looking at around £1000 to cover the visa and study course costs. - "sufficient funds" depends on your living circumstances, but must show to be sufficient enough to cover your living costs for the duration of your course of study. One way to reduce this amount is to get a letter of reference from someone OWNING a property to say you can live there rent free for the duration of your study. They must also supply a copy of their deed, or mortgage payments, or something to prove to the home office that they actually own the property. - you must also show the previous 3 months statements of either your account, or the person sponsoring you (agreeing to support you) during your course of study. Putting the money into your account temporarily just before you apply will not be accepted by the home office. - cheapest courses; again we do not publish this information; and it is variable on what you wish to study! Two of the most popular we are aware of are Pathways Computer College, which has offices in Hammersmith and Old St (Ph: 020 7553 6970), and the London Computer College based in Oxford Circus in London. I don't have the latter number on me, but can get it for you over the next few days if you like? On a final note - I would advise that student visa's are not easily applied for, or allocated - and would strongly advise you seek professional advice in applying for the visa to ensure a successful outcome. Let us know how it all goes and best of luck! UKD Moderator Hello All, We had a number of people email us directly yesterday with various questions about eligibility for work permits. It's great to know you're watching! :) More travellers qualify for work permits than you would think. With the new Government shortlist - permits can also be obtained quicker than ever before. If you're not sure whether you'd qualify, check out our information on http://www.ukdiscovered.com/finding_a_job/visas/index.html If overstaying, what is the procedure when leaving the uk? Do you passports get stamped out & do have the arrival date on computer? Hi Pixie, Welcome to the UKD Ask Our Experts Message Board. We would have to advise that overstaying on a UK Visa or Work Permit is illegal - at best, your passport would be stamped as overstaying when you exit the country, and you would go on record in the UK as having breached your visa terms. Your chances of then being able to reenter the UK at a later date would be pretty much nil. Overstaying in one country may also effect your access to another as well - ie: USA. Have you thought of appying for a six month holiday visa? These are fairly easy to apply for, and processing times are now far quicker than previously. Alternatively you may qualify for a student visa or work permit. For full details of the UK Visa's and work permits available, check out http://www.ukdiscovered.com/finding_a_job/visas/index.html. If you think you may qualify for one of these we can reccommend a lawyer in London who specialises in these types of applications. They offer a personalised service and charge no more than the agencies in the city. Let us know how you get on!
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