New eVisa System in the UK: Immigration Documents Now Digitalised
- Published in UK Immigration
Visa Refusal is Our Worst Nightmare
The fearful dream that everyone is whispering from ear to ear these days is that if they apply for a visa from Turkey, their application will definitely be rejected. Unfortunately, although there are some negative thoughts affecting the results of visa applications in the UK and European countries, a correctly made application, properly prepared application documents and right statements play the biggest role in the positive outcome of your visa application.
If we look at the common reasons for refusal in your visa application and you prepare your application with these reasons in mind, you will have a very high chance of getting your visa application approved.
The main reasons for refusal of a visa are as follows:
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
One of the main reasons for refusing entry to the UK is missing or incorrect documentation. This can include incomplete forms, insufficient evidence to support your application or providing false information. It is important to provide complete and accurate descriptions of the documents to be submitted at the application stage.
Insufficient Financial Resources
Another common reason for visa refusal is insufficient financial resources. UK immigration authorities want to ensure that applicants have sufficient resources to support themselves while in the country, and it is important that the source of this financial income is clear and its stability can be demonstrated.
Negative Visa History
If you have applied for a visa in the past, any previous immigration offences, including previous visa refusals or overstays, may affect your application. If you have previous immigration problems, immigration authorities may consider you a higher risk and refuse your application. It is important to be transparent about past issues and to explain or provide evidence of your changed circumstances.
Purpose of Visit
The purpose of your visit to the UK must be consistent with the type of visa you are applying for. If there are inconsistencies between the stated purpose and the supporting documentation, your application may be refused. If you are travelling for tourism, business, education or to visit family, it is important to ensure that your application accurately reflects your intentions and that you provide supporting documentation.
Visa/Migration Compliance
This includes meeting certain eligibility criteria such as holding a valid passport, having no criminal record and complying with visa conditions. It is important that you check and comply with the immigration rules relevant to your application to avoid having your application rejected.
Honesty and Reliability
Because of the importance of declaration, particularly in the UK, the authorities will assess the credibility of applicants based on a number of factors, including their travel history, loyalty to their home country and the consistency of their statements. If they have concerns about your credibility or intentions, your application may be refused. It is important to provide reliable and honest information.
Security Concerns
Security concerns play an important role in the visa application process. If the authorities believe you are a security risk or have links to criminal or terrorist activity, your application may be refused.
Be honest in your application, provide the correct documents and follow the immigration rules to make your application as smooth as possible. If your application is refused, you may be able to appeal the decision or reapply, addressing the reasons for the refusal.
With a carefully prepared application form, followed by detailed explanations and the correct documentation, you can manage your visa application process once you have been approved. You can enjoy your visit to the UK.
- Published in UK Immigration
United Kingdom Visa Rejection Reasons
In this article, we will cover misrepresentation, submitting fake documents and ban, which are frequently encountered difficulties in UK visa rejection reasons.
Misrepresentation
Misrepresentation refers to the inaccuracy of the information provided during the visa application process or during an interview. This occurs when the applicant provides inaccurate information about their personal situation, financial status, travel purpose, or other essential details. Misrepresentation is a serious matter as it indicates a lack of reliability and can lead to visa rejection.
For example, providing false income information to portray a better financial situation or presenting the travel purpose in an incomplete or misleading manner falls under this category. Such situations can complicate the understanding of the applicant’s intentions and result in reliability concerns.
Submitting Fake Documents
Submitting fake documents involves manipulating or falsifying the required documents. Using forged passports, bank statements, job references, or hotel reservations can lead to visa rejection and even legal consequences. This situation indicates a serious issue with the applicant’s reliability.
Ban
Violations from a previous visa application, such as non-compliance with visa conditions or exceeding the authorized stay, can lead to a visa ban for a specified period. This ban prevents the applicant from entering the country for a certain time. Past discrepancies can have a negative impact on future visa applications.
That’s why applicants should be diligent in providing completely honest and accurate information during the visa application process. Misrepresentation or the use of fake documents not only results in short-term visa rejections but can also lead to long-term reliability issues.
- Published in UK Immigration
Most Common Reasons For Rejection Of United Kingdom Tourist Visas
Tourist visa applications are subject to a rigorous evaluation process, especially in countries such as the UK. Applicants should prepare carefully to minimize the risk of visa rejection. Common reasons for rejection of UK tourist visas are generally due to incomplete or inconsistent information provided by applicants. These reasons range from past visa applications to travel plans, from financial situation to related documents. In this article, we will focus on factors that are frequently encountered in UK tourist visa applications and may negatively affect applications.
Providing Incomplete or Incorrect Information:
Missing or incorrect basic information such as passport information, travel plans, and accommodation issues is one of the reasons for rejection of the visa application.
Insufficient Financial Situation:
Failure to provide financial assurances proving that the applicant can cover travel expenses and lack or insufficiency of documents showing that the applicant’s financial situation is suitable are among the reasons for rejection.
Vague or Irrational Travel Plans:
If the travel plan is unclear or unreasonable, or if details such as places to visit, accommodation arrangements and return plans are missing or inconsistent, this may result in visa rejection.
Non-Linked Travel Purposes:
A lack of connection or inconsistency between the travel purpose stated by the applicant and the planned activities and details may also be among the reasons for rejection.
Past Visa Violations or Visa Rejections:
Rejection of previous visa applications or previous visa violations may cause new visa applications to be evaluated negatively.
Lack of Linked Documents:
Lack of relevant documents supporting the information stated by the applicant may cause the application to not be based on a strong basis. This may result in visa rejection.
Lack of Return Assurance:
Failure to provide sufficient documentation or contacts to establish the applicant’s intention to return to his/her country may result in visa denial.
Information and Document Inconsistencies:
Any inconsistencies in the application form or documents submitted may raise concerns about the applicant’s credibility and the visa application may be rejected.
Each of these factors are important points to consider when applying for a UK tourist visa. Applicants can minimize these possible reasons for rejection by making detailed preparations before applying.
- Published in UK Immigration
Self Sponsorship Route Frequently Asked Questions
Hello, in this article we will summarise the process of obtaining residency in the UK using the self-sponsorship route with catechise. If you would like more detailed information about the process, you can call us anytime from the numbers below, free of charge.
Question 1: What is the Self Sponsorship route?
The Self Sponsorship route is for investors who wish to set up a business in the UK, which could help them to obtain UK residency depending on their business activities. The investors who wish to obtain the residency and start to live and do business in the UK can achieve this result in two ways. They can set up a new company according to their business activities or to take over a company already operating in the UK in the same field. Moreover, it is then possible to apply for a Sponsor Licence for that company, furthermore, apply for residency as a skilled worker depending upon that company which they are operating for.
Question 2: Is the Self-Sponsorship Route similar to the Ankara Agreement Route to obtain residency in the UK?
Although there are some similarities between the Self-Sponsorship route and the Ankara Agreement Route, the two routes are different. Under the Ankara Agreement, the company you set up in the UK for your business idea will give you direct residence rights, whereas this is not possible under the Self-Sponsorship route. In order to obtain residence through a company set up in the UK under the Self-Sponsorship route, first of all the company you set up or take over a company must have a licence to employ overseas staff which is called sponsor licence, furthermore, the position of the employment required by the company must not be provided from within the UK, and must be one of the skilled worker jobs which are identified by the UK government.
Question 3: If a company is established in the UK for Self Sponsorship purposes, is it possible for company shareholders to work in the company?
If the company founder or shareholders are not already having a resident permit in the UK, they cannot be employed as employees. They can only be shareholders/partners of the company. The company must employ employees who are already resident in the UK and have a work permit in the UK.
Question 4: Is it possible for a company established or acquired in the UK to obtain a direct Sponsor Licence? What are the requirements?
It is not possible for a company established or acquired in the UK to obtain a direct sponsor licence. There are some conditions that must be fulfilled for sponsor licence. The sponsor licence gives companies the right to find and employ employees from overseas.
First of all, the company must demonstrate why they need that person(s) to come to the UK to work with the company. Moreover, the employee in question must be essential to the continuity of the business and must be one of the skilled workers which is identified by the government.
In addition, the UK Home Office has determined the minimum annual salary thresholds depending on the professional position of the person being brought in. Annual salaries vary depending on the professional position. Although there is no upper limit, there is a lower limit of £26,200. In line with the government’s recent statements, the lower limit is to be increased to £38,700 in the spring of 2024.
The company must have sufficient income to pay the salaries of the people it will bring in from abroad as well as the expenses it will incur as a result of its commercial activities.
Even these conditions are presence, another necessary condition is that the company must also employ another person who is a permanent resident, a citizen or a person who has a place of residence in the UK within the scope of the European Union. This person is going to be the person who will be responsible for using the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). Where the person is referred to as a Level 1 User.
Question 5: What are the requirements for being a Level 1 User who is responsible for using the SMS system?
An employee, business partner or company manager within the company can be a Level 1 user. Moreover, there may be additional Level 1 Users employed by third party organisations who provides HR services.
However, it should be noted that, in order to assign additional Level 1 users, at least one of the employee, partner or managers in the company must be a Level 1 user. It is important to mention that there are some situations that may prevent you from being a Level 1 user.
A person is not eligible to be a Level 1 user if they have an outstanding criminal conviction for an offence listed in the published sponsor guidance, have been fined by the UK Visa and Immigration authorities within the last 12 months, have been reported to the UK Visa and Immigration authorities, have breach the UK law, have worked as a ‘key person’ for a sponsor whose licence has been revoked within the last 12 months, have failed to pay VAT or other excise duties.
In addition, individuals eligible for Level 1 user must be present in the UK for most of the period, not to be a contractor or consultant engaged for a specific project, not to be subject to bankruptcy, debt relief or a dept undertaking, and not previously breached sponsor requirements.
Question 6: Is there a capital requirement for a company to obtain a sponsor licence?
There is no regulation regarding the capital requirement for applying to the Sponsor Licence as a company. However, in addition to the company’s trading expenses, the company must be able to cover the salary amounts to be paid to the employees from overseas.
These salaries must also meet the annual salary threshold determined by the UK Home Office for the skilled worker positions. Capital amounts may vary according to the work to be carried out in the UK. It would be appropriate to determine the initial capital according to the work to be done in the business.
Question 7: Let’s say, the conditions described above have been met and the company established in the UK has been granted a sponsor licence. What should be done after this stage?
The company that has been granted a Sponsor Licence can now bring in employees from overseas. At this stage it is necessary to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa for the person in question. The Skilled Worker Visa is based on what we call the point base. Generally, the conditions can be counted under the following headings: The position that the person will be working in the company is in the skilled worker professions category, B1 level English requirement for the person, experience requirement for the person, minimum annual salary requirement specified for the persons profession, job offer of the person and Certificate of Sponsorship.
Question 8: Is a B1 Level English certificate from any institution valid? How should the language level be demonstrated?
The skilled worker visa applicant must be able to demonstrate the persons language level in the areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking. A language certificate from any course is not valid. The person must demonstrate the language level through the exams accepted by the UK Home Office. These exams are IELTS for UKVI (Academic-General Training), Language Cert International ESOL SELT B1, PTE Academic UKVI, Integrated Skills in English ISEI.
Question 9: How many years is a skilled worker visa issued for? Can the spouse and children apply for this visa route together with the applicant?
The person applying for a skilled worker visa will be granted the right of residence for the duration of the company’s sponsorship. This period can be up to 1-2-3-4-5 years. Moreover, it is important to mention that, if the conditions are met, at the end of 5 years, there is a right to apply for the permanent residence in the UK and right to apply for the citizenship at the end of the sixth year. The applicant and their family can also apply for a skilled worker visa route.
Question 10: How long does it take to apply for a Sponsor Licence and obtain a Skilled Worker Visa within the process?
This time will vary depending on the start of the business activities. It also depends on if the company is set up as a new company according to their business activities or if they take over a company already operating in the UK in the same field.
Mainly, the average assessment process for the sponsor licence is 8 weeks and there is an acceleration service. So that, with the acceleration service (fast track service), this process could be reduced to 10 working days.
After getting the Sponsor Licence for the company, for a skilled worker visa application, the assessment process takes 6-8 weeks, but also there is an acceleration service for skilled worker application as well. In this case, the assessment period is reduced to 1-5 working days.
- Published in UK Immigration
Fact Sheet On Net Migration measures – 21 December 2023
Fact Sheet On Net Migration Measures
A fact sheet was published by the Home Office on Thursday, December 21, 2023, the details of which will be announced later. As it is known, on Monday, December 4, 2023, the Prime Minister and Home Secretary announced the plan to prevent immigrant abuse and reduce net migration; The plan, alongside a package of restrictions on people financially dependent on students, is expected to mean around 300,000 people will be affected by the new rules.
Some of the new immigration rules will be as follows;
- Home care workers from abroad will no longer be able to bring their financial dependents to the UK. Additionally, social care companies that wishing to sponsor care workers will need to comply with rules set out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
- The minimum earnings threshold for Skilled Worker visas will be increased from £26,200 to £38,700 and individual occupation going rate thresholds will be increased in line with the average full-time wage for equivalent jobs in 2023.
- Health, social care and education workers will be exempt from this minimum salary threshold. In this way, it is thought that the care sector and the NHS can continue to easily employ the healthcare professionals needed.
- The list of Shortage Occpation will be rearranged and the 20% salary reduction in this list will be terminated. Additionally, the Migration Advisory Committee will conduct investigations on this issue.
- Family visas will also be brought into line with this increased earnings threshold rule. The minimum income for family visas will be gradually phased in;
- In Spring 2024 the earnings threshold will be increased to £29,000. It will be gradually increased to £34,500 and £38,700 in the future.
Existing thresholds and policies will remain in place until the Immigration Rules are changed. For example;
The rights of a care workers who has already brought their family to the UK will be protected, similarly, people who are in the UK on their visa route but have not yet brought their family will also be able to bring their families.
However, employees who were on the Skilled Worker visa route before the changes will be exempt from the new earnings threshold limit when they change sponsors or extend their visas. But their wages must be ensured to rise at the same rate as settled workers, so when they next apply to change, extend their stay or settle, they will be subject to the updated 25 per cent bracket using the latest pay data.
In addition, applications from people who currently hold a family visa under the five-year partner route or who applied before the minimum income threshold was increased will continue to be assessed against the current income requirement and will not be required to meet the increased threshold. This will also apply to dependant children who wish to join their parents
However, those already in the UK and applying to switch to the five-year partner route via a different route will be subject to the new income requirement after the minimum income requirement has been increased.
The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) will be renamed the Immigration Salary List and the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will advise which of the existing SOL occupations should remain on the list in line with the new salary thresholds. The current SOL will remain in effect until new salary thresholds are implemented in late spring.
Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will continue to work on the details of these changes from January until the end of 2024 to ensure that the integrity and quality of the UK immigration system is maintained, in line with the UK’s interests and priorities.
- Published in UK Immigration
Changes On Student Visa
On July 17, the UK Government announced changes to the Immigration Rules that affect international students studying in the United Kingdom. As of January 2024, significant changes will be made to the student visa. According to these changes, students, except those in postgraduate research programs, will no longer be able to bring their dependents with a student visa.
Additionally, as of July 17, with this change, international students will no longer be granted permission to switch to work route visas unless they have completed their courses. This change took effect on July 17, 2023.
As a result of this change, we gave some examples below.
- If your spouse is here as your dependent they can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa before you have completed your course at the time of this article.
- If your course started in September 2023 you can still bring your dependents before January 2024.
- If you received an offer for a course in September 2023 but deferred it to January 2024 means that you will start your course in January 2024, so the new rules will apply.
- If your course starts in January 2024 and after successfully completing your studies and obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship, current immigration rules allow dependents of Skilled Worker Visa holders to apply from their home countries.
- Even if your course starts in January 2024 you can still continue to work part-time while on a student visa. According to the current Immigration Rules, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and have unlimited work hours during official vacation periods. There are no planned changes to this rule.
If you need more detailed information about the student visa or require an assessment of your specific situation, you can contact us.
- Published in UK Immigration
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK
Are you dreaming of settling down in the United Kingdom? If so, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) might be the pathway you’re looking for. ILR is a crucial step towards making the UK your permanent home, granting individuals the freedom to live and work in the country without any immigration restrictions
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Indefinite Leave to Remain is a form of settled status in the UK. It’s essentially the immigration status granted to individuals who have lived in the country for a specified period and fulfilled certain criteria. ILR allows you to reside in the UK without any time constraints, enabling you to access public funds, work, and exit and re-enter the country freely.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for ILR, several conditions need to be met:
- Residency Period:
Typically, individuals must have lived in the UK for a specified continuous period under a relevant visa category, such as work, family, or asylum, before applying for ILR. The residency period varies based on the visa type and can range from 2 to 10 years.
You must usually have lived and worked in the UK for 5 years. If you have a tier 1 visa, it can be 2 or 3 years. If you have an Innovator Founder or Global Talent visa, it can be 3 years. You may also need to meet the salary or financial requirements – this depends on your visa.
- Good Character:
Applicants must demonstrate good conduct and character, meaning no criminal record or breaches of immigration rules.
- Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK:
Applicants may need to pass a test to demonstrate their English language proficiency and knowledge of life in the UK ( Life in the UK test) . For Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British Citizenship (Naturalization) you will need to pass the B1 English language test.
- Meeting Financial Requirements:
In some cases, applicants need to meet specific financial criteria, ensuring they can support themselves and their dependents without relying on public funds.
The Application Process
The application for ILR involves completing the appropriate form, providing necessary documentation, and paying the required fee. It’s crucial to submit accurate and comprehensive information to avoid delays or rejections.
Benefits of Indefinite Leave to Remain
Once granted ILR, individuals can enjoy various benefits:
- Freedom to live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions.
- Access to public services such as healthcare and education on the same terms as British citizens.
- Eligibility to apply for British citizenship after a certain period of holding ILR.
Indefinite Leave to Remain is a significant milestone for those wishing to make the UK their permanent home. It offers security, freedom, and access to various opportunities in the country. However, navigating the application process can be complex, requiring careful attention to eligibility criteria and documentation.
Seeking advice from immigration experts or legal professionals can be invaluable in ensuring a smooth and successful application process, paving the way for a settled life in the United Kingdom.
If you would like to work with an expert team, please contact us.
Don’t leave your application to chance!
- Published in UK Immigration
What is Spouse Visa?
The United Kingdom Spouse Visa is a type of visa that allows a person who is living in the United Kingdom or is a British citizen to bring their foreign spouse or partner to live and work with them in the UK. The Spouse Visa is designed for couples who intend to reunite or live together in the UK.
Who Can Apply?
Both you and your partner can apply for the United Kingdom Spouse Visa if you meet the following conditions:
- You and your partner are both over the age of 18.
- Your partner is a British or Irish citizen, has settled status in the UK, is an EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic, or Liechtenstein citizen who started living in the UK before January 1, 2021, holds a Turkish Businessperson visa, holds a Turkish Worker visa, or has refugee status.
- If you have children, they can be included in your application if they are under the age of 18 at the time of application or if they are under 18 when the visa is granted and still dependent on you.
What Are the Application Requirements for a Spouse Visa?
To apply for a Spouse Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be in a relationship recognized by the UK.
- Have lived together for at least 2 years prior to the application date.
- You are a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner and will marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arriving
- Demonstrate that you have the required level of English proficiency for a Spouse Visa.
- Be able to financially support yourself and any dependents.
Additionally, you can apply for a Spouse Visa in the following situations, even if you do not meet the conditions mentioned above:
- If you have a child who is a British or Irish citizen or has lived in the UK for 7 years and it would be unreasonable for them to leave the UK.
- There would be very significant difficulties for you and your partner that could not be overcome if you lived together as a couple outside the UK.
- It would breach your human rights to stop you coming to the UK or make you leave
The application process for a United Kingdom Spouse Visa involves filling out various forms and providing necessary documents. If you need more detailed information about the United Kingdom Spouse Visa or if you require an assessment of your specific situation, you can contact us.
- Published in UK Immigration
Immigration Health Surcharge Will Increase
The Health Surcharge (IHS) fee, which concerns most applicants, will increase not before January 16, 2024 by 66% to £1035, assuming parliamentary approval.
As you know, individuals applying for visas, residence permits, or citizenship in the UK are generally required to make payments for these services. When we look at the amounts of application fees, we can see a significant increase in the past 20 years. The government is deliberately following this policy by demanding fees above the cost of visa applications to finance a comprehensive border and immigration system.
Application fees recently went up 15–35%, and the health surcharge will rise 66% in 2024.
In July 2023, the Government announced an increase in both headline fees and the health surcharge. On 4 October, work and visit visa fees went up by 15%, family visas, settlement and citizenship by 20%, and student visas by 35%. For example, settlement increased from around £2,400 to £2,900. The health surcharge will rise by 66% to £1,035 a year no earlier than 16 January 2024, assuming parliamentary approval.
What Is the Immigration Health Surcharge Fee?
In addition to visa, residence permit, or citizenship application fees, most migrants moving to the UK also need to pay a separate ‘immigration health surcharge’. This is levied on most forms of temporary immigration permission (visitor visas and asylum applications are exempt). The policy is to broadly cover the cost of NHS services to migrants while exempting migrants who work for the NHS. Money raised from the surcharge is intended for healthcare spending and is not retained by the Home Office.
For example, at time of writing, an individual applying for a Skilled Worker Visa valid for three years would pay £719 in application fees plus £1,872 in Immigration Health Surcharge fee. Both must be paid upfront at the point of application, but only the health surcharge is refunded if the application is refused. However, assuming that the increase of health surcharge fee -not before January 16, 2024- an individual applying for a Skilled Worker Visa valid for three years would pay £719 in application fees plus £3,105 for Immigration Health Surcharge fees.
This content contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.
Source:
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9859/#:~:text=In%20July%202023%2C%20the%20Government,%C2%A32%2C400%20to%20%C2%A32%2C900.
- Published in UK Immigration