http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php Pass the British citizenship and settlement test en Copyright 2013 Red Squirrel Publishing 2013-05-08T11:08:22+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/tier_4_student_visa_interviews_start_from_may_2013/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/tier_4_student_visa_interviews_start_from_may_2013/#When:11:08:22Z The UKBA will introducing interviews for people applying for Tier 4 student visas. With effect from May 2013 you may be required to sit a short interview when you visit your visa application centre if you are applying from certain countries.The interview will consist of checks on your reasons for coming to the UK such as details of your chosen course and institution. The interview will also act as a test of your English language ability. Once complete a report of your interview is sent to the visa officer who is handling your application. This visa officer may then call you for a further interview if they want more information. Applicants from the following countries will be affected:China - from 7 May 2013 Ethiopia - from 31 May 2013 Ghana - from 28 May 2013 Nigeria - from 9 May 2013 Pakistan - from 7 May 2013 Philippines - from 7 May 2013 Russian Federation - from 10 May 2013 Thailand - from 7 May 2013 Uganda - from 31 May 2013 Not every applicant will be required to sit an interview. Instead it is likely that applicants from countries the Home Office considers ‘high-risk’ will have to sit an interview, along with a random selection from ‘low-risk’ applicants. The interview process was originally introduced for applicants from ‘high-risk’ countries as part of ongoing efforts to reduce abuses of the visa system. Following good results from the pilot, the scheme was expanded once before in December 2012. News 2013-05-10T14:12:23+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/right_to_appeal_family_visa_refusals_withdrawn/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/right_to_appeal_family_visa_refusals_withdrawn/#When:10:59:04Z With effect from around 25 June 2013 the full right of appeal for anyone refused entry to the UK as a family visitor will no longer apply.The new appeal arrangements will apply to anyone who applies for a visa to visit family in the UK on or after the rule comes in to effect on or around 25 June 2013. The UKBA are removing the right to appeal to bring the family visa route in line with other visa categories. The UKBA advise in their announcement that anyone who is refused a visa can re-apply having addressed the reasons for refusal. They indicate that this will be quicker and cheaper than appealing against the decision. In 2011-12 95% of applications were decided within 15 days, whereas the appeal system can take up to 8 months to deliver a result. The change was first announced in a change to the Crime and Courts Bill published on 10 May 2012, which then received Royal Assent (the final step before a bill passes into law) on 25 April 2013. News 2013-04-29T11:00:05+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/london_metropolitan_university_granted_probationary_licence_to_sponsor_tier/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/london_metropolitan_university_granted_probationary_licence_to_sponsor_tier/#When:15:35:24Z The UKBA have granted London Metropolitan University a probationary licence to sponsor students with effect from 9 April 2013. London Met has been granted the new licence after a series of inspections over the last 6 months demonstrated that the university has sufficiently improved their administration of overseas students. This means that London Met can once again sponsor international students from outside the EEA to come to the UK. There will be a limit on the number of overseas students the university can enrol for the duration of the probationary period. The UKBA will be monitoring the university during this time to ensure that London Met builds a track record of compliance with its new systems and students. London Met lost their licence in August 2012 after the UKBA decided that the university hadn’t done enough to ensure their students were genuine. Issues reported included student records being incomplete, missing supporting documentation, and failures to monitor attendance at classes. The university appealed against the decision at the time on the grounds that they had been improving their standards since receiving poor inspection reports. A statement released by the vice-chancellor of the university at the time, blamed the UKBA for changing its requirements on an ongoing basis, saying, ‘I would go so far as to say that UKBA has been rewriting its own guidelines on this issue and this is something which should cause concern to all universities in the UK’. If you are a student at London Metropolitan University, or are concerned that these changes might affect you, you can find more detailed information on the UKBA’s London Metropolitan University student page. News 2013-04-26T15:36:25+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/home_office_and_capita_launch_visa_reminder_pilot/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/home_office_and_capita_launch_visa_reminder_pilot/#When:15:00:27Z On 9 April 2013 the Home Office launched a new pilot scheme in conjunction with Capita, which will look to remind people whose leave to remain in the UK is due to expire in the near future to either extend their stay or leave the country.The pilot scheme will see Capita contact a randomly selected group of migrants based on their visa records. They will then be sent a letter, email and/or SMS reminding them to either apply to extend their stay or leave the UK. Capita were involved with the high profiles failings of a campaign targeted at visa overstayers over Christmas. This campaign saw people with valid leave to remain targeted, along with others who had already left the country. Many people also mistook the reminder SMSs or emails for spam. In light of this campaign the UKBA have made the following statement: We will continue to work closely with Capita to ensure information provided is accurate. If we receive evidence to show that an individual’s leave is not due to expire in the next 2 months, they have already applied to extend their leave, or they have left the UK we will update our records. If you have been contacted by Capita and wish to speak to an advisor please call 0844 375 4646 or email Capitapep@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk News 2013-04-26T15:02:28+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/online_payments_for_visa_applications_in_india_from_1_may_2013/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/online_payments_for_visa_applications_in_india_from_1_may_2013/#When:14:31:13Z People applying for visas to travel to the UK from India will be able to use a new online system to pay their visa fees with effect from 1 May 2013.Applicants from India can already apply for their visa online but from 1 May there will also be the option to pay online using valid Visa or Mastercards. Other cards will not be accepted. Whilst applicants will still have to attend an appointment at an application centre to submit documents and biometric information they no longer have to bring payment with them to the centre. There is no obligation to use the new payment system so applicants can still pay in cash or by demand draft at the application centre, or at selected branches of Standard Chartered bank. News 2013-04-26T14:32:14+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/new_booking_process_for_premium_service_appointments/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/new_booking_process_for_premium_service_appointments/#When:12:26:31Z With effect form 6 April 2013 there are significant changes to how you book and pay for premium service appointments. The UKBA have said that the changes are being made 'to tackle those abusing the public enquiry office booking system and to help genuine customers to access public enquiry office appointments.'For anyone booking a premium appointment online you now need to call the immigration enquiry bureau by 3pm on the following day to pay a deposit on your booking. This deposit is £100 per applicant and is required to confirm the appointment. If you do not make this payment before 3pm then your appointment will be cancelled and you will have to book again. The £100 fee makes part of the revised fee of £375 for the service introduced on 25 February 2013. Once you have paid this the balance of £275 per applicant is paid at the public enquiry office on the day of your appointment. You can cancel or reschedule your appointment in the normal way through your online account. If you cancel your appointment with 5 or less working days notice, or if you fail to attend your appointment, your £100 fee will not be refunded. The UKBA are planning on introducing a fully automated pre-payment system which will require all fees to be paid upfront. No specific dates have been given so it is unclear when this will be announced or launched, however. News 2013-04-26T12:26:32+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/statement_of_intent_for_new_requirements_for_ilr_and_citizenship/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/statement_of_intent_for_new_requirements_for_ilr_and_citizenship/#When:11:21:37Z The UKBA have announced proposed changes to the requirements for anyone applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or naturalisation as a British citizen. The changes will be made in October 2013 and will increase the requirements for applicants. Under the new rules applicants will be expected to pass the Life in the UK test and also demonstrate English speaking and listening skills equivalent to level B1 (Intermediate). Under the current rules you meet the English language requirements by passing the Life in the UK test, or showing progression of at least one level of the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) gradings. The complete details can be found in the Home Office document, Knowledge of language and life in the UK for settlement and naturalisation: Statement of Intent, changes to the requirement from October 2013. The knowledge of life and language requirement from 28 October 2013 For both ILR and citizenship applications, there will be two elements to the requirement to have sufficient knowledge of life and language in the UK. With effect from 28 October 2013 applicants will have to:pass the Life in the UK test; and have a speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 CEFR or higher, or its equivalent.Exemptions will be made for applicants from majority English-speaking countries and anyone who has obtained a degree which was taught in English. The countries considered as majority English-speaking are:Antigua and Barbuda Guyana Australia Jamaica The Bahamas New Zealand Barbados St Kitts and Nevis Belize St Lucia Canada St Vincent and the Grenadines Dominica Trinidad and Tobago Grenada The United States of America Accepted English language qualifications Any English language qualification used as part of your application must come from a UKBA accredited body. The list of qualifications accepted by the UKBA include:Qualifications covering speaking and listening at B1 or above from the Home Office’s Secure English Language Test (SELT) list. ESOL qualifications at entry level 3 or level 1 or level 2, including speaking and listening, that have been regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). The qualification must be listed as an ESOL qualification on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications and must have been taken in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. A National Qualification in ESOL at Scottish Qualifications Framework levels 4, 5 or 6, awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority and taken in Scotland. News 2013-04-26T11:21:38+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/overseas_visa_applications_go_online_and_single-currency/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/overseas_visa_applications_go_online_and_single-currency/#When:10:26:07Z From 30 April 2013 applications from certain countries will have to be made online and payments of any fees made in either Euros of US dollars, depending on the country. The new rules apply to all applications made for a UK visa from Ukraine, Moldova and Turkmenistan.The new rules require that all applications are made using the online Visas4UK application system with all fees being paid online before attending any appointments at the local visa application centre.  You should only book an appointment at your application centre once you have completed your online application and paid the fee. Visa application fees from Ukraine and Moldova must be paid in Euros. Fees for applications from Turkmenistan must be paid in US dollars. News 2013-04-26T10:27:08+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/new_application_forms_from_6_april_2013/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/new_application_forms_from_6_april_2013/#When:10:42:19Z As part of the changes to the Immigration Rules being made on 6 April 2013 the UKBA have announced updated version of application forms to bring them in line with the new rules.The changes to the Immigration Rules were announced in March and affect Tiers 1, 2 and 4 of the points based system as well as some general minor changes. As such a lot of forms are affected. There were also increases to application fees which came into effect on 6 APril 2013 so you should make sure you are paying the correct fee with your application. With effect from 6 April 2013 you should make sure you are using the latest version of the following forms:FLR (BUS) - further leave to remain (overseas business representative or retired person of independent means) FLR(M) - further leave to remain (marriage) FLR(O) - further leave to remain (other) FLR(P) - further leave to remain (child under 18 of relative with leave as refugee or under humanitarian protection) FLRTier1 (HSMP) - further leave to remain (Highly Skilled Migrant Programme) SET(BUS) - settlement (overseas business representative or retired person of independent means) SET(DV) - settlement (victims of domestic violence) SET(F) - settlement (children of British citizens or people settled in the UK) SET(M) - settlement (marriage) SET(O) - settlement (other) BRP(RC) - biometric residence permit (RC) NTL - no time limit TOC - transfer of conditions TD112 - travel document Tier 1, 2 or 5 (Dependant) Tier 4 (Dependant) Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) VAF 9: Annex ET - :Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Tier 1 (General) Tier 1 (Investor) Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) Tier 2 Tier 2 (Worker) (Dependant) Tier 4 (Cchild student) Tier 4 (General) Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Super premium service form Highly Trusted Sponsor form Fee Payment Arrangements for premium applications for leave to remain in Cardiff, Glasgow and Solihull public enquiry offices (PBS dependants only) Fee Payment Arrangements for premium applications for leave to remain In Cardiff, Glasgow And Solihull public enquiry offices (Except PBS dependants)Some new forms have also been published to account for new requirements. These are:Tier1(Exceptional Talent) (Endorsement) SET (LR) form - settlement (long residence) FLR(LR) - further leave to remain (long residence) VAF 9: Appendix 4 - (Graduate Entrepreneur) News 2013-04-26T10:54:20+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/new_citizenship_test_launched/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/new_citizenship_test_launched/#When:17:19:26Z The new citizenship test is now in effect meaning that all tests taken from 25 March 2013 onwards will be based on the new citizenship test materials published recently.The new test comes into effect immediately and there is no transitional period so you should make sure that you only buy the latest version of the study materials. The 2012 editions of our books are now out of date and you should not buy them. We will be publishing the new editions of our leading Study Guide series very soon. For anyone who is taking the test soon and needs to practice don’t forget that you can use our new title, Life in the UK Test: Handbook 2013 which includes all the essential study materials, advice, diagrams, study aids and more. Purchasers can also register their book to take advantage of a free subscription to our online tests so you can test your knowledge and be ready to take you test. News 2013-03-25T17:19:28+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/biometric_enrolment_systems_upgraded_at_post_offices/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/biometric_enrolment_systems_upgraded_at_post_offices/#When:12:13:24Z Improvements have been made to the biometric enrolment software at Post Offices to make it easier for people to register their information. The improvements particularly help people with particular issues, such as blindness, which previously prevented them from using Post Offices to register biometric information.The improvements came into effect on 18 March 2013 and mean that all applicants, using online or postal services, can enrol their biometric information at any of the 105 participating Post Offices. Previously, anyone who was unable to provide a complete set of fingerprints or a signature or mark would have had to attend a meeting at one of the 7 public enquiry offices. Similarly, people who are blind or partially sighted, of have long-term facial injuries also had to attend a meeting at a public enquiry office. The new systems and software means that all of these people can now provide their details at participating Post Offices. For further details see the Biometric residence permits page on the UKBA website. News 2013-03-19T12:13:25+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/changes_to_the_immigration_rules_in_effect_from_6_april_2013/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/changes_to_the_immigration_rules_in_effect_from_6_april_2013/#When:17:06:26Z A range of changes to the Immigration Rules have been announced by the UKBA, which come into effect on 6 April 2013. The changes affect Tier 1 (Graduate entrepreneur) and (Exceptional talent) routes, Tier 2, Tier 4, the shortage occupation list and the salary thresholds for skilled workers.The full details of the changes are detailed in the UKBA’s Statement of changes HC 1039 and are summarised below:Tier 1 (Graduate entrepreneur) route: Extra places are added for MBA graduates to help them find work in the UK after completing their studies Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) route: The application process is being split so that the full fee is only payable after the relevant competent body has endorsed an application. Applicants will also be able to keep their passport whilst the relevant competent body is considering their decision Tier 2 (Intra-company transfer) route: Applicants earning over £152,100 no longer have to take an English test to extend their stay in the UK. The supporting documents required are reduced and any staff working in the UK and earning over £152,100 no longer need to wait 12 months before taking up a new post The shortage occupation list and salary thresholds: The list of skilled occupations, visa salary thresholds and expected earnings per occupation have all been updated Tier 4 route: PhD graduates can now extend their stay by 12 months to give them time to find skilled employment or set up as entrepreneurs News 2013-03-18T17:07:27+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/tier_4_rules_changed_to_prevent_downgrading_of_studies_after_confirmed_cas/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/tier_4_rules_changed_to_prevent_downgrading_of_studies_after_confirmed_cas/#When:16:35:04Z The Tier 4 visa rules will be updated on 6 April 2013 to prevent students with confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) from downgrading the level of their course. Under the new rule, which comes into effect on 6 April 2013, once you have been given your CAS the level of your studies is then fixed. Under the new rule, you are not allowed to switch to a course of a lower level than stated in your CAS. The update to the rules represents part of the ongoing tightening of the rules around student visas. News 2013-03-18T16:36:06+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/post-study_work_exemptions_for_phd_and_mba_students/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/post-study_work_exemptions_for_phd_and_mba_students/#When:16:30:42Z From 6 April 2013 onwards to help MBA and PhD graduates stay on in the UK after their studies to find work. Other changes to the Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) route will also make things easier for applicants in this route.The changes to the Immigration Rules are being introduced to give high-value migrants the opportunity to establish themselves in the UK. The changes detailed below will come into effect for all applications received on or after 6 April 2013. Under the new rules any PhD student can apply for a further 12 months leave to remain in the UK once they have completed their course. This extension is given so that the qualified students can find skilled work and a Tier 2 visa, or so they can set themselves up as an entrepreneur and qualify for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa. The Tier 1 (Graduate entrepreneur) route will be expanded with an extra 1,000 places being offered specifically for MBA graduates from UK higher educational institutions. This brings the total for the route up to 2,000 places per year. The places will be allocated for 2013-14 as follows:900 places allocated to higher educational institutions for them to endorse graduates in any subject 1,000 places allocated to higher educational institutions for them to endorse MBA graduates 100 places allocated to UKTI for them to endorse overseas graduatesProvisions will also be introduced that will allow graduates to apply for their visa from overseas, as long as the application is made within 12 months of graduation. News 2013-03-18T16:30:43+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/updated_practice_tests_for_a_guide_for_new_residents_launched/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/updated_practice_tests_for_a_guide_for_new_residents_launched/#When:11:47:16Z You can now take practice tests based on the new citizenship test materials, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, valid for all tests taken on or after 25 march 2013.The new practice tests were launched on 15 March 2013 and offer students a unique opportunity to practice for the test ahead of it’s launch. With the official sample practice questions not published until 26 March 2013 this means that www.lifeintheuk.net is the only place you can practice ahead of the test. Our current subscribers and anyone who has registered their book can take advantage of our brand new tests by logging in as normal. If you have bought a copy of our new title, Life in the UK Test: Handbook 2013 then you can register this book like all the others. So if you are taking your test in the near future don’t worry - www.lifeintheuk.net are here to help! News 2013-03-18T16:10:17+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/life_in_the_uk_test_handbook_2013_published/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/life_in_the_uk_test_handbook_2013_published/#When:15:47:06Z The brand new Life in the UK Test Handbook 2013 has been published on 12 March 2013. The Handbook is valid for all tests taken from 25 March 2013 and gives you everything you need to prepare for, and pass your test.The Handbook is a new addition to our range of titles and provides a lighter option for students preparing for the test. The Handbook contains the complete testable materials you need to learn, complete with the extra diagrams, study aids and help that you can expect from our independent guides. The handbook doesn’t include any practice tests but you can still claim a free subscription to our online tests. Most importantly, it is available now, which gives you weeks to study if you are taking your test on 25 March 2013! Where can I buy the 2013 Handbook? The book should reach bookshops over the next couple of days and you can order your copy before then by visiting our shop. When will your online tests be updated? We are working hard on the questions at the moment and they are very nearly ready. We should have our practice questions available to use on the website towards the end of this week. News 2013-03-12T15:48:07+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/online_payments_for_visa_applications_in_china_from_14_march_2013/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/online_payments_for_visa_applications_in_china_from_14_march_2013/#When:11:37:46Z People applying for visas to travel to the UK from China will be able to use a new online system to pay their visa fees with effect from 14 March 2013.Applicants will be able to pay their visa fees using valid Visa, Mastercards, Alipay or China Union cards - other cards will not be accepted. Whilst applicants will still have to attend an appointment at an application centre to submit documents and biometric information they no longer have to bring payment with them to the centre. There is no obligation to use the new payment system so applicants can still pay in cash at the application centre. News 2013-03-11T11:37:47+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/prime_time_visa_appointments_in_manila/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/prime_time_visa_appointments_in_manila/#When:14:35:53Z With effect from 26 February 2013, the prime time appointment service for anyone making a visa application in Manila will be available for a fee.The prime time service will be available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for an additional fee of 2,100 Philippine pesos. If you use this service you will be able to make an appointment, submit your application and provide your biometric information at the visa application centre at the following times:Saturday morning from 08:00 to 12:00 Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 16:00 to 19:00   News 2013-03-06T14:35:54+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/applications_from_namibia_must_be_made_online_from_11_march_2013/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/applications_from_namibia_must_be_made_online_from_11_march_2013/#When:12:49:04Z With effect from 11 March 2013 all applications for a UK visa made in Namibia must be completed and payment made online.The initial application must be made by completing the online form after which it will be considered by the visa section in Pretoria. Once that is complete you must book an appointment for visit the visa application centre in Windhoek where you need to submit a printed copy of your application and your biometric information. Payment must be made online with the initial application using either a MasterCard of Visa credit or debit card. These are the only types of card accepted. Payment must be made in South African rand (ZAR). News 2013-03-06T12:50:05+00:00 http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/premium_visa_application_centre_opens_in_ho_chi_minh_city/ http://lifeintheuk.net/index.php/news/premium_visa_application_centre_opens_in_ho_chi_minh_city/#When:12:42:06Z A new UK visa application centre has opened in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, which is run by VFS Global, the UKBA's commercial partner in south east Asia. The new centre will accept all categories of visa applications for a fee.Anyone wanting to use the new processing centre will have to pay a fee of VND 1,680,000 as well as any other application fees. If you don’t want to pay the extra fee you can still apply from the British Embassy in Hanoi. The Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City no longer accepts any visa applications. Further details, including how to book an appointment to submit your visa application and biometric details at the new application centre can be found on the VFS Global in Vietnam website. Details on how to apply for UK visas from Vietnam can be found on the UKBA’s Vietnam page. News 2013-03-06T12:43:07+00:00