KNOWLEDGE

CENTRE

New ‘Life in the UK’ test handbook

The Government has published an updated Life in the UK test handbook that focuses on British culture and history.

Britain is open for business to Chinese investors and entrepreneurs

Although the British government has made clear that its aim is to reduce overall net migration to the UK, it is equally committed to ensuring that high-net-worth individuals, in particular Chinese investors and...

Inspection finds backlog in marriage applications

The Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration has recently published a report examining the efficiency and effectiveness of the Agency’s handling of marriage and civil partnership applications, with a particular...

Making immigration work

Making immigration work in the national interest can be ensured by bringing down net migration to sustainable levels, while still attracting the best talent the rest of the world has to offer, said Home Secretary...

Changes in citizenship applications

From 13th December 2012 changes were made to the Nationality Instructions that affect anyone applying for citizenship on or after that date. The main changes deal with criminality and how it is assessed in terms...

Net migration in 2013

Net migration will fall to around 140,000 this year, according to new statistical analysis from the think tank IPPR. This follows a fall of over 25% in the year to March 2012, but analysis suggests that net migration...

Changes to the Immigration Rules

A number of changes to the Immigration Rules came into effect on 13th December 2012. These changes affect non-European Economic Area nationals applying to enter or remain in the UK. The changes include: Non substantive...

Home Secretary announces improved UK visa services for Chinese nationals

The Home Secretary today confirmed the importance of China as a priority growth market for tourism and business visitors, with the announcement of a package of further enhancements to the UK visa service for Chinese nationals.

New rules for UK visitor visas for Chinese nationals to be announced

Rumours are circulating around the mill that Theresa May will be making a speech today concerning the immigration rules that govern UK visitor visas for Chinese nationals who wish to visit the UK. A Whitehall...

Changes to the requirements for biometric residence permits

The requirement to provide the UK Border Agency (UKBA) with biometric information has changed, with effect from 1st December 2012.

Net migration falls significantly

Latest provisional figures for the year ending March 2012 show that net migration has fallen significantly to 183,000 from 242,000 the previous year, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has announced. Inward...

Daunted by the UKBA and visa application forms?

Do you find that you avoid travelling to the UK because of complex visa application forms and a hostile UK Border Control? It would appear that the majority do, as UK migration has fallen by a quarter. The drop,...