The Future of UK Immigration Under a Con-Lib Coalition
The Tories have long argued for a cap on non-EU immigration, while the Liberal Democrats have suggested the more unpopular amnesty.
This was considered one of the factors for why the Lib Dems fared so poorly in the elections, despite their leader Nick Clegg's favourable ratings during the run-up to voting.
What does this mean for those wishing to come to the UK? Well, we've just had a major overhaul with the points system.
This is like a jelly in a mould, trying to set.
The Points System (as it suggests) awards points for various attributes, with a specified level of English being one of the mandatory requirements.
A certain amount of funds, adequate accommodation (i.
e.
one that isn't going to be made overcrowded by the addition of another person), qualifications and ability to earn or learn are also part of the standard criteria for a successful visa application.
Will there be any more changes? It's likely.
The previous administration had already introduced a number of stringent anti-immigration measures.
In March 2010 for example, Labour restricted the number of working hours for students studying below degree level from 20 to 10.
Dependants of such students e.
g.
partners, spouses or children can no longer work in the UK.
Approved sponsors (those who have a licence from the UK Border Agency to enrol overseas students) are under contract to report any students who skip classes without good reason.
Can it get anymore difficult? Well yes it can, with quotas being introduced for certain groups of nationals with high rates of overstaying and illegal entry into the UK.
Consequently, some individuals may undergo more restrictions than others, if they come from a country whose nationals tend to breach the UK immigration rules.
If you are thinking about coming to the UK in any category, it's important that you get your application right.
Most mistakes made are those based on assumptions or drawn from casual advice received via friends or relatives.
Bear in mind that UKBA doesn't always give you the full picture of what evidence you need to provide.
As a result your application for a visa can end up being refused.
How can I check my own application? Here are a few tips for getting off to the right start.
This was considered one of the factors for why the Lib Dems fared so poorly in the elections, despite their leader Nick Clegg's favourable ratings during the run-up to voting.
What does this mean for those wishing to come to the UK? Well, we've just had a major overhaul with the points system.
This is like a jelly in a mould, trying to set.
The Points System (as it suggests) awards points for various attributes, with a specified level of English being one of the mandatory requirements.
A certain amount of funds, adequate accommodation (i.
e.
one that isn't going to be made overcrowded by the addition of another person), qualifications and ability to earn or learn are also part of the standard criteria for a successful visa application.
Will there be any more changes? It's likely.
The previous administration had already introduced a number of stringent anti-immigration measures.
In March 2010 for example, Labour restricted the number of working hours for students studying below degree level from 20 to 10.
Dependants of such students e.
g.
partners, spouses or children can no longer work in the UK.
Approved sponsors (those who have a licence from the UK Border Agency to enrol overseas students) are under contract to report any students who skip classes without good reason.
Can it get anymore difficult? Well yes it can, with quotas being introduced for certain groups of nationals with high rates of overstaying and illegal entry into the UK.
Consequently, some individuals may undergo more restrictions than others, if they come from a country whose nationals tend to breach the UK immigration rules.
If you are thinking about coming to the UK in any category, it's important that you get your application right.
Most mistakes made are those based on assumptions or drawn from casual advice received via friends or relatives.
Bear in mind that UKBA doesn't always give you the full picture of what evidence you need to provide.
As a result your application for a visa can end up being refused.
How can I check my own application? Here are a few tips for getting off to the right start.
- Don't assume that you can sail through customs based on connections with a UK relative or sponsor.
Check that you can meet the basic rules for your visa application. - Read the application form thoroughly.
If there is a section that seems totally irrelevant, you may have the wrong form.
The UK Border Agency has guidelines on which application form you need. - Get an initial consultation from a registered legal adviser.
It's better to invest a few pounds on advice than to waste hundreds or thousands. - Share your experience on forums.
There are plenty around who may have similar experiences to your own and can give useful input. - Don't assume however that you can apply a copycat application; everyone's experience is different.
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