Earlier this month, the UK Government announced that it would launch a new two-year seasonal worker pilot scheme. This scheme will aim to bring 2,500 seasonal workers to farms in the UK.

The UK Settlement Visa, also known as the UK Spouse Visa, allows the spouse, partner, civil partner, children and certain other dependents of a British citizen or person settled in the UK, to come to the UK.

It seems like the Home Office is increasingly making amendments to the UK immigration rules, to make it more attractive for researchers and other skilled and highly skilled persons to come to the UK.

Many overseas post-graduate students wanting to study in the UK are unaware that some UK universities are running a visa pilot scheme for Masters students.

On 21 June 2018, the UK Government published a new Statement of Intent, with draft immigration rules, which provide details on settlement for EU Citizens and their families.

The Home Office has announced that it will henceforth exclude doctors and nurses from the cap on the Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visa.

Who qualifies as dependents of UK Ancestry Visa holders? Dependents of UK Ancestry Visa holders can be any one of the following persons; Your spouse; Civil partner; Unmarried or Same-sex partner; and Children under the age of 18 years old; How can a dependent join the UK Ancestry Visa holder in the UK? The dependents, […]

One of the immigration routes that is often overlooked is the Tier 1 Entrepreneur immigration route that is available to entrepreneur teams.

This news came after a recent ruling by the Supreme Court in the UK.

South Africans who are relocating to the United Kingdom sometimes get strangled in the paperwork and red-tape involved with their relocation.

What is the Unmarried Partner Visa all about? In many instances, couples are in a serious relationship, but not quite ready to tie the knot just yet. Others don’t want to get married for the wrong reasons, including marrying just to be able to get a UK visa. Fortunately, the UK immigration rules make provisions […]

Many readers are unsure whether they have the right to appeal when a UK visa is refused. Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants share some insights on the right to appeal.

In a shocking announcement, the Home Office said they plan to double the Immigration Health Surcharge.

This past month was an early Xmas for the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa route.

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) made a ruling that will bring peace of mind to many EU citizens, as they do not need to forfeit their EU freedom of movement.

As the end of the academic year in South Africa is approaching, the queries on how to qualify for a UK Student visa increase. Qualifications from British educational institutions are held in high esteem and are highly sought after. As it is relatively easy for young South Africans wanting to study in the UK to […]

With the very large South African community living in the UK, it is no surprise that Breytenbachs receive many queries on the UK Visitor Visa. Grandparents, parents, friends, and family all want to visit those fortunate enough to live in the UK. There is also a large number of persons wanting to visit the UK […]

The UK Elderly Dependent Visa offers the opportunity for a UK sponsor to bring an elderly dependent to the UK.

UK Visa rules can often be very complicated, and oftentimes things are not as straightforward as they seem.

People often underestimate the impact that ill-advised and unqualified immigration advice could have on the immigration future of an individual.

Becoming a British citizen is a significant life event. It allows you to apply for a British citizen passport and gives you the opportunity to participate more fully in the life of your local community.

One of the biggest concerns for South Africans relocating to the UK is whether their children of school-going age will be able to attend a state-funded UK school.

People are often surprised to hear that they do not necessarily have to marry in order to join their partner in the UK.

The year 2016 was a busy year for UK Immigration, with events like the vote for Brexit that caused a lot of concern for immigrants in the UK. There were also some other major immigration changes, such as the new minimum pay threshold that impacted significantly on the lives of many immigrants.

On a daily basis, the consultants at Breytenbachs Immigration encounter cases where clients have been fed incorrect information, and given often ill-advised advice, by unqualified and unscrupulous immigration advisors.

Clients who receive their first UK Visa, often think of the British Citizenship application as something that needs to be handled somewhere in the distant future. The truth is however that one needs to prepare for the British Citizenship application from the first day you set foot in the United Kingdom!

Since 1 February 2016, all new tenants have to prove that they have a right to rent a property in England. Should a person not be able to provide the acceptable documents, he/she will not be able to rent property in England.

Many persons are often surprised to find out that they can qualify for permanent residence in the UK, despite the fact that most of their time spent in the UK is not on visas leading to permanent residence.

The consultants at Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Ltd (BIC) hear heart-breaking stories on a regular basis of people who fall victim to immigration scams.

When a person applies for his or her British Citizenship, one of the checks undertaken by the UK Home Office is to the good character of a person. If a person does not fulfil this criterion, the application may be denied. It is thus important that a future British citizenship applicant, keep this in mind, in preparation for the future application.

Since the first announcements were made about the possible introduction of the Minimum Pay threshold, there has been much confusion about what it entails, and exactly who will be affected by its introduction.

Many clients from Zimbabwe incorrectly believe that they do not qualify for the UK Ancestral Visa, as Zimbabwe is no longer part of the Commonwealth.

Many persons are surprised to know that the UK Immigration rules make specific allowance for domestic workers to accompany their employers to the UK.

Choosing the best educational institution and course of study is never an easy decision. This is especially true for non-EEA nationals wanting to study in the UK, who are not always aware of all the risks and factors that they need to take into consideration. To make the process a bit easier for prospective Tier 4 Students, Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants has compiled a short guidance specifically relating to the costs associated with studying in the UK.

Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants receives a wide range of questions from clients on a daily basis. Below we have compiled a selection of these for your information. If you have any questions that you would like us to answer, please feel free to send them to info@bic-immigration.com

With the EU Referendum fast approaching, we look at the possible repercussions for South Africans.

South Africans are fortunate enough to be allowed to hold more than two nationalities. It is, however, important to note that a person must first apply to retain his or her South African citizenship before taking on any other nationality through naturalisation. Should you fail to do so, you will automatically lose your South African citizenship. The exception to this rule is for persons who acquire nationality via descent.

The United Kingdom is still one of the most popular tourist destinations for South Africans. With the large South African community in the UK, there is also a very large number of South Africans who visit the UK to spend some time with their families. Others need to travel there for business purposes.

The Breytenbachs Immigration Consultant offices have received an influx of calls over the past weeks from EU nationals (including South Africans who are living and working in the UK on EU passports), who are extremely concerned about their future immigration status in the UK. This follows news reports about the real possibility of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, and the upcoming UK referendum on membership of the European Union, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday 23 June 2016.

Are you currently studying or thinking of studying in the United Kingdom? If so, once you have completed your studies, you may be able to switch to the Tier 2 (General) category from within the United Kingdom. This will put you on an immigration route which would lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.

The preparation for the route to Indefinite Leave to Remain and eventual British Citizenship should be kept in mind from the day that the initial UK Visa or Permit is granted to a person.

There are some important UK Immigration changes that are coming into effect on 6 April 2016. These changes could have a significant effect on some readers.

According to the latest available statistics from the UK Office for National Statistics, there were 114,720 divorces in England and Wales in 2013. Unfortunately, many South Africans living in the UK are part of these statistics.

The changes in, and selection from, a fire pool of full of Finance Ministers have taken many advisers’ eyes off the ball.

The UK Ancestry Visa remains one of the most popular immigration routes to the UK. Provided of course that you are one of those persons fortunate enough to have a British born grandparent.

The breaking down of your marriage need not compromise your Immigration Status in the UK. There are circumstances in which you will have a Right of Residence after Divorce.

In a surprising move earlier this month, the UK Home Office has announced that the occupation of Nursing is now included on the UK Shortage Occupation List.

The loss of a loved one is a traumatic experience, so much more if this also affect your right to remain in the UK. Fortunately, the UK Immigration Rules make provision for such unfortunate circumstances.

Learn more in this article on the various ways in which your child can obtain British Citizenship

The South African Immigration Department of Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants provide some valuable advice to South Africans who want to travel to South Africa with their children, not registered as South African citizens.

Always wanted to know what benefits you are entitled to claim in the UK, as foreign national? You might be surprised to find out that there are some benefits you do have access to.

The UK Home Office is increasingly cracking down on illegal immigrants in the UK. Do not overstay on your visa. Contact BIC today to discuss a legitimate route to live and work in the UK.

BIC advise all our clients and readers that before proceeding with any kind of UK Visa or Immigration application, to please seek legal advice because failure to do so may seriously jeopardise your application and your right to appeal.

Many clients on the Tier 2 work permit route are not sure what the do’s and don’ts on this immigration route are. In this article we look at the issue of Sabbaticals and travel restrictions in the time leading to Indefinite Leave to Remain.

It is imperative that a person start ‘preparing’ for the British Citizenship application, as soon as he/she has obtained ILR. One of the most important things to keep in mind is the restrictions on travel during this time.

There are many more scams out there, the important thing is to trust your ‘gut feeling’ if something feels ‘too good to be true’ or if you are uneasy for any reason, rather take the time to check out the situation than to fall in the trap of these ruthless scammers. Please feel free to contact BIC to check things out for you.

For many South Africans, playing sports at club level in the UK is the ultimate dream. Applying for your Tier 5 sport visa is the first step to realising that dream and here’s how.

Did you know that if you are a victim of domestic violence, you need not stay in the abusive relationship in order to remain in the UK.

One of the most frequently asked questions is whether the TB-testing is required for the UK visitor visa. Fortunately, there is no TB-testing requirement for this type of visa. As the maximum stay for all the visitor visas, including the long-term visit visas are a maximum of 6 months at a time, there is not a TB testing requirement.

The Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa is one of the most advantageous immigration categories for business persons looking to use the UK as a springboard to the rest of Europe.

It is important to note the role of the educational institution in obtaining a student visa for the UK, as only educational institutions with a sponsorship licence will be able to provide the overseas student with a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies – needed to obtain a UK Tier 4 student visa

Thinking of visiting the UK? Find out more about which UK Visitor Visa you, as a South African, are eligible for.

The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur immigration route is definitely one of the most exciting routes for South Africans graduates, who are looking to establish a business in the UK. It offers many advantages, including the fact that dependants may accompany the main applicant.

Although the requirements of this type of UK visa application, and the ways in which to prove these requirements are extremely stringent, it is possible to lodge a successful application with quality, professional guidance and assistance.

Ask the experts at BIC today

BIC often get contacted by persons who are overstaying on their visas. This happens, despite the fact that there are often a number of other possible options available to them in order to stay lawfully in the UK

The UK Home Office is planning to simplify the current visa system from April 2015

In short, the judgment said that the United Kingdom cannot block family member of EU citizens from entering the UK, without a visa. In other words, the UK Home Office is not permitted to require the family members of EU citizens, who are already in possession of residence cards, to apply for further documentation to enter the UK

The most important thing to keep in mind is that all South Africans applying for a UK visa, from South Africa, for a period longer than six months must be tested for TB.

One of the most frequently asked questions by South African clients is how their UK immigration status will affect the status of their children. BIC answers your question

According to UK Immigration Rules – do you meet the requirements needed to be able to take on Supplementary work, Voluntary work or Secondary work

Here’s what you need to know about the Knowledge of Language and Life (KoLL)

If you have an overseas business and are looking to establish a firm in the UK, then the Sole Representative visa might be the perfect option for branching out

Earlier this year the UK Government has announced Tier 1 (General) will close for extension applications on 6 April 2015, and for settlement applications on 6 April 2018.

Residing in the UK and looking to get your partner to join you? But will you be able to meet the financial requirements for the spouse visa?

In a committed relationship with someone in the UK and want to know how to extend your stay?

The Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Investor categories offer additional benefits to immigrants under certain criteria, especially in terms of the qualification period for ILR as well as flexibility regarding settlement

The loss of a loved one can be traumatic enough without having to consider what effects it will have on your future in the UK. Fortunately, the UK immigration rules make allowance for dependants in such unfortunate circumstances

A certain provision under UK Immigration guidelines allows you to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 10 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK. But you have to stick to the rules to qualify

The consultants at BIC get frequent queries from South African clients, who are present and settled in the UK, and would like to bring an elderly parent and in some cases grandparents to live with them in the UK.

According to the latest quarterly report of the UK Office for National Statistics, there were 219,053 student visas issued in the year ending March 2014.

Recently there were reported cases where South Africans were threatened with deportation, as they did not fulfil the English language requirement when they applied for settlement in the UK.

It was recently reported in the South African that there were cases where South Africans who applied for British citizenship ended up being threatened with deportation, due to the fact that they did not provide evidence of their English language ability.

It is very important for South Africans in the UK to keep in mind that they need to apply for an extension of their visa, or indefinite leave to remain before the expiry of their current visa.

Since the introduction of the new UK family migration rules in July 2012, thousands of families have been torn and kept apart, as they do not qualify under the new minimum income threshold requirement.

The UK Court of Appeal has overruled the case of Rodreguez in January 2014. This case concerned evidential flexibility in Points Based Immigration cases.