First a short introduction to our company. The aim of Public Advice is to offer help and information to answer your questions and explain how to apply for the process your self.
Enclosed is an outline of why you may need expert Immigration Advice.
Many people make mistakes on UK Visa applications whether it's a spelling mistake or an omission on the form, this often results in your UK Visa application being rejected by the Home Office.
Immigration control is about how and why people from countries outside the UK are allowed to come to the UK and how long they can stay. It is also about what they are allowed to do when they are in the UK, for example, whether they can work, whether relatives can come to the UK to join them afterwards, and whether they can use the National Health Service or claim benefits.
The rules about immigration control (which are law) are complicated by the fact that they overlap with nationality law - that is, the law about who is or is not a British citizen, and the rights of the different types of British citizen.
The system of immigration control in the UK splits people into two broad categories: those who have 'right of abode' in the UK and who can live, work and move in and out of the country as they wish, and those who require permission in order to enter and remain here.
There are certain groups of people who do not fit easily into these two categories and who do not have to get leave to 'enter and remain' even though they do not have 'right of abode'. Included in this group are people who can benefit from European rights of free movement.
Where people do need leave to enter the UK, immigration rules set out various ways in which it can be granted. Some examples of different immigration categories are: 'visitor', 'spouse', 'au pair' and 'student'. In each category, the rules indicate different requirements that must be satisfied before someone will be granted leave to come and stay. For example, students must show that they will follow a full time course of study. The rules require that most of the categories of people coming to the UK will be able to support themselves without relying on public funds.
The immigration rules also specify how long leave to remain in the UK should be granted for. Leave to remain can be either 'limited' or 'indefinite.' Limited leave is granted to people who are coming to the UK for 'temporary' reasons, for example, as students. Other people applying for leave to remain may be eligible for 'indefinite' leave, with the possibility of being able to apply for UK citizenship.
People in most 'temporary' categories, such as visitors, will also need to show that they intend to leave the country when the purpose of their stay is over.
People who require leave to enter the UK will usually need to get 'entry clearance' to show that they are entitled to enter the UK under the immigration rules. There are detailed rules about how to qualify for entry clearance within each category of applicant coming to the UK. Some groups, such as refugees and asylum seekers do not require entry clearance, but most do.
You should bear in mind that immigration laws are strictly enforced in the UK and the consequences of misunderstanding your right to be here can be very serious. It can include the risk of deportation. It is therefore essential to consult a specialist adviser if you are unsure about your position, or the position of family and friends.
Examples of problems that you may need advice on are:-
getting permission to stay in the UK longer than you originally intended
getting permission to do something which you are not at present allowed to do, for example, being allowed to work
bringing relatives into the country, for example, a spouse, fiancé(e), children
being threatened with deportation from the UK
being held by the immigration authorities in a detention centre
wanting a passport and not knowing whether you are entitled to a British passport or some other passport
wanting to apply to become a British Citizen
if you are already living in the UK but wanting to travel (for example, for a holiday), whether you will be allowed back into the UK
whether you are entitled to use state services or claim benefits, for example, education, health services, council housing, social security benefits, housing benefits, council
the right to vote
a relative or friend being refused entry to the UK when arriving at an airport or port.
Anyone giving you advice on Immigration must be registered with the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), or be an adviser with an organisation which is exempt from registration. Public Advice itself is not registered with the OISC and therfore cannot offer you any advice in relation to Immigration. However, we are able to recommend specialists regulated by the OISC, who should be able to help.
It is recommended that any Immigration advice sought is done so via an OISC registered advisor or company. Only by doing so can you be sure of the accuracy and validity of the advice given. But how do you choose the right company? At Public Advice we have linked up with various firms who have the experience to deal with your case and some even offer their services at a reduced cost based on our recommendation
To be recommended a specialist firm please call us on 01923 85 42 02.
Some free advice can also be recived by contacting your local Citizens Advice Bureau who are exempt but can only give basic immigration advice up to OISC Level One.
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