THERE are a number of different ways in which people from abroad are able to enter/come to the United Kingdom and/or once they are in the United Kingdom to change their status.
All of these require careful consideration but generally speaking there are about half a dozen or so legal ways in which to come to the United Kingdom.
1. One of the most used is as a visitor. The purpose of coming to the United Kingdom for as it states is a visit to the United Kingdom either to see the sights or to see and meet relatives.
2. As a student to undertake a course of recognised study.
3. A work permit where the intention is to come to the United Kingdom for work purposes and you have been sponsored to that effect. There are numerous changes ongoing with regards to this particular category linked to what is known as the highly skilled migrant worker.
4. As a working holiday maker -- this differs somewhat from 1 and 3 above -- it combines the two, albeit that the main purpose is as a holidaymaker whilst working ancillary to that.
5. As an au pair -- there are various requirements in this particular category which it is not possible to go into in this short article.
6. Fiance/spouse or unmarried partner -- this requires the person who is abroad to be sponsored by a United Kingdom settled citizen and various conditions have to be satisfied i.e. accommodation, funds, intention.
7. Commercial -- business/self employed/persons of independent means -- this is quite a specific category and requires the individual to invest in the United Kingdom and to meet other conditions.
In addition to the above there are various other policies from the Home Office from time to time that may be taken advantage of. In view of the United Kingdom being part of the EU there are possibilities of again coming to the United Kingdom by that route.
Finally if all else fails the Home Office could be asked to exercise discretion basically that the case does not fall within the rules and a concession is sought from the Home Office.
This is a very complex field which is of considerable importance to individuals -- their lives, relationships and even earning power. Accordingly careful advice is required before submitting applications.
Should you require detailed immigration advice please contact me on: 01254 672222 or email ebrahim48@hotmail.com
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