Windrush and Commonwealth
Personal Immigration
Windrush and Commonwealth
If you are settled in the UK but do not have a document to prove it, you may be eligible to apply to the Windrush Scheme free of charge.
If one of the following is true, you may be able to apply for a document to prove you can live and work in the UK:
- You arrived in the UK before 1973 from a Commonwealth Country and have since left the UK. For a list of Commonwealth Countries see here.
- You are the child of a Commonwealth citizen who arrived before 1973.
- You arrived before 1989 and are still settled here.
You may be eligible to apply for British citizenship if you are:
- a Commonwealth citizen who settled in the UK before 01 January 1973; or
- you are the child of someone who did.
You might also be able to apply for compensation for losses you suffered because you could not show that you had a right to live in the UK.
To apply from inside the UK, you must use the Windrush Scheme application form (UK). You must post your form to the address listed alongside your supporting documents.
To apply from outside the UK, you must apply using an online form.
After you have applied the, Home Office will work with other government departments to find records of you living in the UK. The Windrush taskforce may get in touch with you if they need more information or documents or if they have questions for you.
Why choose us?
Our highly trained immigration experts have a thorough understanding of the requirements and application process.
We can help you with your tailored application by providing you with:
- An honest opinion on the positives and negatives of your case.
- Advice on the requirements specific to your circumstances.
- A customised evidence checklist.
- Assistance with preparing and submitting your application form and evidence.
- Challenging a refusal decision.
UK Ancestry Visa
Personal Immigration
UK Ancestry Visa
You can apply for a UK Ancestry visa if you are one of the following:
- A Commonwealth citizen.
- A British overseas citizen.
- A British overseas territories citizen.
- A British national (overseas).
- A citizen of Zimbabwe.
Whilst you do not need a sponsor, you must prove:
- You are aged 17 or over
- Prove one of your grandparents was born:
- in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man;
- before 31 March 1922 in what is now the Republic of Ireland; or
- on a ship or aircraft that was registered in the UK or belonged to the UK government.
- Have enough money to support and house yourself and any dependents without claiming public funds.
- You can and plan to work in the UK.
A successful UK Ancestry Visa application will allow you to live in the UK for 5 years. You will then be eligible to apply for a further 5 years or Indefinite Leave to Remain.
With an Ancestry Visa, you are allowed to:
- Work – This can be voluntary or paid work, full-time or part-time, self-employed or employed by someone else.
- Study.
- Bring your partner and/or children.
With an Ancestry Visa, you are not allowed to:
- Claim public funds.
- Switch into this category if you came to the UK on a different visa.
British National (Overseas) Visa
If you are from Hong Kong and are a British National (overseas), you and your family members may be eligible to apply for a British National (Overseas) Visa.
You can apply for a British National (Overseas) Visa if you:
- are 18 or older; and
- a British National (Overseas); or
- the child of a British National (Overseas) born on or after 1 July 1997.
If you are applying from outside the UK, your permanent home must be in Hong Kong.
If you are applying from within the UK, your permanent home must be in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Hong Kong.
With a British National (Overseas) Visa, you can either apply to stay in the UK for 2 years and 6 months or 5 years. You can choose to extend your visa. You can also apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years.
With a British National (Overseas) Visa, you are allowed to:
- Work – Subject to certain limitations.
- Study.
With a British National (Overseas) Visa, you are not allowed to:
- Apply for public funds – Once you have a British National (Overseas) visa, you might be able to claim benefits in certain financial circumstances.
Why choose us?
Our highly trained immigration experts have a thorough understanding of the requirements and application process.
We can help you with your tailored application by providing you with:
- An honest opinion on the positives and negatives of your case.
- Advice on the requirements specific to your circumstances.
- A customised evidence checklist.
- Assistance with preparing and submitting your application form and evidence.
- Challenging a refusal decision.
EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
Personal Immigration
EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
The EU Settlement Scheme is the replacement for free movement of European nationals and their families since Brexit.
The EUSS allows EU, EEA or Swiss citizens and eligible family members to continue living in the UK after 31st December 2020. The deadline to apply to the scheme for most people was the 30th June 2021. However applications can still be made to the scheme if you have ‘reasonable grounds” for applying late or the deadline is not applicable to you.
The most common types of status under the EUSS:
- Pre-settled: Given to those who have lived in the UK for less than five years.
- Settled: Given to those who have lived in the UK for five years or more. Also called Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
What are the general requirements?
- Apply online using the EUSS application form.
- Prove your identity and nationality by use of the identity verification app or by booking a biometric enrolment appointment to attend in person.
- Apply by the deadline of 30th June 2021, unless you have ‘reasonable grounds’ for not applying by the deadline.
- Reasonable grounds examples may be serious medical condition which prevented you from applying or lack of physical or mental capacity.
- You may also apply after the deadline of the 30th June 2021 if:
- You are joining a family member from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who was living in the UK by 31st December 2020.
- You are a child born or adopted in the UK after 1st April 2021.
- You are exempt from Immigration control.
- Demonstrate you have spent at least six months in any 12 month period during the five years in the UK for your ‘continuous qualifying residence’ for settled status.
- There is no application fee to pay.
What am I allowed to do?
- Work.
- Study.
- Self-employed/business.
- Naturalised as a British citizen – once ILR obtained and held for 12 months.
Why choose us?
Our highly trained immigration experts have a thorough understanding of the EUSS requirements and application process.
We can help you with your tailored EUSS application by providing you with:
- An honest opinion on the positives and negatives of your case.
- Advice on the EUSS requirements specific to your circumstances.
- A customised evidence checklist.
- Assistance with preparing and submitting your application form and evidence.
Other Work Visa
Business Immigration
RYCM Team
This category of visas is usually on a short-term basis and allows individuals from other countries to gain valuable work experience or to complete a short piece of work in the UK (United Kingdom) on a temporary basis.
What are they?
- Eligible applicants 18-30 years of age.
- Allows individuals of certain countries to live, work and study in the UK whilst they are young adults.
- Visa normally issued for two years.
- Open to Indian nationals selected from the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot.
- Eligible applicants 18-30 years of age.
- Hold eligible qualifications.
- Show sufficient funds to support yourself for the time in the UK.
- Visa normally issued for two years.
- For those aged 18 years and above.
- To do work in the horticultural sector – usually farming.
- Issued a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) by an approved scheme operator.
- Show sufficient funds to support yourself for the time in the UK.
- Visa normally issued for six months.
- Allows individuals to complete unpaid work for a Charity in the UK.
- For those aged 18 years and above.
- Issued a CoS by an approved UK sponsor.
- Show sufficient funds to support yourself for the time in the UK.
- May require a Tuberculosis Certificate.
- Visa normally issued for twelve months.
- Allows musicians, entertainers, dancers, artists, actors, models or anyone in the creative industry to apply for this visa.
- Applicants must demonstrate they make a unique contribution to cultural life in the UK through their work.
- Issued a CoS by an approved UK sponsor.
- Show sufficient funds to support yourself for the time in the UK.
- Visa normally issued for twelve months.
- Issued a CoS by a sponsor who holds a valid Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange sponsor license.
- Must have sufficient funds to support yourself for the time in the UK.
- Must be a genuine role.
- Visa normally issued for one to two years.
- Allows an individual employed by an international or government organisation to work in the UK. This also includes private servants in a Diplomatic household.
- Issued a CoS by a sponsor who holds a valid sponsor license.
- Must have sufficient funds to support yourself for the time in the UK.
- Visa normally issued for two years for those employed by a government or international organisation and up to five years for private servants in a Diplomatic household.
Why choose us?
Our highly trained immigration experts have a thorough understanding of the requirements and application process.
We can help you with your tailored application by providing you with:
- An honest opinion on the positives and negatives of your case.
- Advice on the requirements specific to your circumstances.
- A customised evidence checklist.
- Assistance with preparing and submitting your application form and evidence.
- Challenging a refusal decision.
Graduate Visa
Business Immigration
RYCM Team
If you have successfully completed a course in the UK whilst resident on a Student visa, you may be eligible to apply for a Graduate Visa.
You must be in the UK to apply, and if successful a Graduate visa will give you permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years depending on the qualification you have achieved.
What are the requirements?
Requirements for a Graduate Visa, you must:
- Be in the UK.
- Currently have a Student Visa.
- Have studied a UK Bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period of time with your Student Visa.
Your college or university must have told the Home Office you have successfully completed your course. Additionally, you do not need to be sponsored by an employer.
What are you allowed to do with a Graduate visa?
- Look for work.
- Work in most categories of jobs.
- Be self-employed.
- Do voluntary work.
- Continue living in the UK with your partner and children depending on their eligibility.
- Travel abroad and return to the UK.
- Study – Provided your chosen course is not eligible for a Student Visa.
What are you NOT allowed to do with a Graduate Visa?
- Extend your Graduate Visa – You may be able to switch to a different visa before it expires, for example, to the Skilled Worker Visa.
- Apply for public funds/benefits.
- Work as a professional sportsperson.
To apply, you must complete the online application form prior to your Student Visa expiring.
Your partner or children will need to apply separately. You will also be liable to pay the Graduate Visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Why choose us?
Applying for a Graduate Visa is a good transitional option between a Student Visa and Skilled Worker visa.
Especially if you have been unable to secure a Sponsor to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. For peace of mind, we can help you with your Graduate Visa application by:
- Guiding you the Graduate Visa process from start to finish.
- Explaining the Graduate Visa requirements.
- Advising you on the evidence required to meet the Graduate Visa requirements.
- Assisting you with preparing and submitting your Graduate Visa application form.
- Writing a letter explaining how you satisfy the Graduate Visa requirements.
- Liaising with the Home Office until a decision is made.
Health and Care Worker Visa
Business Immigration
RYCM Team
If you are a medical professional and want to work in the UK for the NHS, an NHS supplier or in adult social care, you may be eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa. This visa is valid for five years and can be extended.
What are the requirements?
Requirements for a Health and Care Worker visa, you must:
- Be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional or adult social care professional.
- Work in an eligible health or social care job.
- Work for an UK employer that has been approved by the Home Office.
- Have a Certificate of Sponsorship from your approved Home Office employer.
- Be paid a minimum salary – This will depend on the type of work you do.
- Be able to speak, read, write and understand English.
What are you allowed to do with a Health and Care Worker Visa?
- Work in an eligible job.
- Have a second role in the same sector and at the same level as your main position for up to 20 hours per week.
- Have a second role on the Skilled Worker Shortage Occupation List for up to 20 hours per week.
- Engage in Voluntary Work.
- Study.
- Bring your partner and/or children with you depending on their eligibility.
- Travel abroad and return to the UK.
- Apply for settlement/indefinite leave to remain/permanent residence in the UK after 5 years lawful residence.
With a Health and Care worker Visa, you are NOT allowed to:
- Apply for public funds/benefits.
- Change jobs or employer until you update your visa.
To apply for a Health and Care Worker Visa, you must apply online. How you apply will depend on whether you are:
- Applying from outside the UK.
- Inside the UK and extending your current Health and Care Worker Visa.
- Inside the UK and switching from a different visa.
Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your dependents.
You and your dependent partner and children will need to pay the Health and Care Worker visa application fee and prove you have enough personal savings. You are not required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Why choose us?
Applying for a Health and Care Worker visa can be difficult as there are many requirements to satisfy.
For peace of mind, we can help you with your Health and Care Worker Visa application by:
- Guiding you in the Health and Care Worker visa process from start to finish.
- Explaining the Health and Care Worker Visa requirements.
- Advising you on the evidence required to meet the Health and Care Worker Visa requirements.
- Assisting you with preparing and submitting your Health and Care Worker Visa application form.
- Writing a letter explaining how you satisfy the Health and Care Worker Visa requirements.
- Liaising with the Home Office until a decision is made.
Appeals
Personal Immigration
RYCM Team
Appeal against a visa, asylum or immigration decision
If you have received a visa, immigration or asylum refusal, you may be able to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). The Tribunal is independent of government. A judge will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.
You can appeal if the Home Office has decided to:
- Refuse or revoke your asylum or humanitarian protection claim.
- Refuse your human rights claim.
- Refuse you a residence document or deport you under the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2016.
- Revoke your British citizenship.
- Refuse or revoke your status, vary the length or condition of your stay, or deport you under the EU Settlement Scheme.
- Refuse or revoke your travel permit or family permit under the EU Settlement Scheme or Restrict your rights to enter or leave the UK under those permits.
- Refuse or revoke your permit, or deport you if you’re a frontier worker.
- Refuse or revoke your leave, or deport you if you’re an S2 healthcare visitor.
To lodge an appeal, it can cost £80.00 for your case to be considered without a Tribunal hearing or £140.00 if you would like your appeal to be heard in front of an Immigration Judge.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be exempt from paying the Tribunal fee.
Why choose us?
Receiving a negative decision from the Home Office can be a very stressful and worrying time. We can help you with your appeal package by:
- Reviewing the Basis of Appeal: Identify the grounds on which you believe the decision is incorrect. Common grounds for appeal include errors in fact, legal errors, human rights violations, or changes in your circumstances.
- Helping you to understand the decision: We will carefully review the decision letter you have received from the Home Office and ensure you understand the reasons for the decision and provide you with an honest opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
- Checking your eligibility to appeal: Your eligibility depends on the type of decision made by the Home Office and the circumstances of your case. Unfortunately, not every case can be appealed.
- Knowing the specific deadlines and lodging your appeal: We will advise you on the time limits for lodging an appeal and ensure you appeal is lodged on time. Missing these deadlines can result in your appeal not being considered.
- Advising on evidence and documentation: We will give you tailored advice on the relevant evidence and documentation that supports your case and addresses the reasons for refusal. This may include new documents or information that was not available at the time of the initial application.
- Alternative Options: Explore other potential options, such as reapplying, if your circumstances have changed since the initial application.
Find out how to appeal, without legal representation, at the following links:
Further Submissions / Fresh Claim
Asylum Claims
RYCM Team
Making "further submissions" provides you with an opportunity to give new evidence or additional information to the Home Office if your first claim for asylum (or human rights claim) has been refused, withdrawn, or treated as withdrawn.
By sending this new evidence or information, you are asking for a fresh review and a new decision on your right to stay in the United Kingdom (UK).
On what basis can I make further submissions?
For your further submissions to be considered as a fresh claim, your new evidence or information must include new and relevant information that has not been considered by the Home Office or during the appeal process. The basis of a fresh claim might be:
- New evidence supporting your original reason for claiming asylum.
- Your situation and circumstances have changed since your first asylum claim was refused.
- The situation in your home country may have changed.
- There has been a change in the way cases like yours are being handled and concluded.
What are the requirements for a fresh claim?
When you make further submissions, the Home Office will assess the evidence and information you provide to see if what you submit is significantly different.
The further submissions will only be considered significantly different if:
- The information and evidence have not already been considered; and
- Taken alongside the information and evidence considered in your first asylum claim, creates a good chance of succeeding.
What are the possible outcomes of making further submissions?
If the Home Office decides that your new evidence and information meets the requirements for a fresh claim, a new decision will be made on whether to grant you status in the UK.
If the Home Office decides that your new evidence and information meets the requirements for a fresh claim, but the evidence is not enough to grant you status, your fresh claim will be refused. However, you will have the right to appeal the decision.
If the Home Office decides that your new evidence and information do not meet the requirements for a fresh claim, your further submissions will be rejected without a right of appeal. It may, however, be possible to seek a judicial review of this decision.
How do I make further submissions?
To send your further submissions, you must do so in person at a Further Submissions Unit (FSU) in Liverpool, Belfast, Cardiff, or Glasgow. To book an appointment to attend the FSU, call 0300 123 7377.
Why choose us?
Going through the further submissions process can be difficult, especially if you do not have good and up-to-date legal advice on the requirements and whether your new evidence and information are likely to amount to a fresh claim.
Our highly trained immigration and asylum experts have a thorough understanding of the further submissions/fresh claim requirements and application process. We can help you maximise your chances of succeeding by providing you with:
- Advice on the further submissions/fresh claim requirements and process.
- An honest opinion on the positives and negatives of your case.
- A frank opinion on whether your new evidence or information are likely to be accepted as a fresh claim.
- Guidance on evidence based on your personal circumstances.
- Help with preparing and sending your evidence.
- Challenging a further submissions/fresh claim refusal decision.
Student Visa
Personal Immigration
Student Visa
A student visa allows individuals to come to the UK for the purpose of pursuing a course of study.
This visa category replaces Tier 4 (General) student visa.
There are two main types of student visas:
- Child Student Visa: Suitable for those aged 4 to 17 years old wishing to study at an independent school.
- Student Visa: Suitable for individuals aged 16 years and over who intend to study at a UK university or private educational institution.
What are the general requirements?
- Licensed Provider: Prospective students need to apply to a licensed education provider.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): This is issued by the licensed education provider. A valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is essential to a student entry clearance application as you will not get a visa without one.
- Financial Evidence: You are required to demonstrate you can financially support yourself during your studies in the UK. The exact financial requirements may vary depending on the course and location, but you need to show proof of funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
- English Language Proficiency: You must show you are able to speak, read, write and understand English unless you are exempt. English language tests can be completed with a Home Office approved provider. As a guide, level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is appropriate for degree level.
- Valid Passport or Travel Documentation: You must possess a current passport or other valid travel documentation.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test: Depending on your home country, you may need to undergo a TB test and provide a certificate as proof.
- A valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate: This requirement is only applicable if your course is in a particular area of study and depends on your country of nationality.
- Criminal Record Check: You may be required to provide a criminal record certificate to confirm that you do not have a criminal record, especially if you plan to study a specific course or work with vulnerable groups.
- Time: You must apply for entry clearance no more than 6 months after being issued a CAS and no more than 3 months before the start of your course. The length of time on a student visa will cover the length of the course and a little extra.
- Good to know: The application is made online with an application fee to pay as well as the Immigration Health Surcharge.
What can I do with a student visa?
- Study: The primary purpose of a student visa is to study in the UK. You can enrol in a licensed educational institution, attend classes, and pursue your chosen course of study.
- Work: Depending on the type of course and your level of study, you may be permitted to work while studying. The specific rules vary, but at degree level you can study 20 hours during term time and full-time during university holidays.
What am I not allowed to do?
- You cannot engage in certain types of work, including professional sports coaching and self-employment.
- If you are on a short-term study visa, you are not allowed to work in any capacity, paid or unpaid.
- Cannot claim benefits.
Why choose us?
Our highly trained immigration experts have a thorough understanding of the student visa requirements and application process.
We can help you with your tailored student visa application by providing you with:
- An honest opinion on the positives and negatives of your case.
- Advice on the student requirements specific to your circumstances.
- A customised evidence checklist.
- Assistance with preparing and submitting your application form and evidence.
Global Business Mobility
Business Immigration
What is Global Business Mobility?
This category of work visas covers workers based outside the UK but are assigned temporary work within the UK.
Global Business Mobility covers 5 categories:
- UK Expansion Worker – previously known as Representative of an Overseas Business.
- Graduate Trainee – must be part of a structured graduate programme leading to a senior management role.
- Senior or Specialist Worker – previously known as Intra-company transfer.
- Service Supplier – contractual service suppliers working for an overseas service provider.
- Secondment Worker – overseas workers seconded to the UK by their employers overseas to complete temporary work in a high-value contract or investment.
What are the requirements?
- Points requirements – these are mandatory – Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), job at the appropriate skill and salary level under the SOC codes.
- Non-Points requirements – there is a genuineness test, tuberculosis testing, available funds and maximum length of assignments.
What am I allowed to do?
- You can have your family join you as dependents under the Points Based System providing they qualify.
- You can extend your visa depending on which visa route you are on.
What am I NOT allowed to do?
- Does not lead to settlement.
- Limits on the maximum time allowed to stay in the UK.
- Cannot extend from within the UK on some routes.
Why choose us?
Our highly trained immigration experts have a thorough understanding of the requirements and application process.
We can help you with your tailored application by providing you with:
- An honest opinion on the positives and negatives of your case.
- Advice on the requirements specific to your circumstances.
- A customised evidence checklist.
- Assistance with preparing and submitting your application form and evidence.
