Making an application for a UK settlement visa to bring a foreign fiancée, partner, or spouse to the UK has become more complicated. Applicants who previously violated UK immigration rules are now subject to very strict penalties. The changes in immigration Rules eliminate the discretion of individual entry clearance officers, presenting instead a hard-line, one size fits [...]

In a move meant to positively address the steadily increasing global demand for UK immigrant visas, the British Embassy in Israel has instituted changes meant to vastly improve the entire settlement visa application process. The new rules became effective as of March 2008 and will allow more effective responses to the surge in demand for [...]

A recent announcement by the Minister for Borders and Immigration, Mr Liam Byrne, will bring a fairer, simplified approach to the issues surrounding husband or wife UK visas, as addressed in DP3/96 and DP2/93, resulting in the withdrawal of these enforcement-related marriage policy guidances.
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Changes in the rules of UK Settlement Visas were addressed recently by the Minister for Borders and Immigration, Liam Byrne. Following the updates put in place from April 1st 2008 onwards, the minister was able to clarify a few points that were raised.
It is clear that the changes to the rules on refusal of a [...]

The last week of July 2008 has seen an important development in the Government’s commitment to stamping out forced marriages, with a five point plan to significantly strengthen the safeguards against them.
A major development came in the announcement that the age in which someone can apply for a marriage visa will increase from 18 to [...]

The UK Boarder Agency advises that due to major technical problems occurred on October 9, 2008 some fiancée and marriage visa applications may be subject to processing delays. Settlement and non-settlement applications submitted online on or after October 10, 2008 are unaffected.
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Effective 25th November 2008, the UK Home Office started issuing biometric identity cards to foreign nationals. For applicants who are applying for further leave to remain (FLR) in the UK, including those originally in possession of a UK fiancee visa, some may be required to gain an identity card.
The applicants who will initially be expected [...]

Effective January 12, 2009, the British Consulate in Manila, Philippines begins processing settlement visas for South Korean citizens. Previously, those applying for a fiancée, spouse, de facto partner, or proposed civil partner visa in South Korea had to submit their documents to the British Consulate in Seoul through the accredited UK Visa Application Centre (VAC). [...]

Recent changes to the fee structure of both onshore and offshore UK visa applications came into effect on Monday 6th April 2009, having initially been announced in February, and apply to all applicants looking to visit, work or stay in the UK, including fiancee, partner and marriage visa applications.
These fee changes are in direct response [...]

One of the most frequently asked questions our clients ask about the UK settlement visa application process is “How long does it typically take to obtain a visa?” We are pleased to provide you with the most up-to-date information on the current processing times. The table shown below represents cases that have been approved within [...]