Garth Coates Solicitors

A Detailed Look at the UK Unmarried #PartnerVisa and Financial Requirements The United Kingdom offers a pathway for the partners of #Britishcitizens and those settled in the UK to live together in Britain through the Unmarried Partner #Visa. Recognizing long-term partnerships outside of marriage, this visa allows partners to join their significant others in the #UK, affirming the commitment of the UK to family life and unity. Eligibility and Application Insights for an #UnmarriedPartnerVisa To qualify for an Unmarried Partner Visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have been in a genuine and subsisting relationship for at least two years. This visa category provides an initial stay of 30 months, which can be extended for another 30 months, leading toward the possibility of applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and ultimately British citizenship. Essential Requirements: Age: Both partners must be over the age of 18. Cohabitation: Evidence of living together for at least two years is necessary. Financial Stability: Applicants must meet the financial requirement, which is set to change on April 11, 2024. Accommodation: Suitable living arrangements for the couple and any dependents. English Proficiency: The applicant must satisfy the English language requirement. Health: Applicants from certain countries must pass a tuberculosis test. https://lnkd.in/dReeseJb #Ukvisa #Visalawyer

A Detailed Look at the #UKUnmarried #PartnerVisa and Financial Requirements The United Kingdom offers a pathway for the partners of British citizens and those settled in the #UK to live together in Britain through the Unmarried Partner #Visa. Recognizing long-term partnerships outside of marriage, this visa allows partners to join their significant others in the UK, affirming the commitment of the UK to family life and unity. Eligibility and Application Insights for an #UnmarriedPartnerVisa To qualify for an Unmarried Partner Visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have been in a genuine and subsisting relationship for at least two years. This visa category provides an initial stay of 30 months, which can be extended for another 30 months, leading toward the possibility of applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (#ILR) and ultimately #Britishcitizenship. Essential Requirements: Age: Both partners must be over the age of 18. #Cohabitation: Evidence of living together for at least two years is necessary. Financial Stability: Applicants must meet the financial requirement, which is set to change on April 11, 2024. #Accommodation: Suitable living arrangements for the couple and any dependents. English Proficiency: The applicant must satisfy the English language requirement. Health: Applicants from certain countries must pass a tuberculosis test. https://lnkd.in/dReeseJb

#UK Tightens #VisaRules: Bans Family Members for Overseas #HealthWorkers, Raises Salary Threshold The United Kingdom, under the leadership of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has announced a robust approach to significantly reduce net #migration. This move, reflecting Sunak’s commitment to addressing concerns over the record high net migration figures, includes a series of stringent #visa measures aimed at slashing the number of #migrants entering the #UK through legal routes. A key aspect of this strategy is the substantial increase in the minimum salary required for skilled #foreignworkers. The threshold is set to rise by one-third, reaching £38,700 ($48,900), a move designed to tighten the inflow of #skilledworkers from abroad. However, to address concerns in critical sectors, health and social workers are exempted from this salary requirement. The context of these measures is rooted in a decade-long political narrative in #Britain, where high levels of #legalmigration have been a central issue. The matter gained significant traction in the lead-up to the 2016 Brexit vote, where control over #immigration was a pivotal factor. The latest figures, showing annual net migration to the UK at a record 745,000 in 2022, have further intensified the debate, prompting Sunak’s government to take what they describe as “radical action.” Home Secretary James Cleverly underscored the government’s stance, projecting a reduction in net #migration figures by 300,000 as a result of these measures. This approach aligns with Sunak’s broader agenda, including efforts to deport migrants who arrive illegally to countries like Rwanda, as part of a wider immigration control strategy. https://lnkd.in/dK3zbcef

Delayed Implementation of Increased #UKImmigration Health Surcharge Announced The UK government has announced a substantial 66% increase in the #Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), scheduled to be implemented no earlier than January 31. This decision follows a period of debate and scrutiny in the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Initially expected to come into effect on January 16, the surcharge increase will now be delayed, pending further legislative discussion. The new rates will see the surcharge for adults rise from £624 to £1,035 per year. For children under 18, students, their dependents, and applicants for the Youth Mobility Scheme, the fee will increase from £470 to £776 annually. This increase aims to fulfil the Conservative Party’s 2019 election manifesto commitment to ensure that the IHS covers the full cost of NHS treatment for those required to pay it. However, this has raised concerns among legislative committees regarding the methodology used to calculate these costs, leading to debates over the accuracy and justification of the significant rise. The implications of this increase are far-reaching, affecting a broad spectrum of migrants and applicants planning to enter the UK. As a law firm specializing in immigration, #GarthCoates #Solicitors is closely monitoring these developments to provide updated advice and support to clients navigating these changes. https://lnkd.in/dvp5Kjzc #ukimmigration #immigrationnews #immigrationconsultant #visaexperts #visaconsultants #immigrationlawyer #immigrationservices

Spearheading #BusinessOpportunities in the UK for #NigerianEntrepreneurs On the 5th of December, 2023, Garth Coates Solicitors UK, in collaboration with Coates Global WWB Nigeria Ltd and the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), played a pivotal role in an enlightening event in Lagos, Nigeria. The session, led by our principal director Mr. Garth Coates, alongside Mr. Iyiola Ojo, Country Director of Coates Global WWB Nigeria, was a hub of expertise for #Nigerian entrepreneurs and professionals. Our focus was to demystify the complexities of #businessimmigration in the UK in the post-Brexit context. The seminar, part of a series orchestrated by the NBCC with support from the British Deputy High Commission Nigeria, was titled “Setting Up Businesses in the UK Post Brexit.” Mr. Garth Coates, with his extensive experience in immigration consultancy, provided an in-depth exploration of the UK’s revised immigration policies. Emphasis was placed on the new points-based system and sponsorship rules, as well as the array of immigration routes open to entrepreneurs and investors intending to initiate or grow their business footprints in the UK. https://lnkd.in/dd8Fj623 #ukvisasandimmigration #ukvisaapplication #visaconsultants #immigrationconsultant

"Unlock UK Business and Professional Opportunities with Coates Global" "Seize the moment with Coates Global's guidance on UK immigration. Recent policy changes have opened new doors for businesspeople and professionals to establish or expand their presence in the UK. Whether it's starting a new business or opening a branch office, we provide the insights you need to navigate this journey. Join our exclusive sessions in Lagos from December 6-11, 2023, to explore how you and your family can establish a prosperous future in the UK. Space is limited – secure your consultation today!" Discover More- https://lnkd.in/dizSqPnc  #UKImmigration #BusinessExpansion #ProfessionalGrowth #CoatesGlobal #UKResidency #Entrepreneurship

"Unlock UK Business and Professional Opportunities with Coates Global" "Seize the moment with Coates Global's guidance on UK immigration. Recent policy changes have opened new doors for businesspeople and professionals to establish or expand their presence in the UK. Whether it's starting a new business or opening a branch office, we provide the insights you need to navigate this journey. Join our exclusive sessions in Lagos from December 6-11, 2023, to explore how you and your family can establish a prosperous future in the UK. Space is limited – secure your consultation today!" Discover More- https://lnkd.in/dizSqPnc  #UKImmigration #BusinessExpansion #ProfessionalGrowth #CoatesGlobal #UKResidency #Entrepreneurship

Balancing International Education and Immigration Control: A Closer Look at New #StudentVisa Restrictions In May 2023, the UK Home Office unveiled significant changes to the #student #visa routes, aimed at reducing net #migration by restricting family members’ entry and preventing the misuse of #studentvisas as backdoor #workpermits. These reforms, while aligned with the government’s goal of controlling #immigration, raise important questions about the impact on international students and the higher education sector. Addressing Net Migration The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimated that net migration exceeded 500,000 from June 2021 to June 2022. While some of this increase is attributed to temporary factors such as the UK’s Ukraine and Hong Kong schemes, the number of student visas issued reached almost a million during the same period. Moreover, the number of dependents of overseas students in the UK surged by a staggering 750% since 2019, totalling 136,000 individuals. The government’s commitment to the International Education Strategy, which acknowledges the economic contributions of international students, is vital. However, the challenge lies in reconciling this commitment with the government’s promise to lower overall migration and prioritize highly skilled individuals who bring substantial benefits to the #UK. Balancing Act The recent proposals to the student visa route aim to strike a balance between these two objectives. They allow the government to meet its International Education Strategy goals while making a tangible contribution to reducing net migration to sustainable levels. Importantly, the reforms confirm that the terms of the graduate route remain unchanged. These changes are expected to take effect for students commencing their studies in January next year. However, the government has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the higher education sector to explore alternative options, to ensure that exceptional students can still bring dependents with them when studying at renowned #UKuniversities. https://lnkd.in/dm3gzyZZ #UKVisaProcess #StudentVisaUK #StudentVisaJourney #StudyVisaUK #UKImmigration

Scrutinizing #NewCitizenshipRules: Ensuring Fairness and Preventing Abuse In July 2023, significant changes were introduced to the rules governing #Britishcitizenship applications. These changes, designed to uphold the integrity of the #citizenship system, have sparked debates and concerns over the potential for abuse of power by caseworkers. Toughened “Good Character” Rules One of the key amendments centres around the “good character” requirement for British citizenship. While having a criminal record does not automatically lead to refusal, individuals who do not respect or adhere to the #law are unlikely to meet the “good character” criteria. The #newrules stipulate that an applicant will typically be refused if they have received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more in the #UK or overseas, have consecutive sentences totalling at least 12 months, or if they are deemed to be persistent offenders who disregard the law. Additionally, those who have committed offences causing serious harm, #sexualoffences, or whose details are recorded on a police register are likely to be refused. However, a significant point of concern arises from the discretion granted to caseworkers. Applicants with custodial sentences of less than 12 months or having been given non-custodial sentences may still be refused if the caseworker is not satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the applicant possesses “good character.” Subjectivity and Potential for Abuse The introduction of this discretion raises questions about potential abuse of power. The subjective nature of assessing “good character” opens the door to varying interpretations and decisions. This subjectivity may lead to inconsistencies in granting or #refusingcitizenship, leaving applicants vulnerable to #arbitraryrefusals. The concern is compounded by the fact that the “good character” assessment takes into account other factors as well as criminal convictions. Caseworkers are tasked with considering an individual’s overall character, including their behaviour and adherence to the law. This broad scope of evaluation introduces uncertainty and makes it challenging for applicants to predict the outcome of their citizenship applications. https://lnkd.in/d9g2_Zmh