The UK Home Office confirmed that from 1 August 2016 naturalisation applications (British Citizenship applications), made on the basis of being an EEA national or a family member of an EEA national, which are submitted without the required Permanent Residence documentation will no longer be sifted and rejected, but will be accepted and considered in full.

Investors from South Africa have been significantly stepping up their involvement with UK assets in an attempt to protect themselves from currency volatility. The last 18 months has seen an increase of nearly 400% in South African investment in UK property.

Many clients are confused and in doubt about the exact purpose, process, and eligibility of the UK Biometric Residence Permits or BRP’s as they are often known.

The Immigration Act of 2016 was updated on 12 July. It now includes an immigration skills charge that is designed to discourage UK companies from hiring foreign citizens. The addition comes in the wake of several immigration-curtailing measures recently implemented in the UK.

When a person applies for his or her British Citizenship, one of the checks undertaken by the UK Home Office is to the good character of a person. If a person does not fulfil this criterion, the application may be denied. It is thus important that a future British citizenship applicant, keep this in mind, in preparation for the future application.

All Applicants applying for Settlement in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain), or British Citizenship via naturalisation are required to fulfil the so-called KoLL requirement or Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK.

Many clients from Zimbabwe incorrectly believe that they do not qualify for the UK Ancestral Visa, as Zimbabwe is no longer part of the Commonwealth.

Many persons are surprised to know that the UK Immigration rules make specific allowance for domestic workers to accompany their employers to the UK.

Those interested in furthering their studies in the UK should get applying for these scholarships.

One of the most exciting immigration categories available to non-EEA graduates is the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route. Every year, there are 2,000 places available under this Immigration category.

With the EU Referendum fast approaching, we look at the possible repercussions for South Africans.

One of the most exciting UK Immigration routes available to non-EU citizens is the Sole Representative Visa. This immigration route allows overseas companies to send one key individual to the UK to establish a wholly owned subsidiary or UK branch for the overseas company.

The year 2015 was a shock to many UK Visa Applicants who was suddenly faced with also having to contribute to the National Health Surcharge when submitting their UK Visa Application. This essentially meant that two large amounts were payable similtaneously.

One of the most popular work related immigration routes to the UK is the Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Route. This immigration route allows a non-EEA citizen whose overseas employer has offered them a role in the UK branch of the organisation to transfer to the UK company on a temporary basis.

The UK Tier 2 Work Permit is still one of the most popular ways for non-EEA nationals to work in the UK. One of the key elements of the Tier 2 Work Permit process is the Resident Labour Market Test. As the consultants at BIC get frequent questions on this process, we have compiled a short guidance for readers on the Resident Labour Market Test.

Clients are often very pleasantly surprised to find out that they qualify to stay with their partner in the UK, under this route. The route is open to both opposite and same-sex couples.

Ever since the introduction of the very strict financial requirement of the UK Family Migration Route, many families and partners were unable to live together in the UK, simply, because they cannot meet the financial requirements of this immigration route.

The UK Ancestry Visa remains one of the most popular immigration routes to the UK. Provided of course that you are one of those persons fortunate enough to have a British born grandparent.

A Biometric Residence Permit contains a person’s name, date, place of birth, fingerprints and a photo of his/her face. All of this is known as Biometric Data.

The UK Home Office is advised by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) as to which areas of the UK labour market are experiencing shortages. This list is compiled in the UK Shortage Occupation List. But how does this affect the UK Tier 2 Work Permit application process?

Considering working with an Interior Designer remotely? How do you know if this is the right service for you? Anna Correia shares her tips that can help you make the right decision.

The UK Home Office is increasingly cracking down on illegal immigrants in the UK. Do not overstay on your visa. Contact BIC today to discuss a legitimate route to live and work in the UK.

Making the decision to move to the UK is the easy part. Here’s how you can make it a stress-free and affordable move.

This week, SA galleries Erdmann Contemporary and Gallery Momo are showing at the Startartfair.com (For ’emerging artists and new art scenes.’ – ’til Sept 13

Anna Correia says you should get your UK home designed from South Africa. Should we believe her?