do I NEED A VISA?

If you are a Visa national you will need a visa to enter the UK – and in some cases to transit through the UK. You can find out if you are a Visa National by visiting the following website: www.ukvisas.gov.uk

If you are not a Visa national you do not need a visa to visit the UK for less than six months. There are a number of different categories of visitors, the most common being:

• General Visitors

• Child Visitors

• Business and Special Visitors – those visiting for business, sports, entertainment or a variety of 'special' reasons such as for private medical treatment, marriage, parent of a child at school or as a prospective student.

Generally, you must be able to show that you are 18 or over (except child visitors), intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit, have enough money to support and accommodate yourself and can meet the cost of your return or onward journey.

tier 4 (general)

Students over the age of 16 wishing to study in the UK may apply for a Tier 4 (General) visa. The length of stay that will be granted will depend on the length of the course but as a general rule for courses of a year or more it will be for the full length of the course plus four months after the end of the course.

In order to qualify the applicant must score 40 points under the Points-based System rules:

• 30 points – attending an acceptable course with an approved education provider (they will issue the student with a CAS (confirmation of acceptance of studies) reference number.

• 10 points – having enough money to cover the course fees and living costs

The exact requirements for this and particular rules relating to how your supporting evidence should be prepared and presented are complex so please contact us for more specific details of your particular case.

Immigration Advice Bureau manages Tier 4 applications on a regular basis so you can be confident you will receive correct advice. Have your application prepared properly by employing us to make your application for you.

fiancé(e) visas

Planning to get married is a very busy time, even more so when your fiancé(e) is in another country. We handle the whole process of applying for your fiancé(e) to come to the UK so that you can focus on planning the wedding. You will need to apply for this visa category if you intend to marry someone who is currently present and settled in the UK and you intend to live permanently together in the UK. We are more than happy to discuss your settlement application in person or via video. We do not charge for an initial consultation.

Spouse OR marriage visas

At Immigration Advice Bureau we know that applying for a visa for your spouse to join you in the UK is a stressful time, even more so when you and your partner are separated. We therefore approach the application process step by step, ensuring that you know what each step entails and what is required by you so that you and your spouse can focus on being together in the UK. We are more than happy to discuss your settlement application in person or via a telecom to discuss your circumstances. We do not charge for an initial consultation. You will need to apply for this visa category if you are already married and wish to come to the UK to live with your spouse who is currently present and settled in the UK.

VISITOR VISA

People wishing to come to the UK as a visitor (and not to work or study) are normally allowed to stay for six months.

Before you travel you should check whether or not you need to get a visa or, if wishing to frequently travel to the UK, apply for a multiple-entry visa which may be issued for two, five or 10 years.

STATELESS PERSON CASE

You can apply to stay in the UK as a stateless person if you are currently in the UK, and both of the following apply to you:

• you’re not recognised as a citizen of any country; and

• you’re unable to live permanently in any other country.

Immigration Advice Bureau can send an application to the Home Office requesting the right for you to remain because you are stateless.

appeals

We have an excellent track record of winning appeals. If your application has been refused by UKBA or Consulate you only have a limited time to appeal the decision. We have an excellent track record and will not charge you to review your papers and advise on the merits of appealing the decision. If you decide to appeal a decision by UKBA or Consulate we will assist you by:

• Drafting the grounds of appeal

• Drafting your witness statement and the statements of 3rd parties

• Sending appeal forms

• Arranging a conference for you to meet with a barrister who will represent at the appeal hearing before the Immigration Judge.