Category Archives: Settlement

Spouse Entry Clearance Refusals

Posted on May 31, 2012 by

We have recently seen an increase in refusals from people who have applied for entry clearance as a Spouse based on the fact that they failed “to demonstrate compelling evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship.” Where a couple have … Continue reading →

Posted in Civil Partners, Fiancés and Spouses, Settlement | Comments Off

Bennett’s Blog- English Tests are lawful

Posted on December 16, 2011 by admin

The High Court has ruled that the English Language Requirement for spouses and partners of those settled in the UK is lawful. Mr Justice Beatson dismissed the case brought by Mrs Chapti on the basis that it is not disproportionate … Continue reading →

Posted in Bennett's Blog, Civil Partners, Fiancés and Spouses, Settlement, Unmarried Partner | Comments Off

UKBA proposals to stop sham and forced marriages

Posted on July 13, 2011 by admin

The government has today announced proposals to crack down on sham and forced marriages. The deadline to response to their consultation paper is 6 October 2011. Here is a link to consultation Their press announcement states The government has today … Continue reading →

Posted in Dependants, Fiancés and Spouses, Settlement | Comments Off

Changes to the “Life in the UK Test”

Posted on July 6, 2011 by admin

From 18th July, applicants will no longer be able to book an appointment to take the Life in the UK test via telephone or in person. You will be required to register online and once you have paid the fee … Continue reading →

Posted in British citizenship, Settlement | Comments Off

Watch live today Court deciding whether the ban on spouses is lawful

Posted on June 8, 2011 by admin

Today the Court of Appeal Civil Division (England and Wales) will determine whether the ban contained in paragraph 277 of the Immigration Rules on the entry for settlement of foreign spouses between the ages of 18 and 21 is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Dependant relatives, Dependants, EU nationals and family members, Fiancés and Spouses, Settlement | Comments Off

Inconsistent decision making – a constant theme

Posted on May 23, 2011 by admin

Today the UKBA have responded to the reports published by the Independent Chief Inspector. We previously blogged about the Inspector’s comments regarding the dreadful service at the visa section in Istanbul and judging by the findings in the rest of … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Settlement | Comments Off

When travel plans affect an outstanding UKBA application…

Posted on May 17, 2011 by admin

Applications to the UKBA and British diplomatic posts are usually accompanied by the applicant’s passport among other important supporting documents.  There are consequences of requesting your passport back from the UKBA whilst an application is still under consideration, which can prove … Continue reading →

Posted in EU nationals and family members, General, Settlement | Comments Off

UKBA modernised guidance – ILR after 5 years residence in the UK

Posted on May 6, 2011 by admin

Some of you will already be aware that the UKBA has updated a number of guidance documents (known as Immigration Directorate Instructions or IDIs) online. ‘Modernised guidance’ is available for those applying for indefinite leave to remain after spending a … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Settlement | 18 Comments

Crime doesn’t pay

Posted on March 23, 2011 by admin

The UK Border Agency released a Statements of Changes to the Immigration Rules on 16 March 2011. As well as detailing changes to be made to work based routes they also introduced new requirements for Spouses or Civil Partners obtaining … Continue reading →

Posted in Civil Partners, Fiancés and Spouses, Settlement, Unmarried Partner | 9 Comments

Changes to settlement from 6 April

Posted on March 17, 2011 by admin

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the rules for settlement in the UK will change on 6 April 2011. UKBA will tighten the current settlement criteria by introducing the following changes: A new criminality threshold. Applicants will need to be clear of … Continue reading →

Posted in Settlement | 1 Comment