bobrussell

Before people start to panic the increases in fees for most visa types are modest in comparison to previous changes!

http://www.ukba.home...spring-2012.pdf

They are subject to acceptance by parliament but I doubt that will be a problem.

Damian Green's Statement:

http://www.ind.homeo...es-feb-2012.pdf

Having decided that there was little point in getting ILR processed in person because of work commitments and cost, we are now 4 months into waiting.

I know the UKBA say that 95% of applications are processed within six months what experiences have others had? Ours should be very straight forward but my wife wants to go to Switzerland to see one of her friends but is stuck without a passport!

If we request its return the application will automatically be withdrawn!

In the EU courts the Zambrano case allows (under certain circumstances) a non-EU subject the right of residence and to work if they have an EU citizen dependent child (or adult). Whilst this may not be of direct importance to most of those applying for settlement visas from Thailand, it may have very significant impact for some that have already arrived in the UK. As far as I can see it may even apply outside the UK.

I am not legally qualified so don't rely on my information but get qualified advice! Under the freedom of information Act the following reply was given by the UKBA:

http://www.whatdothe...o v0 1.pdf.html

(Sorry tried to attach it but could not!)

I thought I knew what is required for my wife and daughter to change from temporary leave to remain to indefinite leave to remain. I have somehow gone to a UKBA page that suggests that in addition to completing SET(M) it is necessary to have biometrics repeated. This also indicates that the applicant and husband, wife or civil partner must be able to support yourselves without recourse to public funds.

This is not an issue with my family as we do not need public funds but my sister-in-laws husband is unemployed and on benefits. Does this mean she can only apply for FLR or have I misunderstood things completely?

I have copied the part here.

Husbands, wives and civil partners
         You can apply for permission to live permanently in the UK as a husband, wife or civil partner if:

        

• you were given permission to enter or remain in the UK as a husband, wife or civil partner, and have completed a period of two years in that category;
• you are still the husband, wife or civil partner of the  person specified in your permission to enter or remain, and the marriage  or civil partnership is existing and genuine (not a 'marriage of  convenience', for example);
• you and your partner both intend to live together permanently as husband and wife or civil partners;
• you have adequate accommodation where both of you and  any dependants can live without needing public funds, and at least part  of that accommodation (for example, a bedroom) is for your and your  partner's sole use;
• both of you can support yourselves and any dependants without needing public funds; and
• you have enough knowledge of the English language and  life in the UK. (This last requirement does not apply if you are aged 65  or over.)

I cannot get back to the page that seems to indicate that a repeat of biometrics is required but it stated that this was to ensure that the applicant was the same as the one that made the original application! I will retrace my steps and try to find it again.

For those that have had a run in with the UKBA immigration staff at Heathrow (as my wife did) or find them intimidating, a little 'revenge' from the BBC. If you have access to (or can download) 'Come Fly With Me' from the Beeb made by the Little Britain team it's worth a look.
After watching the Chief Immigration Officer Ian Foot at work try to keep a straight face when going through immigration!!!:D

My wife (Thai) almost wet herself laughing at it.
P.S. Don't think it is racist - just taking the p**s out of those that are!