FAQS

If you have ILR, you can only vote in national and local elections and referendums in the UK if you are a qualifying Commonwealth citizen. To find out if you are a qualifying Commonwealth citizen, you can refer to the definition on the Electoral Commission's website. 

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If you are granted Indefinite Leave to Remain, you are able to leave and re-enter the UK without any immigration restrictions.

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If you have been granted ILR, your family members who are not British citizens may be able to join you in the UK, subject to different rules depending on their relationship with you. These rules vary for partners, spouses, fiancé(e)s, children, parents, and adults who come to be cared for by a relative.

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Your status is valid indefinitely, and can only lapse if you have been outside of the UK for 2 consecutive years, or 5 years if you hold Settled Status under the EUSS.

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What is the list of English Language countries?

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Canada
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Jamaica
• New Zealand
• Republic of Ireland (for citizenship only)
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• USA

Not immediately. You will first have to apply for British citizenship (Naturalisation), and once that is granted you may apply for your first British passport.

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Yes, the Life in the UK test is required for most ILR applications unless:

• you are applying for Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• you qualify for an exemption.

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Generally, the appeal process takes a number of months but this can depend on a case-to-case basis. It may also depend on the visa that you intend on applying for, as there are often fairly complex requirements that must be met.

Waiting times may also depend on the Tribunal’s workload – which may be higher than usual as a result of the Covid19 global pandemic, which has tightened resources and slowed work rate, so expect longer waiting times.

The best way to ensure that your Appeal is allowed is to work with an experienced team to create an effective strategy for Appeal, which highlights exactly why the Tribunal should overturn the Home Office’s initial decision with clear and strong arguments.

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For those in the difficult situation wherein their visa has expired while appealing a rejected visa or extension, there is ‘Statutory’ or Section 3C Leave. This protects those who have existing leave and have made their application appeal in a timely manner with all the proper documentation put forth.

This leave remains so long as an in-country appeal could be brought or an appeal has been lodged but not yet determined.

Get in touch with our team to ensure that you are covered under Section 3C Leave – offering you a better chance to fight your appeal as you will be based in the UK for potential hearings.

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We provide a cover letter when our team prepares your application. To get a cover letter, you'll need to sign up for our full application service. If you've used our document-checking service, you can upgrade to the full package for a cover letter.

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The difficulty of obtaining a UK work visa varies depending on individual circumstances and the specific visa category. Some visas have more stringent requirements than others. In most cases, applicants will need a job offer from a licensed sponsor that meets minimum skill and salary criteria.

You will need to apply from outside the UK. The process will require you to complete an online application, pay the fee, and submit a valid travel document and supporting papers. You should apply at least 3 months prior to travel, and expect a decision within 3 weeks (although processing times may vary depending on your location).

Obtaining settlement status in the UK means you can live, work, and study in the country indefinitely. Settled status is crucial if you plan to apply for British Citizenship after meeting the eligibility requirements. However, if you spend over 2 years outside the UK or violate the terms of your stay, your settled status may be revoked. To obtain unrestricted travel rights, you will need to have British citizenship.

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The most significant difference is that humanitarian protection can be temporary, whereas refugee status does not have to be. After receiving refugee status, you can be granted settlement rights and remain in the UK for five years or more.