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Hello everyone,

I recently received a job offer for a fixed-term position, and as part of the hiring process, my employer has requested the application reference number for my graduate visa. However, my results for the 2023/2024 PGT course have not yet been published, and I need the confirmed results to apply for the visa. My employer has given me a month to provide the reference number.

While I wait for my university to publish my results and officially confirm my degree, I’m wondering what I should be mindful of during this time. Specifically: 1. Timeline Concerns: Is one month typically enough to obtain the required degree confirmation and submit the visa application, or should I continue applying to other positions as a backup? 2. Provisional Dates: I’ve reached out to the university for an estimated date for the announcement of results, but I haven’t received a specific timeline yet. Are there any proactive steps I can take to expedite the process or ensure I don’t miss any important deadlines? 3. Other Preparations: Are there any documents or preliminary steps I should complete while waiting for the official results to streamline the application process once I receive them?

Any advice or insights on how best to approach this would be greatly appreciated, as I want to ensure everything aligns smoothly with both my employment start date and visa requirements.

Thank you for your help!

I was born in Hong Kong pre-1997, thus hold British National Overseas (BNO) status, but have been ordinarily resident in the US (and am also a naturalized US citizen) my whole life. Thus I am not eligible for the BNO Visa according to the "ordinarily resident in Hong Kong" clause.

However, I'm also aware that the Visa is also possible if one is "ordinarily resident in the UK" - one just needs to find another path to the UK first, then switch over to the BNO route.

I'm just wondering what the differences are between this route (applying for the BNO visa whilst in the UK) and just continuing on with the standard "skilled worker visa" route.

Hi, I started an application for ILR on the five year spouse route and am ready to submit it. But on the documents page, the only thing it's asking me for is a copy of my passport?!

I'm used to the long list from applying for the spouse visa in the first place, and then the extension (marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation, proof of income, signed consent forms etc.) I have an EVisa, I don't know if that means they already have all my details on file already but I assumed they would want updated proof of cohabitation and income at least.

Has anybody else experienced this?

I don't think it's just a temporary glitch with the website or anything - I started the application several weeks ago and it was the same, I've logged in several times since then. It's making me nervous though.

https://preview.redd.it/e8z20lv31qzd1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=5a639e1b779e522bf0835161826fbd7d96e98d45

https://preview.redd.it/1d9szjw31qzd1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=9bdd0b64217b2b5602d49ebf93178bc0769e7145

Hello! I'm an American. I'd like more input on whether or not I might qualify for UK citizenship. I have done the research but remain unconvinced. I want some more input from this community before I move forward with my application. Money and timing are issues I must address when deciding how to proceed.

My grandfather was born in Newcastle, UK. He served in WWII, and afterwards emigrated from the UK to Canada. After a few more years he emigrated from Canada to the USA. While in the USA he got married and had 5 children. My mother was the oldest of the 5 kids. She was not registered with the consulate before the age of 18, and claimed citizenship by descent after she was an adult. She went to visit her cousins and the rest of the family, but she did not live or work there. The fact that she is a UK citizen but did not achieve that status by being registered with the consulate is the issue here, I think. I was born in the USA in 1986.

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I submitted this information to Sable International, and got this response:

We have an answer for you.

STATUS TRACE

Our British nationality specialists have now reviewed your nationality situation. Their opinion took into account the nationalities, dates and places of births that you provided. The choice of opinions on your probability of having a valid claim to British nationality were:

• Definite (>99%)
• Likely (95%-99%)
• Further Information (5%-95%)
• UK Residence (5%-95%)
• Unclear (25%-75%)
• Unlikely (5%-25%)
• Remote (<5%)

Their answer is: LIKELY

They have added the following comments to your file notes:

-------------------------------

The good news is that you have a "Likely" claim to British nationality.

The UK Government entered into a treaty with the United Nations some years ago to enshrine equal rights for women. Included in the Treaty is the right for their children (and potentially, their grandchildren) to acquire her citizenship by descent on the same terms as if such a right had come down the paternal side of the family. While the UK has passed legislation to allow such claims, the Home Office has interpreted this legislation in relation to making claims to British Nationality by descent to be effective only for those born in the first generation. The existing stance of the UK Government therefore does not fully address gender discrimination in relation to citizenship applications.

It was only in 1983 that the issue of gender discrimination in British nationality law was addressed for the first time. However, there remained many areas in the law that were not taken into account, and several further changes have been made in the years since 1983 to remedy these. But the complexities of the old laws, and the legacy of the British colonial empire, meant that instances of unfairness still remain today.

It should be possible to lodge an application if one can demonstrate that - had it not been for gender discrimination in the old law - an applicant would (or should) have British nationality in the modern day. Your birth in the years after 1982 with a UK-born grandparent indicates that such an application would be successful.

OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS

If you have any children under the age of 18, then these children can also be registered as British citizens. These children could pass this British nationality down to their own children (i.e. your grandchildren), in a rare example of British by Quadruple Descent.

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So that's interesting! I have no idea what to think! What a strange situation. I have a young child. Does this mean that my grandfather's great granddaughter could maybe claim citizenship through a legal gray area loophole? This seems too weird to me. I'm still so skeptical. Are you sure, Sable International?

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I paid a (small) fee to have a phone conversation with a solicitor before submitting my information to Sable International. This solicitor told me this:

On October 14, 2022, the Home Office updated the regulations for Registration as a British citizen to register as a British citizen under special circumstances (section 4L, introduced by the Nationality Act Borders Act 2022).

The revised rules address a broad range of issues with varying degrees of complexity. In this overview, I've outlined only some of the primary categories related to ancestral claims for British citizenship, specifically those based on historical legislative injustices. I have excluded discussions on Windrush-related claims, claims associated with the actions or inaction of public authorities, and claims grounded in exceptional circumstances.

The updated guidance signifies a notable expansion of British nationality law. Referring to the Supreme Court's decision in Romein [2018] UKSC 6, the guidance emphasizes the inability to apply the registration condition in section 5(1)(b) of the 1948 Act to those claiming under section 4C, given the impracticality of such an application. The court's 2018 ruling essentially allows individuals born in a foreign country between 1949 and 1982, with a maternal grandfather born in the UK, to succeed in registering under section 4C.

The latest iteration of the guidance eliminates several restrictions to applications under section 4C using the Romein principle. Notably, it now extends the Romein principle to individuals provided they were born in a foreign country before 1988.

Additionally, the guidance recognizes the equivalence of naturalization, registration in the UK, and birth on a British ship to being born in the UK. Restrictions apply if the UK-born ancestor's father was a foreign diplomat at the time or if the ancestor was born in certain British overseas territories- this does not apply to you and your sister.

Another significant development is the application of the Romein principle to cases of births outside of marriage, as long as the applicant's mother was a citizen of the UK and colonies at the time of the applicant's birth. The guidance acknowledges the possibility of ancestral claims based on descent from parents who were not married, subject to the applicant meeting the burden of proof.

The guidance clarifies that applications under section 4C are restricted to individuals born before 1983, with a transitional period until 1988 allowing full registration under section 9 of the 1981 Act. This period extended the operation of section 5(1)(b) of the 1948 Act, with Example 14 affirming that registration under section 4L under 4(c).

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What do you think? I would love some feedback on this situation, as I would like to apply immediately. I would also love your advice or personal account of your own process of applying for UK citizenship. Any information is good. Thank you to anyone who comments!

Hello everyone !

I am a Belgian citizen trying to move to Scotland to live with my scottish girlfriend. She doesn’t have enough income yet and we don’t have enough cash savings yet either.

So I was wondering, would it be possible to get a loan from my bank to have enough cash savings and fulfill the financial requirements ? Can that be accepted ?

Thanks in advance !

Just got my UK visit visa refused, and I’m hoping to reapply with a stronger application. I am a student who’s gonna finish her masters in UCLA but, I’m doing in distance learning currently in India Here’s what I think the main issues were based on the refusal letter: 1. Relationship with Sponsor: The visa officer didn’t believe I’d demonstrated a genuine relationship with my sponsor. He’s my best friend—I lost touch with him years ago and we reconnected five years back. I provided some documents, but it wasn’t enough. Any ideas on how to better prove this? 2. Proof of Student Status: I’m finishing a master’s degree through the University of California by December 2024, and I thought it’d be a great time to visit over Christmas. I’d included a transcript, but the officer doubted if I’d return to my studies afterward. Has anyone had success in proving their student status for a distance learning course? 3. Funding and Financial Situation: I showed funds across three bank accounts and mentioned my father would contribute. They didn’t find it credible that we’d use most of his funds on a short visit, even though I have mutual funds and stocks as well. How do I convince them I’m financially prepared without overstating it?

They refused me under Appendix V, citing lack of proof for intent to return and genuine ties. Any advice or examples on strengthening these points would be really appreciated!” I’d really love to visit before starting a job here in my country. I do not wish to move there what so ever. I’d love to visit this December. Kindly help.

My wife is Chinese and I'm Irish living with settled status in the UK. We wanted to go on a holiday to Canada together. My wife keeps getting blocked from applying for a visitor visa at the point where she selects that she will be travelling with me. We can't find a single other option that allows her to apply and fits her situation!

Any and all advice greatly appreciated.

I will need to travel soon and really need to find super priority slot but I know how difficult they are to find. Any tips? Once you come to choose slot, can you look at different cities? If so, are there any cities that are more likely to have a slot than others?

In the UK from dec 2024 BRP cards are being replaced by e-visa ; i have applied for e-visa since last two months but no response yet, i am so worried for my e-visa as i have to go back to my country next month for my brother wedding. Kindly share your timeline of reviving e-visa.

Hi.. I will apply for ILR, I checked Gov website, for the evidence of continuous residency, it only stated "annual business account of self-employed person".. what exactly do they require or accept?

There was a couple years I was self employed, I have submitted Self Assessment Tax Return to HMRC every tax year.

Do they mean the Tax Return (SA100) ? can I download from my HMRC account, but there is a sentence of "Copy only.. Do not send to HMRC" on it. Is it the one I need to submit? do I need to show bank statements and transactions also?

What files have you submitted and accepted?

Thank you🙏🏻

I have a friend whose wife is a UK citizen and naturalized US citizen. They want to move to the UK. She has to work there 2 years in order to receive retirement money she has there, so it will be necessary at some point.

This friend served 6 years for a felony conviction (after they were married), and was released 18 years ago. He is under the impression that the 7 year rule applies to him, and he’ll have no trouble obtaining a spousal visa. My understanding is that this only applies to UK citizens.

Are they correct in their interpretation, or in for a huge disappointment?

Edit:the rule I’m referring to is the one where your convictions are cleared after seven years.

Okay so erm this is awkward, my partner and my graduate visa expires in December. I applied for a three Work Visa and got it last month but on the application I said that nobody is applying as a dependant with me because that was the truth back then. But now I’m having second thoughts and I want him to get a dependant visa and stay in England itself. We’ve been together for two years now, will it be difficult for him to apply for one although I selected no? Can we explain my rationale behind this somehow on his application?

Hello everyone, I am hoping someone can point me in the right direction as I'm not sure how to research my situation.

I am an American citizen born in the US, I was born after 1983 and am over 18. My mother is a green card holder in the US, she was born in The Bahamas in the 1950's when they were still a British Crown Colony. My grandmother was also born in The Bahamas under the Crown. My grandfather was born in England and emigrated to The Bahamas in the early part of the 20th century.

Most everything I am finding is relating to current British Overseas Territories and I'm not entirely sure how to navigate the question given Bahamian independence in '73 and how my mother and grandparents citizenship would have changed with that independence.

I appreciate any insight you may have! Thank you.

I'll begin by providing some context for the situation:I completed my studies at Roehampton University, where I was recently offered an administrative job. To facilitate the hiring process, I initiated my graduate visa application in September. My course officially ended on August 31. I started the visa application on the 19th of September and on the 30th of August, one day before my student visa expired, I received an update about my visa application from UK Home Office refusing my application, stating the following: Your sponsor did not inform us of your successful completion. We contacted your sponsor on 22 October 2024. They informed us that "The Awards and Progression Board will take place on 22/11/2024 and the student should be awarded at that time". However, the UK website is clear when it says: "You do not have to wait until you’ve graduated or have been given a certificate" I also have two letters from the university stating that I have met all the university requirements. I have the right to ask for an administrative review within 14 days, so I am still under all the rights that I was before. Also, in the Graduate Route guide, it is literally stated that "The caseworker must check that the applicant has successfully completed a course of study for which they have been, or will be**, awarded a UK bachelor’s degree, a UK postgraduate degree."** (Source: Graduate route.docx, page 8). I now have 14 days from receiving the decision to make an administrative review request. However, even if I do it on the last day of the specified period, there would still be 10 days left for the Final Board, which means that depending on when the Home Office contacts Roehampton and the case officer, I could have a second rejection if Roehampton confirms that I have not completed the programme.  T**his means I lose all chances of having the right to work in the UK as I cannot apply for a skilled worker visa with this position.**Summarising, I find myself in a delicate situation: in order to secure a job offer, I started my visa application process earlier than ideal. Unfortunately, this timing may now undermine my chances of staying here and working.I contacted the University yesterday once again and they refused to provide me a letter confirming that I have completed and passed all required modules, with only the final award confirmation pending at the Awards and Progression Board meeting on 22nd November. I believe this is not legally correct, as it is their duty to provide clear information to students. Despite this, I will proceed with the administrative review request.

I just sent today a Subject Access Request (SAR) under the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) requesting my Programme's coordinator a copy of my official transcripts or a letter confirming my completion and passing of the required modules and a Confirmation that the only remaining step for my final award is the approval from the upcoming Awards and Progression Board meeting scheduled for 22nd November.

Anyone had a similar experience of having to wait until the Awards and Progressions Board Meeting?

I am really stressed out and hope to hear any hopeful information. Thank you.

Applying for Returning Resident Settlement visa and wondering if it is better to use USCIS or VFS Global for biometrics, etc? I am applying from Dallas area.

Hello,

I recently got a job offer to work in the NHS, band 5, dietitian. I’ll be applying for a visa (health and care worker) soon.

I have a girlfriend (2 years relationship, we do not live together) and we are not married yet. Since we don’t have enough time to marry before I go to the UK, I would like some advice.

My plan is: I’ll go to the UK while we organize our civil marriage in my home country (Brazil). As soon as possible, I fly back so we get married and she applies as my dependent.

Is this a good plan? Any advice?

Also, another thing we were commenting: we’re planning to go together to the UK, me with my visa and her with her visitor visa. She will stay a week just to get the sensation of our new home and then fly back to Brazil. Do we might face any problems at the border? Flying together but having no contact during the flight/airport to avoid problems is possible?

Please, any advice will be helpful :) Thanks!

Hi everyone,

My husband and I recently got married in the UK in council. We’ve got our marriage certificate as well thru post. I am a phd student and he is on graduate route, expiring jan 2025. I have my student visa till jan 2029. We are collecting documents for him to switch his visa to my student dependent. This is the list of docs we are gonna submit:

• bank statements from joint bank acc (recently created 2 weeks ago and not utilised much tbh), and individual accounts showing same address. We have been living together since 13 Oct and got married 1st nov
• utility bills showing both names of oct and nov (only water bill for both months, energy bill for nov only)
• council tax bill unfortunately doesnt show my name as full time student so dont wanna submit that
• his driving license and mine showing same address
• our marriage certificate
• photographs spanning the length of our relationship dating back to early 2023

Is there anything im missing? Is this enough evidence?

My child was born in North America and we have just had their UK Passport application approved. Does this mean that the child is now a full British Citizen and will not have to do anything in the future, such as apply for a proof of Citizenship?

One of the reasons I am asking is because in Canada once you get Citizenship or are a Citizen then you do not lose it. I am not sure about the UK and if they can change the rules down the road and this could effect Citizenship given the child was not born in the UK.

anyone knows how long it takes for online profile to be updated after receiving the email that the 5 year extension has been granted ?

Dear All, A quick question we applied for my children's visa. Attended the biometrics at a TLS contact center on the 1st November However on checking the status on the TLS website the application still is stuck at attended biometrics and has not been transferred to the UKVI still. Also, there is no contact number for TLS UK. I've already raised my query through their website Wondering what's happening here

Can anyone enlighten me on how long it took them to get a UK skilled worker visa when applying inside the UK and having to submit biometrics via appointment?

I submitted my application on 2 Oct, biometrics on 24 Oct and am wondering how long it will take given that my colleagues have received their visas in two weeks (applied from inside UK but no biometrics).

Help!

Hi everyone,

I'm a U.S. citizen and recently got married. My husband is based in the UK, so I came to stay with him for a bit. I arrived in the UK about 4 months ago on a tourist visa. Last week, we took a short 4-day trip to Turkey for a mini-vacation and have now returned to London. I plan to go back to the U.S. in January to continue my studies for the spring semester, but I want to make sure I’m not overstaying or breaking any rules here. I’ve seen mixed information online about whether short trips like this one reset the 6-month stay period.

I’ve also contacted a few immigration lawyers who said that my time does reset when I re-enter the UK. However, I’m still feeling unsure, so I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences from those who have been in a similar situation.

Thanks in advance!

So with this last election my family and I are needing to relocate from the US. My mother was born in the uk and relocated to the us, where I was born. I found out I have citizenship because of her and am looking to move abroad. My daughter is special needs and depends on certain services in order to have a good quality of life. The new administration will dismantle all the services we need for her. I work in medical care and would look to transfer and continue that work in the uk.

How feasible is this? Is it something that many people will take issue with? I’m just worried for the future of my daughters

Im trying to apply for the evisa and then when i pick brb as my supporting doc.. it doesn't let me add the data of issue or expire.. is that normal or what am i doing wrong as i can't see anywhere to add it

US citizen, wife, one kiddo. Well off financially. I work as a remote/independent software dev. Kiddo is in high school (freshman).

Inquiring with a UK immigration lawyer, they recommended incorporating and then doing a self-sponsorship. Said timeline was roughly 5-6 months but felt the success rate was very high.

Is this a valid approach? Thoughts/suggestions?

Let’s say I applied for global talent visa at the end of my current visa period and overstayed my visa waiting for the result of my application, I wanted to know in case of my visa application getting rejected, how many would I have left to remain in uk legally before having to leave the country

Anyone else getting a weird "you've already logged into a session" error when you try to log into the VFS website?

Trying to check status of my application, but says I've already logged into another session & doesn't let me continue or force log out the other session.

I definitely have not logged in elsewhere.

Hey everyone,

Today, I received my settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) status! The email mentioned I won’t be receiving a BRP card.

My question is: How do I create an e-visa with my ILR status without a BRP card? Has anyone here successfully linked their ILR status to their passport through an e-visa after 31 October 2024.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!