Access to public funds
In most cases migrants are not eligible to access public funds, such as benefits, until they obtain settlement, though there are some exceptions.
Biometrics
If biometrics are required, these are obtained as part of the application process and generally require giving fingerprints and having a digital photo taken.
Brexit
The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.
Capped
If a route is capped, it means there is a limit on the number of migrants who can come to the UK on that route each year. If it is uncapped there is no limit.
Dependants
Dependants are the spouses, partners, and children (under the age of 18) of migrants, and in some cases other family members can also be dependants.
Divergence
How rules and regulations could differ between the EU and the UK after Brexit.
English language
There are a number of immigration routes with an English language requirement for applicants. This may be to support integration and/ or to demonstrate they have the English language ability needed for that particular visa route. The level of English language ability required is set as appropriate for each relevant route based on the Common European Framework of Reference for languages.
Immigration Health Surcharge
This is a charge paid by the applicant up front for the duration of their stay. It gives them free access to NHS services on broadly the same basis as British citizens.
Immigration Skills Charge
This is a charge paid by a UK employer for each skilled migrant worker they employ through the Skilled Worker and Intra-Company Transfer routes.
Maintenance
The majority of migrants coming to the UK from overseas must be able to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their families while in the UK. This is known as the maintenance requirement. It is possible that in some circumstances, the employer can guarantee the maintenance requirement on behalf of the employee and their dependants.
Pre-settled status
Pre-settled status is a grant of limited leave to remain for five years. With pre settled status you can continue to live, work and study in the UK after 30 June 2021, although this permission is effectively limited to a period of five years from the date you are granted your status.
Settlement
This is also known as indefinite leave to enter or remain and means a successful applicant can stay in the UK without any immigration conditions or time restrictions. Not all visa categories lead to settlement so this should be taken in consideration when applying under a particular visa route.
Settled Status
You can work in the UK, use the NHS, have access to pensions and benefits and travel in and out of the UK.
Sponsor License
A sponsor licence is in effect an approval from the UK Home Office for an organisation to sponsor migrant workers.
Supplementary work
Supplementary work is when a migrant takes on employment in addition to their primary work hours or study (upon which their permission to be in the UK is based). There are some routes that do not allow supplementary work. For those routes that do, restrictions will apply depending on the route.
Switching – routes
Switching in this context refers to a migrant’s ability to stay in the UK on a different immigration route without needing to leave the UK and apply from overseas. Even if the answer is ‘yes’, there will be some routes a migrant cannot switch from – for example, a visitor or short-term visa.
TB Test
Certain nationalities are required to take a Tuberculosis test as part of their visa application.
We are here to help in any way we can
Should you need any additional information, consultation, or guidance, through the immigration process please do contact us as we would be delighted to assist you.
Additionally, if you would like to have a virtual coffee with any of our immigration experts, please contact us we would be happy to arrange this.
