Before you directly approach an Immigration adviser, you might want to see if the answer to your question(s) can be found online for free.
Here are some of the most up to date and useful sources of UK Immigration advice you can find online for free.
VisaHelpUK
Search through this website to find our FREE complete step by step guides to applying for a Spouse Visa, Fiancee Visa, FLR(M) Visa and Unmarried Partner Visa.
You can read our “Which Partner Visa to apply for?” guide if you are unsure about which visa to apply for.
Or why not use our “Cash Savings Calculator” to work out how much earnings and cash savings you would need to meet the financial requirement of your visa application.
UK Visas and Immigration Advice
The official UK Government site is always a good first port of call if you are looking for immigration information.
Although it’s not always the easiest to use, nor does it go into much depth, there are still some very useful tools that you can use when preparing to submit your visa application.
UK Visa and Immigration Fees
The latest Home Office fees for immigration applications can be found on the UKVI page here. A PDF version is available here.
UK Visa Processing Times
You can use this link to check out how long you will have to wait to get a decision on your visa application.
Immigration Health Surcharge
You can use this link to check if you need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, to make payment and to get your IHS Reference Number.
UKVCAS Centres
You can use this link to find your nearest service centre.
IELTS English Language Tests
You can use this link to find a list of approved IELTS test providers.
UK NARIC
You can use this link if you have a degree from abroad which you will be relying on to meet the English Language requirement of your UK Visa application.
Advice Now in Immigration Issues
You can use this link to access free online legal advice from AdviceNow.
This service is provided by Law for Life, which is a charity, and they have lots of helpful links to UK immigration guides.
Is IELTS life skills A1 conducted by AEO and IDP accepted for uk spouse visa? And Also my British wife want to sponsor me but she has disability and she can’t work, she is depend on govt funds which around 770£ montly. So how much bank statement she need to show for sponsoring me?
Hello Zafar,
The IELTS Life Skills A1 test, when conducted by approved testing providers such as AEO or IDP, is accepted for the UK Spouse visa, as it meets the English language requirement set by the UK Home Office.
As for your second question, the financial requirements for a UK Spouse visa typically involve demonstrating a minimum annual income of £18,600. However, if your British wife is receiving certain disability-related benefits or Carer’s Allowance from the government, she may be exempt from the minimum income requirement and instead need to demonstrate ‘adequate maintenance’.
‘Adequate maintenance’ essentially means that after paying for housing, your wife should have a certain amount of income left that’s equivalent to what one would receive if they were on Income Support in the UK. The exact amount can vary, so it is advised to consult with an immigration specialist.
For the purpose of demonstrating ‘adequate maintenance’, your wife would need to provide a bank statement showing receipt of the relevant benefits. The bank statements should typically cover a period of 6 months. However, as every case is unique, I would advise you to seek specific legal advice before submitting your application.
Hi
Hope you are doing well.
I am Pakistani and moved here in an EU settlement, dependent status on my husband. I need to register a company in the UK. The company is a software house in Pakistan that has been started for the last four months in partnership. I am unemployed and with my savings I somehow manage to be a shareholder in that company. What would be the requirements to register a company here? Will this affect my current residence status here? What are the pros and cons for registering a company here? and I did not file any paperwork here.
I WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD FOR YOUR RESPONSE.
THANKS.
Dear Irum,
Thank you for reaching out and I hope you are doing well. As a Pakistani residing in the UK under EU settlement dependent status, you are interested in registering a software house company in the UK. I’ll be happy to provide you with some guidance regarding the requirements and implications of registering a company here.
To register a company in the UK, you will need to follow the guidelines set by Companies House, the UK government’s official registrar of companies. The basic requirements include having a registered office address in the UK, at least one director who is a natural person (not a company), and at least one shareholder. Additionally, you will need to choose a suitable company name that complies with the regulations and is not already in use.
Registering a company in the UK should not directly affect your current residence status as an EU settlement dependent. However, it’s important to note that I am an immigration attorney and consultant, so I recommend seeking advice from an immigration lawyer or expert regarding any potential implications specific to your individual circumstances.
Now, let’s discuss the pros and cons of registering a company in the UK. Here are a few key points to consider:
Pros:
1. Business Opportunities: Registering a company in the UK can provide access to a larger market, increased business opportunities, and potential growth for your software house.
2. Credibility: Having a UK-based company may enhance your credibility with clients and partners, as the UK is often seen as a hub for technology and innovation.
3. Legal Protection: Registering a company offers legal protection by separating your personal assets from the business, limiting your liability in case of financial difficulties or legal issues.
Cons:
1. Administrative Responsibilities: Running a registered company comes with various administrative responsibilities, such as filing annual accounts and maintaining proper records, which may require additional time and resources.
2. Taxation: You will need to comply with UK tax regulations, including corporate tax and potentially VAT if your company meets the threshold.
3. Costs: Registering a company involves certain costs, such as incorporation fees and ongoing expenses for compliance and accounting services.
Please note that these are general pros and cons, and it is advisable to consult with a business advisor or accountant who can provide tailored advice based on your specific situation and business objectives.
I hope this information helps you in making an informed decision. Should you have any further questions or require any clarification, please feel free to ask.
Warm regards,
Josh