Diary of an Immigration Adviser: To Secure Your Future in The UK Only Use A Qualifi...

Diary of an Immigration Adviser: To Secure Your Future in The UK Only Use A Qualifi...: Cynthia Barker writes…Make sure you use a legal, OISC registered qualified immigration adviser for immigration advice to secure your future...

Diary of an Immigration Adviser: How To Spot A Fake Immigration Adviser

Diary of an Immigration Adviser: How To Spot A Fake Immigration Adviser: Cynthia Barker writes...Here are my 3 tips on How to spot a fake immigration adviser and how to find a legally registered qualified firm. ...

To Secure Your Future in The UK Only Use A Qualified OISC Immigration Adviser

Cynthia Barker writes…Make sure you use a legal, OISC registered qualified immigration adviser for immigration advice to secure your future in the UK. I've been warning migrants to stay away from illegal, fake immigration advisers for years, yet I still hear stories of migrants being ripped off by crooks.

The OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) regulates immigration advisers in the UK. Advisers have to train, pass exams and carry out CPD to keep up with changes in the Immigration Rules. 

You can check the OISC adviser finder to make sure your adviser is registered and qualified at the correct level - for instance, only level 3 firms can handle appeals, bail hearings or detention cases.

It is illegal to give immigration advice in the UK unless you are qualified and registered with one of the regulatory bodies, such as the OISC or Bar Council.

Lawyers can give advice, but often lack the specialist knowledge of the UK Immigration Rules and guidance, which the Home Office change every five minutes!

My Solicitor can tell me everything I need to know about buying a house or making a Will, but would know nothing about lodging a visa appeal against a visa an immigration refusal or how to help an overstayer who has been detained by the Home Office and is about to be deported form the UK.

He would not even attempt to draft an application for indefinite leave to remain, UK citizenship or a spouse visa for an EEA national’s non-EU partner.

By the same token, when I see a client who also needs specialist advice on an employment matter or divorce, I refer them to the right lawyer.

In one case an abused domestic worker for a Middle Eastern family won an out of court settlement of £140,000! He came to me for immigration advice, but we identified further issues with the terms of his employment.

Finally, remember that the fake immigration adviser, or someone pretending to be a lawyer or barrister, will only tell you what you want to hear – they feed on the fact that many of you will believe anything because you want to remain in the UK. Migrants, especially those who have overstayed their visa, are vulnerable and desperate and easy prey for the criminals who steal their money and often never even submit an application to the Home Office.

If you have been affected by Home Office changes or need advice on any immigration matter, including overstaying your visa, EU or UK immigration law, or want to appeal against a refusal, call Cynthia Barker on 07850 307687 or 0208 731 5972 or email her your details to immigration@londonccs.com. Cynthia Barker is a qualified OISC Registered Immigration Adviser, with 15 years experience in immigration matters, with a team of Level 3 Immigration Law Practitioners, Concept Care Solutions, Middlesex House, 29-45 High Street, Edgware, HA8 7UU.

See also: How to spot a fake immigration adviser

How To Spot A Fake Immigration Adviser

Cynthia Barker writes...Here are my 3 tips on How to spot a fake immigration adviser and how to find a legally registered qualified firm.

Despite my warnings, migrants are still being ripped off by unregulated, illegal 'immigration advisers', sometimes to the tune of thousands of pounds for doing absolutely nothing. 

If you get scammed by a fake adviser, the police won't help you get your money back. They will refer you to the overworked regulator to investigate and prosecute the crime.

Firstly, check the OISC website to see if the adviser and firm is registered to legally offer immigration advice in the UK. It is illegal to give immigration advice in the UK unless you are regulated. Also make sure they are registered at the appropriate level to handle your case - for instance, level 1 firms are not allowed to give immigration advice deal with visa overstayers or illegal immigrants and only level 3 firms can lodge a visa appeal against a refusal.

Secondly, look for obvious signs of credibility, which could also apply to any type of adviser, such as an accountant. lawyer or financial adviser. Does the adviser have an office, landline telephone and website? Do they have proper email address linked to their domain or are they using a Hotmail account? Working from a 'home office' is fine, but they should have an organised office setup. 

Lastly, have they given you a business card, proper written terms and conditions and fee scale outlining their advice and charges (same applies to other professionals)? Will they place your money into a client account until the work has been completed? If you are asked for cash only, run out the door and keep running!

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Use your common sense. Is the person making wild promises which sound too good to be true? Remember the old saying: "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!". If you are in any doubt, get a second opinion before you hand over your hard earned money.

OISC registered advisers are trained, qualified and regulated by a government controlled body. If you use an OISC qualified immigration adviser, you have the back up of a regulator if for any reason you are not happy with the advice.

If you have been affected by Home Office changes or need advice on any immigration matter, including overstaying your visa, EU or UK immigration law, or want to appeal against a refusal, call Cynthia Barker on 07850 307687 or 0208 731 5972 or email her your details to immigration@londonccs.com. Cynthia Barker is a qualified OISC Registered Immigration Adviser, with 15 years experience in immigration matters, with a team of Level 3 Immigration Law Practitioners, Concept Care Solutions, Middlesex House, 29-45 High Street, Edgware, HA8 7UU.

Diary of an Immigration Adviser: Free Apprenticeship Courses To Fill UK Job Vacanci...

Diary of an Immigration Adviser: Free Apprenticeship Courses To Fill UK Job Vacanci...: Cynthia Barker writes...Non-stop with immigration work here at Concept Care! Last week was our busiest week ever for visa appeal cases as th...

Free Apprenticeship Courses To Fill UK Job Vacancies While Migrant Workers Refused Leave To Remain

Cynthia Barker writes...Non-stop with immigration work here at Concept Care! Last week was our busiest week ever for visa appeal cases as the Home Office ramps up leave to remain refusals for migrant workers who just want to work in the UK.

I am amazed watching shows like 'Benefits Street', a Channel 4 documentary which follows unemployed (some virtually unemployable) British families living on state benefits who say they have "no opportunities" to find a job in the UK, because Britain is literally a land of opportunity! 

Why do you think so many Filipinos, Indians, Chinese, Bulgarians, Poles, Italians, Spanish, Romanians and Croatians are coming to the UK every day to find work and start a new life?

Not only are there hundreds of thousands of UK job vacancies, the British Government and EU even fund free apprenticeship courses - with paid work placements - so you can upgrade your skills and 'earn while you learn'!

Colleges, such as London Cactus College are offering free apprenticeships with paid jobs in Health and Social Care, Business Admin and ITC. The college find work placements for their students to run alongside the funded vocational courses. 

Migrant workers find it hard to believe that young people here are not grabbing these jobs with both hands. If this scheme existed in my native Philippines job applicants would be queuing around the block!

EU/UK residents interested in any of the above training and UK job opportunities email should email a CV to ckelly@londonccs.com. 

If you have been affected by changes or need advice on any immigration matter, including overstaying your visa, EU or UK immigration law, or want to appeal against a refusal, call Cynthia Barker on 07850 307687 or 0208 731 5972 or email her your details to immigration@londonccs.com. Cynthia Barker is a qualified OISC Registered Immigration Adviser, with 15 years experience in immigration matters, with a team of Level 3 Immigration Law Practitioners, Concept Care Solutions, Middlesex House, 29-45 High Street, Edgware, HA8 7UU.

Immigration to get Benefits Street treatment | News | Broadcast

Immigration to get Benefits Street treatment | News | Broadcast

Dave Allen on the Vagaries of the English Language

Diary of an Immigration Adviser: Home Office Wins Appeal On Spouse Visa Minimum Inc...

Diary of an Immigration Adviser: Home Office Wins Appeal On Spouse Visa Minimum Inc...: Cynthia Barker writes...Good morning from a hot and humid London. Bad news for British residents wishing to sponsor a non-EU partner or spo...

Home Office Wins Appeal On Spouse Visa Minimum Income Threshold

Cynthia Barker writes...Good morning from a hot and humid London. Bad news for British residents wishing to sponsor a non-EU partner or spouse for a UK visa, but earning less than £18,600 per year. As 4000 pending family visa applications can now expect a refusal decision, the Home Office has welcomed a Court of Appeal judgment, “upholding the lawfulness of the income threshold under the new family migration rules”.

The Home Office introduced the minimum income threshold for British citizens to sponsor a non-EEA spouse or partner or child to come and live in the UK in July 2012.

Home Office, London

The tough new immigration rules – widely criticized for tearing families apart - were subject to a successful legal challenge, which the Home Office appealed leaving thousands of spouse visa cases on hold while awaiting a judgment.

The UK government brought in the minimum income threshold to ensure that family migrants do not become reliant on the taxpayer for benefits and can integrate into British society.

Presumably the Home Office feels that migrants who have a partner earning more than £18,600 are more likely to integrate?

The controversial minimum income rule was set by the Home Office, based on advice from the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), at £18,600 for sponsoring a non-EU spouse or partner, rising to £22,400 for also sponsoring a child and an additional £2,400 for each further child.

Family life in the UK, but not at taxpayer’s expense, says Home Office Minister.

Immigration and Security Minister James Brokenshire said:

“I am delighted that the Court of Appeal has comprehensively upheld the lawfulness of this important policy.

“We welcome those who wish to make a life in the UK with their family, work hard and make a contribution, but family life must not be established in the UK at the taxpayer’s expense and family migrants must be able to integrate.

“The minimum income threshold to sponsor family migrants is delivering these objectives and this judgment recognises the important public interest it serves.”

The Appeal Court judgment overturns an earlier High Court judgment from July 2013, which was supportive of the approach but found that the impact of the minimum income threshold on family life could be disproportionate.

Visa applications on hold will now receive a decision

The Home Office added that from the 28 July, the 4,000 individuals whose visa applications are currently on hold, pending this judgment, will now receive a decision:

“These are cases which met all the requirements apart from the minimum income threshold and now stand to be refused.”

The news will be devastating for those families who were hoping that the courts would overturn the minimum income rules, which are keeping them apart, but will now receive a visa refusal.

EEA family permit applications unaffected

Many British expats have also been hit by the rules when returning from a job overseas, obviously without a UK job, but unable to take their non-EU spouse or partner to join them in Britain.

The unfair thing about these rules, for British citizens living in the UK, is that European EEA nationals can ignore these 'minimum income' rules and walk through the UK border with their entire extended non-EU family under EU/EEA regulations. Many UK citizens are now taking up EU residence in order to beat the Home Office family visa restrictions. Want to know more - email me!

If you have been affected by changes or need advice on any immigration matter, including overstaying your visa, EU or UK immigration law, or want to appeal against a refusal, call Cynthia Barker on 07850 307687 or 0208 731 5972 or email her your details to immigration@londonccs.com. Cynthia Barker is a qualified OISC Registered Immigration Adviser, with 15 years experience in immigration matters, with a team of Level 3 Immigration Law Practitioners, Concept Care Solutions, Middlesex House, 29-45 High Street, Edgware, HA8 7UU.

Diary of an Immigration Adviser: Home Office Restricts Non-EU Students Switching To...

Diary of an Immigration Adviser: Home Office Restricts Non-EU Students Switching To...: Cynthia Barker writes...Just back from a short break, so catching up today! Hold on to your passports, the UK Home Office has announced new...

Home Office Restricts Non-EU Students Switching To Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visas

Cynthia Barker writes...Just back from a short break, so catching up today! Hold on to your passports, the UK Home Office has announced new measures to clamp down on Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visas, after checks revealed they were being used by Tier 4 students to switch visas under questionable motives. 

The Telegraph reports that the Home Office said the number of foreigners applying for the right to stay in this country under the entrepreneur scheme rose from 118 in 2009 to just under 10,000 last year, with two thirds of the applicants – more than 3,000 people – being granted a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa. 

According to the report, organised crime gangs may have been involved in the visa scam. Immigration fraudsters charge applicants to temporarily lend the £50,000 required to demonstrate they had the capital to invest in business schemes.

A statement from the Home Office said that evidence from tax records showed that people on expiring Tier 4 student visas were transferring to entrepreneur status on the basis of setting up a business, when in reality they are working in low skilled jobs.

With the new clampdown, students will only be able to switch using funds from a government-approved source, and post-study workers will need additional evidence of their business activities.

In addition, those who have not yet started businesses and who do not have evidence of a genuine business will not be able to switch from the old post-study route onto an entrepreneur visa.

Immigration Adviser Cynthia Barker of Concept Care Solutions said the scheme has proved popular with students who often have no option but to start a business in order to remain in the UK.

“Over the last couple of years I have been approached by a number of students or post study work visa holders looking to start a business and switch to a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa.

“The visa process was not as easy as the newspapers make out, as the Home Office asked a lot of questions about the business plan and we had to appeal for one applicant, despite being a genuinely good case.

“The government launched the scheme to attract people to start businesses and invest in the UK, which is what the scheme has achieved. Just because a student is currently in a low skilled job, it doesn't mean they cannot start a business – Richard Branson was a student when he started out in business!”

Recent Home Office statistics show that 24,641 non-EEA partner visas were issued to in 2013. This as a decrease of 6,847 (22%) from the 31,508 partner visas issued in 2012.

Home Office statistics show that, in the period from 1 November 2012 to 30 September 2013, 34 settlement visas were issued to an adult dependent relative under Appendix FM to the Immigration Rules.

The APPG on Migration published the final report in June of an inquiry into the impacts of the family migration rules, chaired by Baroness Hamwee. The inquiry received evidence from over 280 sources, which collectively suggested that a broad range of British citizens and permanent residents had been affected by the rules.

Source: Migrants Rights network and an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Migration, which met this month.

If you have been affected by changes or need advice on any immigration matter, including overstaying your visa, EU or UK immigration law, or want to appeal against a refusal, call Cynthia Barker on 07850 307687 or 0208 731 5972 or email her your details to immigration@londonccs.com. Cynthia Barker is a qualified OISC Registered Immigration Adviser, with 15 years experience in immigration matters, with a team of Level 3 Immigration Law Practitioners, Concept Care Solutions, Middlesex House, 29-45 High Street, Edgware, HA8 7UU.

Diary of an Immigration Adviser: Concept Care Recruiting Nurses At Barrio Fiesta La...

Diary of an Immigration Adviser: Concept Care Recruiting Nurses At Barrio Fiesta La...: Cynthia Barker writes...Sorry, I've been offline for a few days whilst preparing for the Barrio Fiesta being held in Lampton Park, Houns...

Concept Care Recruiting Nurses At Barrio Fiesta Lampton Park

Cynthia Barker writes...Sorry, I've been offline for a few days whilst preparing for the Barrio Fiesta being held in Lampton Park, Hounslow. Concept Care Solutions has a stand at the Filipino event, so come along and visit our stand!

Concept Care has nursing and care jobs, free care courses, free apprenticeships and of course my own immigration advice. They are also recruiting international nurses for UK NHS jobs.

Today was a bit rainy but Sunday should be sunny and warm - perfect day for a picnic in Lampton Park with your friends and great entertainment.

I've met some interesting people today with various cases including: refusals, visas, spouse visas and European EEA partner - Filipina living in Cyprus who has a UK resident partner who just happens to have kept his Cyprus/EU passport!

It should be a great day, with food stalls, music and dance and fun for all the family.

If you need advice on any immigration matter, including overstaying your visa, EU or UK immigration law, or want to appeal against a refusal, call Cynthia Barker on 07850 307687 or 0208 731 5972 or email her your details to immigration@londonccs.com. Cynthia Barker is a qualified OISC Registered Immigration Adviser, with 15 years experience in immigration matters, with a team of Level 3 Immigration Law Practitioners, Concept Care Solutions, Middlesex House, 29-45 High Street, Edgware, HA8 7UU.
Concept Care Solutions will be at the Filipino Barrio Fiesta Hounslow 5 and 6 July 2014

Diary of an Immigration Adviser: Home Office Says LSBF Tier 4 Student Visa Suspensi...

Diary of an Immigration Adviser: Home Office Says LSBF Tier 4 Student Visa Suspensi...: Cynthia Barker writes...Following my blog last week (Home Office Declares War On Private Colleges), the Home Office has dismissed accusatio...

Home Office Says LSBF Tier 4 Student Visa Suspension Justified

Cynthia Barker writes...Following my blog last week (Home Office Declares War On Private Colleges), the Home Office has dismissed accusations that it unfairly suspended the Tier 4 student visa sponsors licence of London School of Business & Finance, Education Investor reports.

LSBF, a large private college based in central London, was among of 57 private colleges stripped of their right to recruit new overseas students last week, following the latest Home Office crackdown colleges and some universities.

The management of LSBF says it was unfairly penalised for failing to prevent students working during their courses - a breach of immigration rules for most Tier 4 students studying at private colleges. It has begun an internal investigation and plans to hire PwC to fight their case.

The Home Office rejected the claims and a spokesperson said: "We have found extensive evidence of widespread cheating on English language tests by those studying at the London School of Business & Finance.

"We have suspended their licence because of numerous, broader failings in respect of their sponsorship duties," they said.

However, there is no suggestion that LSBF encouraged or turned a blind eye to falsified English language test results.

The firm points out that a majority of LSBF students identified as working during their studies were “directly sponsored by UK universities but studying with LSBF under franchise or similar arrangements”.

The college claims that the remainder had either been enrolled prior to the introduction of restrictions on foreign student work rights aimed only at private colleges, or had simply not worked while at the college.

If you have been affected or need advice on any immigration matter, including overstaying your visa, EU or UK immigration law, or want to appeal against a refusal, call Cynthia Barker on 07850 307687 or 0208 731 5972 or email her your details to immigration@londonccs.com. Cynthia Barker is a qualified OISC Registered Immigration Adviser, with 15 years experience in immigration matters, with a team of Level 3 Immigration Law Practitioners, Concept Care Solutions, Middlesex House, 29-45 High Street, Edgware, HA8 7UU.