Immigration update as regards changes in the immigration system in Autumn 2023

BRP Card Deliveries via Royal Mail 

As of Monday 18th September 2023, the Home Office has shifted to using Royal Mail for BRP card deliveries. A signature is no longer required. In case of delivery issues, redelivery can be arranged, or the BRP card can be collected from the local Royal Mail delivery office. Ensure your address details with UKVI are accurate since changes after BRP production are not possible. 

The introduction of Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 25 October 

  ETA will be introduced on a phased basis starting from 25 October 2023. 

  •  Applicable to Non-Visa Nationals: Non-visa nationals, including EU nationals, US citizens, Canadians, will be required to register and obtain confirmation through ETA before traveling to the UK. 
  • Nationals of Qatar: ETA required if traveling on or after 15 November 2023. Applications can be filed from 25 October 2023. 
  • Nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates: ETA required if traveling on or after 22 February 2024. Applications can be filed from 1 February 2024. Exceptions apply for individuals with a British or Irish passport, permission to live, work or study in the UK, and a valid UK visa (see below for details). 

Application Process of ETA:  

  • Use the UK ETA app or an online process through the GOV.UK webpage. 
  • Cost: ETA will cost £10 per applicant. 
  •  Confirmation: UKVI will send an email confirmation if the application is approved and will electronically link the ETA to the passport used for the application.
  •  Validity: ETA will be valid for 2 years. 

 Exceptions of ETA:

  • Individuals with a British or Irish passport. 
  • Those with permission to live, work, or study in the UK. 
  • Individuals holding a valid UK visa. 

Please note that certain restrictions apply, and it is essential to review the full details. 

E-Gates for Child Students 

  • Children from the age of 10 can now use passport E-gates at various UK airports and rail ports. However, those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult when entering via an e-gate.  

Note that using e-gates will not provide a date stamp in the passport. Sponsors are advised to secure copies of boarding passes or flight tickets to confirm the date of entry for Child Students using e-gates. 

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Information about our own complaints process, raising concerns to the Legal Ombudsman and to us

We want to give you the best possible service. However, if at any point you become unhappy or concerned about the service we provided then you should inform us immediately, so that we can do our best to resolve the problem.

In the first instance it may be helpful to contact the person who is working on your case to discuss your concerns and we will do our best to resolve any issues at this stage. If you would like to make a formal complaint, then you can read our full complaints procedure here. Making a complaint will not affect how we handle your case.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority can help you if you are concerned about our behaviour. This could be for things like dishonesty, taking or losing your money or treating you unfairly because of your age, a disability or other characteristic. 

You can raise your concerns with the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

What do to if we cannot resolve your complaint

The Legal Ombudsman can help you if we are unable to resolve your complaint ourselves. They will look at your complaint independently and it will not affect how we handle your case.

Before accepting a complaint for investigation, the Legal Ombudsman will check that you have tried to resolve your complaint with us first. If you have, then you must take your complaint to the Legal Ombudsman:

  • Within six months of receiving our final response to your complaint; and,
  • Within one year of the date of the act or omission about which you are concerned; or
  • Within one year of you realising that there was a concern.

 

If you would like more information about the Legal Ombudsman, you can contact them at the following details:

 Contact details

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