Time spent outside the UK can affect a person's eligibility for settlement, even where their visa stays valid. Most routes to Indefinite Leave to Remain require continuous residence, which limits absences to 180 days in any 12 months. Where the limit is exceeded...
UK Immigration Guides and Insights
Expert insights across every UK immigration route we cover, from partner and family visas to settlement and British citizenship. Choose a topic below to see all the guides for it.
British CitizenshipNaturalisation, registration and becoming British.
Indefinite Leave to RemainSettling permanently after your qualifying period.
Spouse VisaJoining a British or settled partner in the UK.
Work VisaWorking in the UK across the main employment routes.
Visitor VisaVisiting the UK for family, tourism or business.
Student VisaStudying in the UK and the visa requirements.
News & UpdatesThe latest UK immigration rule changes and updates.
Fiancé VisaComing to the UK to marry, then switching to a spouse visa.
Unmarried Partner VisaApplying as a durable, unmarried partner of a UK sponsor.
NaturalisationBecoming a British citizen after settlement.
Spouse Visa ExtensionExtending your partner visa for the second stage.
Further Leave to RemainExtending your stay on family and other routes.
Latest UK immigration guides
Bringing your children on a spouse or partner visa
A child can come to the UK as the dependant of a parent who is applying for, or already holds, a spouse or partner visa. The child applies under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, and must meet rules on age, parental responsibility, finances and accommodation. An...
The student visa financial requirement and the 28-day rule
A UK Student visa applicant must prove they can pay for their course and support themselves while studying. This is the financial requirement, and it is a mandatory part of the points-based assessment under Appendix Student. A minimum amount of funds are required and...
Can you change employer on a UK Skilled Worker visa?
A Skilled Worker can change employer, but the move is not automatic. The current visa is tied to the job and sponsor on the Certificate of Sponsorship. A new employer usually means a new Certificate of Sponsorship and a fresh application, known as a change of...
How do you register a child born outside the UK as a British citizen?
A child born outside the UK is not always British, even where a parent is a British citizen. Where the child is not automatically British, citizenship can be obtained by registering the child while under 18, under the British Nationality Act 1981. This post provides...
How do you make a valid UK immigration application?
A UK immigration application must meet all the validity requirements before UKVI will consider it. Validity is a set of basic checks: the correct form, the fee, biometrics and proof of identity. An application that fails any of the validity requirements may be...
Reapplying for a UK visa after a refusal
A refused UK visa application can usually be made again, often with a stronger case the second time. A fresh application is a new application decided on its own evidence, and the route back is to correct the reason the first application was refused. Reapplying with...
BN(O) Adult Child route expansion 2026: who can now apply
Many adult children of Hong Kong British National (Overseas) status holders were previously too old to move to the UK on the route in their own right. From 2026, the BN(O) Adult Child route was widened to include adult children born on or after 1 July 1979, who can...
Property rental income and the partner visa financial requirement
A couple who own a rental property can often use the rent toward the partner visa financial requirement. Rental income is assessed under Category C of Appendix FM-SE, the non-employment income category, and it follows specific conditions on ownership, timing and...
Can I apply for ILR without the Life in the UK Test?
An applicant approaching settlement may be exempt from the Life in the UK Test on grounds of age or health. The test forms part of the knowledge of language and life in the UK requirement, which applies to most adults who apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Where an...
Not sure which route applies?
The Whytecroft Ford immigration team can confirm the right route for your circumstances and prepare the application end to end. To talk it through, call 0208 757 5751 or use the contact form.