Visa processing times
The British High Commission processing times are currently sitting at approximately 10 working days for most non settlement visas and 90 working days for settlement visas. [More]
The Big O.E Information Evenings
An Overseas Experience is one of the BIGGEST and most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. The Big OE has evolved over the years, literally giving you the chance to expand your horizons. Ask anyone who’s been on one and they’ll tell you it was one of the best things they did with their lives…!! [More]
Australian travellers warned: Christmas in July, or not at all
Australian travellers looking to head overseas this Christmas are being urged to book their flights sooner rather than later to avoid fare hikes or missing out completely due to strong demand. [More]
Can I get healthcare in the UK and Europe?
I’m going to live, work or study in the UK
Australia and New Zealand have a bilateral healthcare agreement with the UK.
Basically if you are going [More]
Restless now offering Irish Working Holiday Visas
Restless are now offering an Irish Working Holiday Visa assistance service.
Ireland, Australia and New Zealand have a reciprocal agreement under which each country allows young citizens from the other to fund a holiday through casual work. Each of the schemes is open to applicants aged 18-30. The schemes allow participants to work for a maximum period of six months with any one employer.
More information and how to apply HERE
New English language testing for partners
In June 2010 the government announced plans to introduce compulsory English language tests for all non-European migrants applying to come to the UK to join or marry their settled partner.
Today the UK Border Agency announced that these plans will be implemented from 29 November 2010. From this date, any migrant who wants to enter or remain in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or a person settled here will need to show that they can speak and understand English, by taking an English language test with one of our approved test providers.
The new rules will apply to anyone applying as the husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner, same-sex partner, fiance(e) or proposed civil partner of a British citizen or a person settled in this country. They will be compulsory for people applying from within the UK as well as visa applicants from overseas.
Interim limit for Tier 1 (General) applications
On 19 July 2010, the UK government introduced a limit on the number of initial applications from outside the UK that can be granted under Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system until 31 March 2011.
The UK Border Agency is administering the limit on a monthly basis. However, the way that you apply for permission to enter the UK under Tier 1 (General) remains the same.
If your application meets all the requirements and the limit has not been reached for the month when you applied, we will issue you a visa in the usual way.
If your application meets all the requirements but the limit for that month would be exceeded if we issued you a visa, we will defer your application to the next month when the limit allocation reopens. If your application does not meet the requirements, we will process it as normal even if the limit has been exceeded. You can still submit your application even when a monthly limit has been reached.
All applications will be processed in the order in which they are received, as far as operationally possible. You will be informed in writing of the final decision on your application.
When making any travel plans, you should expect that your application may take longer than normal if the limit is reached.
The interim limit will not affect:
■applicants who are already in the UK (with current permission to stay in any immigration category);
■dependants of Tier 1 (General) applicants; or
■applicants to the Investor, Entrepreneur and Post-study work categories of Tier 1.
Restless now offering global Nanny/Aupair placements
Restless and JCR Australia
Whether you are a qualified nanny or you’ve just got tonnes of babysitting experience, there are plenty of wonderful families in the UK, US, Canada, South Africa and throughout most of Europe waiting to offer you a home and well paying job too!
All of our positions are secured BEFORE you leave home. All interviews are conducted by phone prior to you leaving with our pre-qualified families, simple!
For more information click HERE
Increase in the points required for Tier 1 (General) applications
From 19 July 2010, the number of points required for an initial Tier 1 (General) application has increased from 95 to 100. Additionally:
- the points awarded to those with previous earnings of £150,000 have increased from 75 to 80; and
- the points awarded to those who have an eligible MBA have increased from 75 to 80.
These changes apply to all initial Tier 1 (General) applications made on or after 19 July 2010, whether they are made inside or outside the UK.
The points requirement will remain at 95 points for applicants who are currently in the UK under one of the following highly skilled worker categories:
- Tier 1 (General)
- Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
- Self-employed lawyer
- Writer, composer or artist
Launch of London Cycle Hire scheme
From summer 2010 The Mayor of London and Transport for London will set up and operate a London Cycle Hire scheme for London.
Bicycles will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The London Cycle Hire scheme will help to alleviate congestion on the Tube and buses in London.
The scheme will launch with 6,000 hire bicycles based in the nine London boroughs and several Royal Parks that make up London’s zone one travel area, and are expected to generate around 40,000 extra cycle trips a day in central London.
