Life in the UK

The TSO have requested feedback on how to improve A Journey to Citizenship, the official study materials for the LIfe in the UK Test.

Hopefully this means that they are now looking to bring the materials up to date as they have become increasingly inaccurate since their last revision in 2007. Nothing has been announced as yet, but as soon as it is we will confirm further details.

In the meantime, if you want to let the TSO know how they can improve the study materials, you can do so through their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/lifeintheuktest.

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) have created a short online survey requesting feedback on biometric residence permits.

The UKBA are looking to hear from people who hold biometric residence permits (previously known as identity cards for foreign nationals), or who have held on in the past. Over 500,000 have been issued to date and the UKBA are now seeking views on how easy they are to use and how secure they are.

If you are, or have been, the holder of a biometric residence permit and would like to take part in the survey you can do so using the above link.

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) consultation on routes to settlement closes on 9 September 2011.

The proposals made by the UKBA in the consultation document are focused around breaking the link between permanent and temporary migration. To achieve this they have suggested re-classifying certain visas, such as most of Tier 2, as temporary to prevent anyone in these categories applying for settlement.

They are also planning on capping the length of stay for anyone in such a Tier 2 category at five years. At the end of this period migrants, and any of their dependents, would be expected to leave the UK.

You can respond to the consultation until 9 September 2011.

The UKBA have today launched their new-look website.

The new site brings the information found on the Visa Services website and their 200+ partner websites. It also features an improved navigation structure which will hopefully make it easier for applicants to find the information they require.

The site will continue to offer guidance for UK employers, education providers and the transport industry, and information for the public about UK immigration policy and the agency’s work.