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Frequently asked questions

Why choose ICS Legal?

We specialise in Immigration Law, Human Rights Law, British Nationality Law & European Law. Our lawyers provide honest, exceptional service to our clients. We believe that our service starts when we submit your application and we want our client to know we will keep them informed, answer there questions and your case worker will be just a phone call away.

What is the benefit of using our legal services when you want to come to the UK or extend or switch?

Our speciality lies in the field of Immigration, Nationality and EU Law, so it means we always are dealing with this side of the law. We are able to support you in making a correct decision, avoid delays on your case, save money and time, not forgetting the stress of any doubts with your application.

There are many routes available to come to the UK, extend or switch, some of them do not allow extension or even switching. Knowing what is right can be a difficult task and this is why we are here. Simple task of not using the prescribed forms can mean your application is invalid, which means if you have no valid stay, you would have to return back and there is no appeal rights.

Our initial consultations are a chargeable service. We initially discuss the requirements of the application to ensure you meet the requirements and have the documentation required at hand for the submission. It gives you an opportunity to meet us and ask questions.

Each case will be checked thoroughly, everything will be cross referenced so guidelines are met and we will also add our legal document which would outline the Immigration Rules and how the client has satisfied the rules. We use documents that are used by Home Office case workers, so we know exactly what they would look for in your case.

The most important fact is that law constantly changes, policy guidelines and requirements are always changing, so it is best that you always use specialised services to support you. We never compromise our services, our fees remain very competitive but our expertise is at the very highest standard.

How can I trust your service?

We are regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). OISC is the government regulated body and it is a criminal offence if someone is providing Immigration advice without being regulated by the OISC. We are also members of Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI). JCWI is an independent national voluntary organisation, campaigning for justice and combating racism in immigration and asylum law and policy.

What happens in the initial consultation?

Your case worker would take some background information regarding yourself. Relevant questions would be asked to ascertain whether your case can be handled by our team. You will also be able to ask questions, understand what is required to meet the Immigration Rules, Nationality Law and EU Law where relevant. Should we be able to provide assistance, your case worker will give you a customer care letter whereby it would outline the service agreement and the cost associated.

What happens after the consultation?

After each consultation we aim to provide a consultation report which would outline what was discussed, the action plan and what to do next.

When I meet the caseworker and I disclose personal information, would this be disclosed to anyone else?

We have a procedure in place for ensuring client confidentiality. We keep the affairs of our clients and all information relating to our clients confidential, except where we are compelled to disclose information by reason of a legal or regulatory obligation.

What is a customer care letter?

A customer care letter from us will ensure that we outline the service we would be providing, it would also provide a break down of the costs associated so you can rest assure that there are no hidden charges and that fees do not go up unless changes are made (i.e. Home Office fees etc).

Once I sign the customer care letter and my case would possibly fail, do I still have to pay your fees?

We place our clients first, so when you sign the customer care letter and we go through your case file, and we believe that the case would not be successful, we will terminate the agreement and return your documents. We will also provide alternative solutions with no added costs. We also have a cancellation period should you feel you want to withdraw your file.

Please note that all cases cannot be guaranteed as circumstances depends and whether you met guidelines, however the Home Office caseworker can still refuse cases on the balance of probabilities and other factors. Our job would be to prepare your case in the best possible way.

Do you provide one day Premium Services?

Yes, we have a special provision with the Home Office and majority case decisions are made on the same day.

Do you do “No Win No Fee”?

As a private legal firm, we want to ensure we can provide the service you want. Our fees are very competitive and that is why we do not provide a No Win No Fee service as we do not feel the need to over charge our clients with such schemes.

How is the fees paid and are there any surprises?

With us, you will know exactly what we would be charging. The fees are to be paid through cheque, cash or bank transfer. Home Office fees can be paid to us and we can make the payment on behalf of you. If there is any changes in Home Office fees, we will let you know immediately.

How often would I get updated once my case have been submitted?

Our commitment to our clients is that we will update you every time we get an update from the Home Office. The waiting period can be a very daunting time as decisions can be life changing however the Home Office do set some guidelines on waiting times, but we intend to keep you updated throughout the process.

Can you guarantee an application?

No, and this is the same even if you use a no win no fee service, it would be impossible for anyone to guarantee a successful application. The likelihood of an application being successful can be given based on previous cases or success rates, however we do not operate such a policy of selling our services based on previous applications.

What is your aftercare service?

We aim to ensure that this service is not used by any of our clients, but there are times where even with the best possible applications are unsuccessful. As we take our clients cases personally, we would like to provide a helping hand. We have designed an aftercare service whereby if your case fails, then your case worker would be able to help you look at other formalities of staying in the UK should you have valid leave still remaining or help you make an out country application. Please note should you require appealing on your matter, we can only deal with the initial appeal and your application will be straight away referred to an advisor who deals with representations.

Can I give you feedback on your service?

It is vital that all our clients can provide honest feedback, we would encourage this and this helps us to become better on our service delivery.

Can you help me find a UK Employer to sponsor a work permit or find me work?

No, we are a law firm which provides support in UK Immigration, Nationality and EU Free Movement Rights. However we have a subsidiary company which is jobslibrary.co.uk whereby you can look for work, apply and discuss with potential employers. We cannot influence any decisions and finding work is not something our team deals with.

How we deliver service

1) You contact us through e-mail or phone.

2) We take some basic information, we ask some relevant questions to understand the type of query and what type of support is required.

3) Your case then gets passed to a case worker.

4) Case Worker would contact you to set up an initial meeting.

5) You attend a consultation, an action plan is drawn up and we find out whether ICS Legal can support your case. A report would be sent where there is a requirement to outline what was discussed and what to do next.

6) You authorise us to be your legal representative by signing our customer care letter.

7) We will then start to request documents and information about your case this will build up your case pack.

8) We will then write our legal report and use Home Office caseworker’s documents to ensure everything has been checked and all requirement have been met.

9) Where possible we will go through every aspect of your case before case submission.

10) We will continue to update you throughout the case life cycle .

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Easy Way to Get British Citizenship | UK Citizenship Application

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British citizenship is a very expensive and very complex citizenship process all over the world. Who has got British citizenship by inheritance, and a permanent house they are also one kind of British national. If you would like to apply for British citizenship you must live in the UK for five years. But somebody needs three years if he/she marries a British citizen or settled person. There are different routes to apply for UK citizenship and you should check your eligibility before apply. Because you will not get back your money if your UK citizenship application is refused. There are six different ways to becoming a British citizen such as

UK citizenship (by born).
Overseas UK territories citizen.
UK overseas citizens.
UK national (overseas).
The UK protected people.
British subject.

After five years living in the UK, you can apply for the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or permanent house. It is noted that British citizenship applicants must live in the UK for 12 months after getting a permanent house or ILR facilities. There are some instructions or documents required for British citizenship application such as

You have to prove that you have already settled in the UK for five years.
You have to meet English language requirements at B1, B2, C1.
Provide legal evidence of your identity.
You must prove that you have a residence in the UK relevant period of time (three or five years).
The age limit must be more than 18 years.

If you would like to get British nationality you have to live in the UK for six years. Because you will be qualified to apply for British citizenship online after five years or three years (in special cases). If the applicant gets permanent residence after five years then they will never have UK immigration limitations. A British citizenship referee is a person of any nationality who has a professional body like a civil servant, religion minister, immigration lawyer, or immigration solicitor.

What is British Citizenship?

British citizenship is a very complex and very expensive citizenship process all over the world. British nationality means that who get British citizens by inheritance and who gets the permanent residence they are also one kind of British national. If your child is born in the UK, then your child will not automatically hold citizenship. You have to register as British citizenship for a child born in the UK.

How to become a British Citizen?

It is important to note that, if you only live in the United Kingdom for more than 5 years, or 6 years then it will never be available to get this Citizenship. You must maintain the UK citizenship requirements. If you become qualified for citizenship in all aspects, then you will be given British citizenship permission. Basically, there are 6 different categories of British nationality application these are given below.

British Citizen.
British National Citizenship.
British Overseas Citizenship.
British Subject Citizenship.
British Overseas Territories Citizenship.
British Protected Person Citizenship.

There are some categories of British nationality fees if you apply for your children. Then you have to pay £1012 and for adults (age more than 18 years) £1,330. These costs are applicable as British citizenship fees 2021 but there are also some other stages. Most of the time you need to pay for that such as English language tests, translation (if you need them). Sometimes need an immigration lawyer's fee (if you need any help from a lawyer) and biometric house information fees. It is noted that the other cost will be out of the UK citizenship fees.

How to apply for British Nationality?

If you would like to apply for British citizenship with PR (Permanent Residence) status. Then you have to live in the United Kingdom for 1 year, or 12 months after getting PR permission. You also need a PR document because you have to show your provident that you have already lived in the United Kingdom for 5 years. It means that you already lived in the United Kingdom for 5 years before 12 months.

How to apply for British passport and get a British passport?

If you would like to apply for a British passport then, you must have British nationality. But British nationality means not you will get a British passport. Suppose, you are involved in a crime, and you are suspected due to the crime then, you will not get a British passport. There are different kinds of ways to becoming a British Citizen. First of all, you have to be a British citizen after that you will be able to apply to get a British passport. It is noticeable that those who are living in the UK they will be able to apply for a British passport after indefinite leave to remain. But if you would like to become a qualify for a British passport. First of all, you must have British nationality and you have to achieve some other eligibility to obtain a British passport.

How to applying for British Citizenship online UK?

Becoming a UK citizen is one of the difficult processes. There are a lot of applicants applying for UK citizenship. Unfortunately, most of the applicants fail due to their different causes. Whenever you will applying for British citizenship online you have to fill up your online application form. You will be asked to make an appointment to provide biometric house information for your UK citizenship application. There are a bunch of limitations to get UK citizenship if you become able to meet those limitations. Then you will easily get UK citizenship.

If you wish to apply for British nationality, then definitely you have to live in the United Kingdom for 5 years. You will get Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after then 5 years you have to remain in the UK. At least 12 months after that you will be able to apply for British nationality. When you will submit the British nationality application that you will be called for a British nationality test. There will be 24 questions and you have to answer all the questions within 45 minutes. You will be glad to know that, you must get at least 75% marks, and you have to pass the exam.

How to get a British Citizen UK?

British citizenship provides the right to remain permanently in the UK, but there will be no immigration limitations. If you would like to get a British citizen UK then, you have to get Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After the ILR permission, you can apply for British citizen UK and you will be eligible to work, travel, study. You will never have UK immigration limitations.

What is my Nationality if I was born in England?

UK citizenship is a valid status to living, working, travelling, anywhere in the United Kingdom. Citizenship can be obtained by inheritance, there are some ways to become UK citizenship. Suppose your parents are living in the UK and you were born in the UK then you will automatically be a British citizen. It means that if you are born in England then you will be a British citizen.

How to get a British passport for EU Citizens?

If EU citizens would like to get a British passport then, they must need to get permanent settlement status in the UK. It means you need to live in the UK for 5 years because you need a permanent settlement document to apply for a British passport. You will qualify for Indefinite Leave to remain after 5 years living period in the UK. Then, EU citizens will be eligible to apply for a British passport. British citizenship by descent is a person who has been born outside the UK. British citizenship for a child born abroad means if the parents have British citizens of the birth time.

Who can be a referee for British Citizenship?

A British citizenship referee must have the professional status of a person of any nationality, such as a government employee. Or like a member of a professional body, a minister of religion. Also an accountant or a lawyer (but he or she is not representing you with this application). Actually, the British citizenship referee can be a nearer person to you and who knows details about this. It means that, who can assist you, or suggest you to becoming a British citizen. If you would like to take help from a referee for citizenship, then you don’t have to fill up a British citizenship referee form.

When can I apply for British Citizenship card UK?

Whose age is more than 18 years old and they are living in the UK for more than 5 years they can apply for a British citizenship card UK. It is noticeable that if you become qualified for Indefinite Leave to Remain. You will never have UK immigration limitations on you and you can live in your country. But you cannot live in your country for more than 450 days because you can have a chance to cancel your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After that, you need more documents like English language test documents. Also need medical test reports, bank statements, and other British citizenship documents.

How long does it take to get British Citizenship?

Basically, the British Citizenship application for this takes a couple of months like 2 to 6 months. Most of the time your application becomes approved between 3 to 4 months. But if you are involved with any case (like crime, and other illegal cases), or complex issues then, you may need up to 6 months. You will be qualified to apply for getting UK citizenship after obtaining a settlement scheme, or permanent house in the UK. If you become a British citizen then you can live in the UK, work in the UK without UK immigration limitations. You will also get other benefits from the UK government that are the greatest benefits of British citizenship.

Can my manager be my referee for British Citizenship?

Of course, your manager can be your referee for getting British citizenship but there are some limitations about referees. Such as your manager needs to be a permanent resident in the UK. The manager age limit will be more than 25 years. And your manager must have a British citizenship passport. If you can make sure that your manager has those things, then your manager can be your referee for your UK citizenship.

Can I get British Citizenship through my child?

If your child is born in the United Kingdom, then your child will have a right to get British citizenship by birth. But it means not that, you will get UK citizenship with your child. If you would like to apply for British citizenship. Then you have to live in the UK for 5 years to get Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). You have to fulfil immigration requirements also after that you will be eligible to apply for a British citizen.

What are the British Citizenship application requirements?

Those people come to the UK they want to become a British citizens. The first purpose of the people is to get a British citizen but there are some requirements to become a UK citizen. You also need to fulfil specific requirements, such as first of all you need a permanent house, need settlement status in the UK (ILR status), English language test, age limit, medical test report, and others. If you have those requirements, then you will be eligible to apply for the UK citizenship application.

What documents do I need to apply for British Citizenship Online?

You have to submit or fill up some important documents to apply for British citizenship online. First of all, you have to fill up your British citizenship application form 2021 with your legal documents. There are some requirements to applying for British citizenship online application. You can apply for UK citizenship application following these documents needed for British citizenship such as

Age limit is an important factor for all categories of UK visas, your age limit will be at least 18 years.
You need a good character (if you don’t involve with any illegal activities or immigration fraud).
You cannot apply for UK citizenship from outside the United Kingdom. It means that you have to apply from within the UK.
You have to qualify for the British citizenship English test (such as IELTS, or any English skill test).
If you have already passed more than 5 years need to show this document you also provide legal documents and prove that you are living in the UK without any absence.
You have to show your medical report (Tuberculosis Test).
You need a bank statement.

The above documents are required for British citizenship. If you need help to get this then you may consult with our UK immigration lawyers or solicitors. Our professional immigration lawyers also provide British citizenship documents checklist service.

Can I lose my British Citizenship if I live abroad?

Most people would like to live in the United Kingdom to lead happier life. There is no more chance to lose your British citizenship after leaving the United Kingdom. You can live outside the United Kingdom for less than two years without losing your UK settlement status. But if you get an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) opportunity then, you will be eligible to spend your time for 2 years outside of the United Kingdom. If you live more than two years outside the UK then you will have a chance to lose your ILR or UK settlement status.

How much does it is cost to apply for get British Citizenship?

When you will apply for United Kingdom naturalization then the cost is the main consideration. The British citizenship cost 2021 is £1,330. British citizen application fee is included for the citizenship ceremony. There are some other purposes you may need to provide a fee for those purposes (if those are required) such as nationality registration fees as a UK citizen, citizenship ceremony agreement fees. You also need to pay the administration cost, immigration lawyers cost, and others cost can be applicable for UK citizenship cost.

What is the cost of British Citizenship?

The UK citizenship application fee is one of the most important factors though application cost. Is fixed but you may need more cost to complete the full application process. In 2019 the British citizenship application fee is £1,330. This application cost is applicable for the processes by the Home Office application process. There are other purposes you may need fees for like your document translation fees, English language proficiency test. You need to pay immigration lawyer fees, and other fees and you have to pay UK citizenship costs if you need.

How long it takes to get British Nationality?

You need some legal documents to apply for British nationality and most of the thing needs a possible time. First of all, you need to be qualified to apply for British nationality. Most of the applicants need 3 to 4 months. But some it may take up to 6 months due to following the wrong British Citizenship application process, false documents, and others. If you face any problem, you may take help from an immigration lawyer. ICS Legal is one of the leading immigration law firms all over the UK. We have professional and well-trained immigration lawyers or solicitors you can take help from them.

How to get British Nationality by marriage?

British citizenship or British nationality by marriage is one of the greatest opportunities for the people. Those who would like to get British nationality. Once you get UK citizenship then you will never have UK immigration Lawyers limitations to work. Also never have to travel, and study all over the UK. It is noted that this route is available for the civil partner, married people’s partnership with the UK nationals. And they have already held ILR for at least 3 years. While other applicants need to spend 5 years in the UK to be qualified for British citizenship.

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It is a valid status that is defined by the British national law in 1981. There are different kinds of routes to becoming a British citizen. There were almost 149000 peoples apply for this in June 2020 but many of them dropped out due to failing UK immigration requirements. ICS Legal is one of the best and leading immigration law firms. We have highly qualified immigration lawyers and they are always ready to assist you. If you face any problem getting your British citizenship, then feel free to contact us.