UKHelp365

16/08/2025

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/support-us/gifts-in-wills/free-will-writing

We've partnered with a number of legal specialists so any supporters can write their wills for free online, over the phone or face-to-face

16/08/2025

🙃🙃🙃

Statutory body expresses ‘serious concerns’ over difficulties faced by some applicants taking short trips abroad

21/05/2025

🚨 UK Immigration Alert – May 2025 🚨
Big changes are here. If you hire global talent, study in the UK, or manage sponsor licences, read on 👇

🧠 What’s new?

🔹 Skilled Worker Salary Hike
The minimum salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas have increased. This affects both new hires and visa renewals. Make sure your offers still meet eligibility.

🔹 Student Visa Rules Tightened
From May 17th, most international students can no longer bring dependants, unless on PhDs or research-heavy programmes.

🔹 Sponsor Licence Audits Intensifying
The Home Office is ramping up unannounced compliance visits. Sponsoring businesses must ensure systems are audit-ready.

💡 What this means for you:
• HR teams must review salary packages now
• Universities should revisit their admissions messaging
• Employers – time for a sponsor licence health check

👩‍💼 We’re here to help
At Salai Immigration & Legal Solutions Ltd. we are working with clients across sectors – from tech and finance to education and healthcare – to stay ahead of the curve.

📅 Book a quick strategy call or DM us for a free initial consultation.

07771 919291
[email protected]
www.salai-immigration.co.uk

12/05/2025

TO MY FELLOW IMMIGRANTS IN THE UK, WE’VE GOT THIS!

I know the recent changes in the UK immigration system have many of us feeling uncertain, and that’s okay to feel that way.

The white paper may seem like a setback, but it’s really a call for growth and strategic repositioning.

We may not control the rules, but we can control how we respond.

Now is the time to be proactive, informed, and intentional.

Upgrade your skills. Take that course. Earn that qualification.

And while the headlines may seem discouraging, all hope is not lost.

Let’s focus on facts from the white paper, not social media hearsay:

1. Paragraphs 264 & 266: The 10-Year Settlement Shift

"The standard qualifying period for settlement will increase to ten years..." (para 264)

"...individuals will also have the opportunity to reduce the qualifying period based on Points-Based contributions..." (para 266)

Yes, the ILR route may take longer, but if you're working, paying taxes, and upskilling, you could still qualify for early settlement. That’s a reason to stay purposeful and hopeful.

2. Paragraph 141: For those with British/Settled Partners

"This would be the normal route... for someone bringing a married partner from abroad to build a life in the UK."

This suggests the 5-year ILR route still stands for spouses of British citizens or settled persons. So if this applies to you, breathe easier.

3. Paragraphs 72–77: Shortage Occupations Still Needed

"...the Temporary Shortage List will contain occupations... crucial to the delivery of the UK’s Industrial Strategy.” (para 77)

This means there’s still access to roles on the Shortage Occupation List — like health and care — where many of us already contribute. So yes, you’re still needed.

4. Paragraph 89: Global Talent Route
"...ensuring that the very highly skilled have opportunities to come to the UK..."

If you’ve got advanced skills in tech, education, research, or healthcare, there’s still a place for you under Global Talent and High-Skilled routes.

So what does this all mean?

1. You can still settle in the UK through genuine contribution.

2. The 5-year ILR route is still available.

3. Your skills and growth matter now more than ever.

Don’t rely on fear-based posts.

Go to official sources, read for yourself, and stay ready.

If you’ve read this far, here’s my heartfelt appeal:

Encourage someone today.

What would you say to lift someone’s spirit and remind them they’re not alone?

Let’s fill the comments with hope, support, and solidarity.

Together, we will not only survive, we will thrive.

07/05/2025

In Denmark, students don’t just study for free, they actually get paid to go to university!

Thanks to the State Educational Grant and Loan Scheme (SU), students can receive up to $1,000 a month to help cover living expenses. This means no tuition fees and monthly support!

It’s designed to let students focus on their education without the stress of financial pressure. This support is available to Danish citizens, as well as students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland.

Truly one of the most student-friendly education systems in the world!

23/04/2025

You could take over your relative's council or housing association home when they die.

If you're a joint tenant, you'll succeed straight away.

You *could* also inherit the tenancy if you were related to the tenant.

For example, if the tenant was your:

🟢 married or civil partner
🟢 unmarried partner
🟢 parent or grandparent
🟢 brother or sister

Usually, you can only succeed if you live there as your home.

Also, a tenancy can usually only be passed on once.

Our checklist tells you more about who can succeed to a social housing tenancy 👉🏼 https://shltr.org.uk/Vfl2a

31/01/2025

😳😳😳

Home Office investigators believe the woman was part of a larger organised crime group, seizing wigs from the suspect's flat in Enfield, North London, which were allegedly used as disguises at British Citizenship test centres

13/10/2024

I just wanted to make people aware, as I keep speaking to parents who don't realise, that if you are entitled to legal aid, and in any sort of appeal against an EHCP (or a refusal to issue one) then you can get free private ed psych, occupational therapy and speech and language reports funded via that process.

You need to go through the legal aid helpline, and refuse to accept a list of legal aid solicitors; you need to insist that the helpline directly refer you to a legal aid firm. This is because firms can refuse direct approaches, and due to the SEN crisis they all do as they are swamped - but they aren't allowed to if they are sent you via that helpline. They have to work with you then.

You can't get legal aid unless on a low income, and even then you can't have any house equity (apparently, a single mum on benefits can eat her house) but for some people it's a godsend. It gets you those private reports, which will quantify and specify provision if done by the right people.

All of us can also presently get a free pre-action letter for Judicial Review via SOS!SEN, if the LA are not providing what is in the EHCP section F, or are failing to stick to the 20 week assessment deadlines, or failing to issue a final EHCP and therefore denying appeal rights. For very simple matters like that, where the law is just being ignored, it's completely free.

27/09/2024

Immigration staff guidance on applications under the EU Settlement Scheme.

21/09/2024

Study at the University of Iceland for free, with no tuition fees, available to all international students
👇👇👇

The University of Iceland offers free tuition for both domestic and international students. However, there is a registration fee of ISK 75,000 (approximately EUR 480) per academic year (https://english.hi.is/university/international_students)

(https://study.iceland.is/study-in-iceland/universities-in-iceland/university-of-iceland).

Here’s a step-by-step guide for the application process and requirements:

1. Eligibility for Free Tuition
- No Tuition Fees: The University of Iceland does not charge tuition fees for any of its undergraduate or most graduate programs.

However, students must pay the annual registration fee of EUR 480 per academic year. Kindly use this link to verify (https://english.hi.is/university/international_students) (https://study.iceland.is/study-in-iceland/universities-in-iceland/university-of-iceland).

2. Program Selection
- Language of Instruction: Most undergraduate programs are taught in Icelandic, so international students often apply for English-taught graduate programs. Check available programs and ensure they align with your academic background and career goals. (https://study.iceland.is/study-in-iceland/universities-in-iceland/university-of-iceland).

3. Admission Requirements
- For Undergraduate Programs: A secondary education certificate equivalent to Icelandic matriculation (High School equivalent)
- For Graduate Programs: A relevant Bachelor's degree, preferably from a recognized institution.
- English Proficiency: If your previous education wasn’t in English, you’ll need to provide an English proficiency test score (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL) [https://study.iceland.is/study-in-iceland/universities-in-iceland/university-of-iceland).

4. Required Documents
Prepare the following:
- Completed application form (available online).
- Academic transcripts from previous institutions.
- Proof of English proficiency:
- Letters of recommendation: if required by the program).
- A statement of purpose outlining your academic and career objectives.

5. Application Process
- Application Portal: Apply online via the [University of Iceland application portal](https://english.hi.is/university/applications_international_students).

- Deadlines: For international students the typical application deadline is February 1st for programs starting in the fall semester [https://study.iceland.is/study-in-iceland/universities-in-iceland/university-of-iceland).

6. Visa and Residence Permit
-you might need to apply for a student visa and residence permit after receiving your admission offer. You should start this process early as it can take time.

- Ensure you provide proof of financial resources to cover your living expenses in Iceland [https://study.iceland.is/study-in-iceland/universities-in-iceland/university-of-iceland)

7. Scholarship Opportunities
While tuition is free, you can explore scholarships to cover other expenses. Some scholarships are available specifically for international students through external organizations [https://study.iceland.is/study-in-iceland/universities-in-iceland/university-of-iceland).

All the best 🙏🙏

The University of Iceland is the leading higher education institution in Iceland and the only that offers undergraduate and Master´s and PhD programs in all major academic disciplines. The University is modern, diverse, and rapidly developing in terms of research and innovation. It cultivates its ....

15/09/2024

The Home Office's timetable for requiring visitors to the UK to pay £10 for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is now fully published:

15/11/2023: Nationals of Qatar

22/02/2024: Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

08/01/2025: All non-European non-visa nationals (approximately 50 nationalities)

02/04/2025: All European non-visa nationals (EU, EEA, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland, Vatican City) except Ireland

Notable exemptions from ETA include legal residents of the UK such as those with EU (Pre-) Settled Status, British citizens, Irish citizens, as well as legal residents of Ireland travelling to the UK from within the Common Travel Area.

Some useful links:

• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

• https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/uk-electronic-travel-authorisation-visa-entry-b2362909.html

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_Travel_Authorisation_(United_Kingdom)

Before allowing passengers to board travel services to the UK, carriers (e.g. airlines) will have to obtain permission to travel for each passenger (except for British citizens and Irish citizens) using the advance passenger information (API) entered during the (online) check-in process. The Home Office will grant permission to travel if the passenger's travel document is registered for an ETA or for UK residency such as EU (Pre-) Settled Status. This is known as interactive advance passenger information (iAPI), which gives a yes/no response in respect of each passenger.

The only upside for those with EU (Pre-) Settled Status is that this should in theory put an end to airline staff's doubt over whether a passenger has the right to enter the UK with a national identity card. If a passenger's national identity card is registered for EU (Pre-) Settled Status, then the carrier will receive permission to travel for the passenger from the Home Office. Those with EU (Pre-) Settled Status have an indefinite right under Article 14(1) of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement to enter the UK with a biometric national identity card.

The considerable downside is that for passengers who suffer corrupt data in the UK Visas and Immigration database, the Home Office might send a refusal of permission to travel to the carrier, in which case the carrier will deny boarding. A costly quick solution in this scenario is for the passenger to return to the UK via Ireland, given that EU/EEA/CH nationals have freedom of movement to enter Ireland and there are no immigration controls when travelling from Ireland to the UK. The3million has raised this issue vociferously with the Home Office and elsewhere. There are likely to be plenty more posts on this topic in this forum.

Dual EU/British nationals will need to enter their British passport into advance passenger information (API) when travelling to the UK in order to be exempt from the UK's £10 ETA and enter their EU/EEA/CH national identity card or passport into API when travelling to the Schengen area in order to be exempt from the EU's forthcoming €7 ETIAS. This will require dual nationals to amend their API data mid-itinerary, because airlines do not currently allow separate API data to be entered simultaneously on to each flight leg within a booking.

A further downside is that your friends and relatives from outside the UK will have to pay £10 each to visit you in the UK. Each ETA will last 2 years, or less if the passport expires sooner.

The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is an advance travel permission required from foreign nationals who intend to visit or transit the United Kingdom without a visa.[1]

17/08/2024

‼️🙏🏻

From January 2025, immigration status in the UK will only be available digitally, through the use of an eVisa.

The eVisa system is deeply flawed. A rushed change risks jeopardising the rights of more than 4 million people and unfairly subjecting them to the “hostile environment”, despite having physical immigration documents and having called the UK their home for years.

Sign the petition to ask the government to put a safety net in place urgently: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-against-catastrophic-evisa-cliff-edge-of-31-december-2024