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Disclaimer: Before you continue , i got to say this. I am not a professional. I am not a lawyer. I am just a friend sharing what i know. Immigration rules change regularly so stay woke on this please




THE  IMMIGRATION PROCESS


What’s jist, Sis?

OK!
So I have lived in the Uk for over 20 years, however  a large majority of my childhood was spent as an Illegal Immigrant. I didn’t realise the full extent of the situation until i was a little older and i’m still figuring out the effects its had on me. Even though its in the past, i am still facing some immigraton issues today.
In January 2012, i was granted a temporary permit by the Home Office to remain in the UK. This temporary permit is called Discretionary leave to remain (DLR) and is usually given to an individual based on compassionate circumstances. It was valid for three years and was extended for another three years in 2015.

On the 8th June 2018, i became eligible for settlement  having completed 6 years discretionary leave . I paid £2389 to the home office and my application is currently being processed. If you were granted discretionary leave to remain after April 2012, you now have to complete 10 years before being eligible to apply for settlement.

****IMPORTANT HOME OFFICE UPDATE****


What is the difference between Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and citizenship?

Indefinite Leave to Remain is  PERMANENT residency in the UK.  Although, you are able to work and study with other temporary resisdency permits,  with an ILR you have no time restriction. However, if you are away from the UK for more than two years, there is a possibility that your Indefinite Leave to Remain status may be taken away. More Info Here
Hmmm interesting! So how can someone settle in  the UK?

It’s  not one  size fits all,  every application is unique in its own way .  You can gain settlement  through a number of ways i.e private life,  partnership, being super rich e.t.c. This is the  Game of Thrones, baby and the rules always change .  One second the application cost this much, then you bend down tie your shoe laces and it costs a whole lot more. So stay woke and stay Informed .

Here are some facts that you should know :

    • An Indefinite Leave to Remain application currently costs £2389 

    • You have to lived in the Uk continously for at least five years to become eligible.

    • You must pass a life in the Uk Test and 

    • Meet  the requirements of an English Knowledge language test.





Can i apply for ILR online?

Yes you can.  The Home Office have finally stepped into the 21st century and created an online application system for certain categories.  I found it so much easier to fill, compared to the  74 paper page application . You don’t need to worry about typos and you can pay online too.  Once you have  submitted your  application,  all you need to do is post your supporting documents i.e. biometric permit, passport e.t.c.



WHY IS THE PRICE OF SETTLEMENT SO HIGH?


Why do you think its sooo high? Biggie said “All about the benjamins, baby” and it really is. This article published by the Guardian  in June 2018 talks about how the Home Office makes up to 800% profit on some immigration applications. Its an interesting read and I am not suprised by these numbers. In 2012, the cost of making an ILR application was £972, now its nearly triple that price.  

From first hand experience, i know that families are the ones greatly affected, especially single parents. Just imagine being a single mother with two children, you are looking to spend over £10,000 in the pursuit of settlement.  First, you have to raise £7167 for the three of you then there’s the lawyer fees, KoLL fees, postage fees, biometric permit fees.  It’s really eye opening.  


How can i raise funds for my ILR application?

I literally had to pick between paying my rent and doing this application. How am i going to raise £2389 , have a roof over my head, pay my bills and do it with my well being intact? How, Sway ! There are so many others facing  this exact dilemma. But don’t suffer in silence,  people are always willing to help.  I applaud people like Rutendo Tichiwangani  aka #visabae,  who was  able to raise the funds needed for her application through crowd funding.

 

I find the Gov.uk website confusing , are there any platforms where i can get more information?

I totally feel you.


Immigration Board is like the holy grail for all things UK immigration. You gotta check it out.   

Then there’s a Freemovement, Right To Remain and  Refugee Action which i have found helpful.

Also this  guide by my friends at Daikon Zine is something you should also check out!!
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