Today, we discuss what to do with your old BRP when you receive a new card, Irish citizenship applications, sponsoring a family member and what to do when you receive an email stating that your application is not straightforward.
I have received a new BRP card. What do I do with the old one?
On approval of your visa application, your previous BRP will be automatically invalidated. You must follow the instructions in your decision letter or email for returning your old BRP card to the Home Office. You should aim to do so as soon as you receive your new BRP card, as you may be subject to a financial penalty of up to £1,000 if you fail to return your old card.
I have received an email from the Home Office stating that my visa application is ‘not straightforward’. Should I be worried?
This question is quite common, and is usually asked when the Home Office is unable to make a decision on your application within the published processing timelines (including if you purchased priority or super priority service). However, the Home Office will continue to work on your application with a view to making a decision as soon as possible, and if they require any further information or documents from you, they will contact you accordingly.
My grandparent was born in Ireland. Can I apply for Irish citizenship?
If your grandparent was born in Ireland, you should be able to register on the Foreign Births Register. Please note that the Irish government currently advises that the process for registering on the Foreign Births Register can take up to 9 months from the date of submission. Once you have received the certificate registering your birth on the Foreign Births Register, you may then apply for an Irish passport.
I have a business in the UK. Can I sponsor my non-British family member to work at my company?
It is possible to sponsor a relative under the Skilled Worker immigration route; however, you should bear in mind that you will need to demonstrate to the Home Office that the job vacancy is genuine and that your family member is the most suitable candidate for the job. For this reason, the Home Office will usually scrutinise an application involving sponsorship of a family member to a higher degree. There are also certain technical limitations that have to be considered.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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