New UK Immigration Routes bring Good News!
Earlier this month, the UK Government made several changes to the UK immigration rules. The UK Government also, in the same Statement of Changes, announced several new UK Immigration routes. These new routes will be welcome news for persons looking to come to the UK.

The new immigration routes will become effective later in 2022.

Breytenbachs are especially excited about the possibilities these routes will offer business people and entrepreneurs looking to come to the UK. The new routes will include a Scale-up Visa, Global Mobility Visa and High Potential Individual Route.
Another Success Story
Spousal Visa for Guernsey
Breytenbachs recently submitted a Spousal Visa for the Bailiwick of Guernsey (‘Guernsey’). The Bailiwick of Guernsey is one of the Channel Islands, with the other two being the Isle of Man and the Bailiwick of Jersey. Our client’s spouse is a British Passport holder already working in Guernsey; however, we see more and more people opting to apply for Spousal Visas for Guernsey, as opposed to the UK, as the financial requirements are not nearly as stringent as for the UK. For Guernsey, you simply need to prove that you can adequately maintain and accommodate yourself either through savings or a confirmed job offer. What’s more, is that for Guernsey, there is no NHS payable, which could save you GBP 1 872.00.
 
If you are married to or in a relationship with a British Passport holder or a person settled in the UK, and you wish to explore Guernsey as an alternative to the UK, please get in touch with us today.
Ancestry Visa vs New Nationality and Borders Bill
Clients should please take note of the following if they consider applying for a UK Ancestry Visa. Even though the New Nationality and Borders Bill have not been passed yet, you might benefit from the Bill in the near future. 
 
If you are in a hurry to enter the United Kingdom, then the Ancestral visa application is your best route at this point in time. If you are not in a hurry to enter the UK, Breytenbachs suggest that you wait to see if the New Nationality and Borders Bill will benefit you. 
 
Breytenbachs will update clients via our newsletter and social media pages on developments in this regard. 
Ten Reasons to consider the UK Start-Up Visa
There are many different immigration routes available to persons looking to live and work, study, or join their loved ones in the UK. The UK Start-up Visa comes out on top in the category for persons looking to set up a new and innovative business in the UK.

Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants have compiled a list of some of the advantages of the UK Start-up Visa to show why we reckon it is one of the best visas available!
EUSS Pre-Settled Status Holder?
You could qualify for ILR earlier
Did you know that it is possible to get Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in less than five years for some nationals holding Pre-Settled Status in the UK?

Normally, an EU national or a family member of an EU national who receives Pre-Settled Status in the UK has to complete five years on this status in the UK to qualify for ILR. They also have to meet the continuous residence requirements before applying for Settled Status (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

The good news brought to you by Breytenbachs is that there are certain instances where a person may qualify for Settled Status earlier.
Court ruling brings good news on Comprehensive Sickness Insurance
Breytenbachs is pleased to announce that the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has confirmed the use of NHS amounts to Comprehensive Sickness Insurance (CSI) in the case C-247/20 v Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

The court has ruled that it counts as Comprehensive Sickness Insurance if a person is eligible for NHS treatment.

What are the implications of this ruling?

The issue primarily affected EU nationals residing in the UK as students or based on self-sufficiency. In a post-Brexit world, those EU nationals who settled in the UK and wished to apply for citizenship would need to show that they had continued to hold Comprehensive Sickness Insurance (CSI) throughout their residence in the UK.
 
The case is very good news for those who could not evidence CSI and were unable to apply for British citizenship. Persons in such cases may now be eligible for British citizenship, as long as they can also satisfy the other requirements. 
 
As the above matters are complex, we recommend that you speak to one of our consultants for more advice.
British Nationality Status Trace
Breytenbachs have a service to evaluate British nationality claims. Our service allows us to use a systematic, detailed process to investigate all possible avenues to all types of UK nationality and the right of abode in the UK.

Our analytical process leaves no stone unturned in considering all laws and policies that might affect a person’s nationality. It includes all laws of countries that became independent of the UK and ancestors from, or with links to, the United Kingdom, islands, and British territories, such as former colonies, protectorates, and other dependencies. Our premise is to find a way for our clients, if one exists. 
Delays in UK Visa Processing due to Ukraine Crisis
Persons with pending applications at the UKVI should note that the UKVI prioritises Ukraine Family Scheme applications in response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
 
UK visa applications for study, work and family visas will thus take longer to process. The UKVI has also said they have temporarily suspended super-priority visa services for new study, work and family visa applications. Standard visitor visa applications for the UK are currently taking an average of six weeks to process.
 
The consultants at Breytenbachs are regularly following up on all visa applications and will inform clients accordingly. 
Applying for the UK Spouse Visa While Claiming Benefits
Many persons want to apply for the UK Spouse or Unmarried Partner Visa but are concerned that they may not do so, as their partner is claiming benefits in the UK. Fortunately, Breytenbachs has good news for couples in this position. It is indeed possible to apply, and less stringent financial requirements apply in such cases. 

There is thus light at the end of the tunnel if your UK Spouse or Unmarried Partner currently resides in the UK and they are presently claiming certain benefits through the UK Department for Work and Pensions.

Persons in such a situation will be exempt from meeting the strict financial requirements through your Spouse or Unmarried Partners’ employment income or cash savings. Note, however, that you will have to submit proof of the benefit claims your Spouse or Unmarried Partner is currently receiving. You will still be required to prove that you can adequately maintain and accommodate yourself.
Find out whether you qualify for a UK Visa
You can now find out whether you qualify to live and work in the UK by filling out our free online assessment form.

We will do a quick assessment of your circumstances, and you can expect a short written response or telephone call from us within two working days.
Delay in Processing of Long-Term SA Visas
The South African Department of Home Affairs is currently experiencing a huge backlog. They are reportedly only processing applications they received in the first quarter of 2021.

The unfortunate result is a lengthy delay in processing long-term visas and permits by the SA Department of Home Affairs.

Breytenbachs can assure clients that we follow up on their applications every week. We will inform clients as soon as their documents are ready for collection.
Critical Skills Visa for South Africa
The Critical Skills Visa makes it possible for foreigners with exceptional skills or qualifications to live and work in South Africa.

One of the biggest advantages of the critical skills visa is that an applicant does not need a job offer to apply for this type of visa. It is also possible for the spouse, children, and other dependent family members to accompany the main applicant.

However, applying for a SA visa can be a daunting process, and we highly recommend that applicants contact Breytenbachs for assistance.
What our clients say about us
"helped stepped me through an incredibly stressful process"
"I am so incredibly grateful I found Breytenbachs to assist me with a very difficult application for my child's visa. As a divorced mother I needed to prove sole responsibility and without their guidance and patience I know I would never have received this visa. Breytenbachs came highly recommended on the immigration FB grps and they helped stepped me through an incredibly stressful process and were not only prompt with their feedback but cared about our application. I was never a number but always a client they cared about. I cannot thank them enough and after seeing so many parents in similar circumstances be refused a visa I know that without them I would not have been successful with our application."

Lauren Dally
Meet our Team
Chris Snyman
Chris Snyman is an Immigration Consultant with over 14 years of experience in UK and South African Immigration Law. Chris understands the complexities of the immigration process and the importance of attention to detail. He is dedicated and committed to providing clients with the best possible service in a friendly and professional manner. Chris is an Admitted South African Attorney. 
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