Buckingham Legal Associates Ltd

09/04/2026

Waiting ten years instead of five to settle in the UK — the Government's plans and what you should do about it now

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Get in touch with Buckingham Legal Associates today. 0203 006 2742 | [email protected]

09/04/2026

Still waiting for a decision on your UK visa or immigration application?

You are not alone — and you do not have to just sit and wait. From writing to the Home Office, to contacting your MP, to submitting a formal expedite request, there are real steps you can take to push things forward.

We have put together a guide walking you through exactly what to do:
https://buckslegal.co.uk/delay/

To speak to one of our team, call 0203 006 2742 or email [email protected]

20/11/2025

Today, the Home Secretary delivered a major statement titled “A fairer pathway to settlement”, announcing significant proposed reforms to the UK’s legal migration and settlement system. These changes are expected to reshape how long non-British nationals must live in the UK before qualifying for settlement, as well as introduce new eligibility requirements.

Under the proposed reforms:

- The standard qualifying period for settlement will increase from 5 years to 10 years.

- Applicants will need to meet additional criteria, including having a clean criminal record, demonstrating English language ability at A-Level standard, showing sustained National Insurance contributions, and having no outstanding debt in the UK.

- Certain groups may qualify more quickly: high-earning taxpayers could qualify in 3 years, public sector workers such as doctors, nurses and teachers in 5 years, and individuals with very high English proficiency in 9 years.

- Some individuals may face extended timelines: those receiving certain benefits may be required to wait 15 or 20 years, and those who arrive through illegal routes may need to wait up to 30 years before being eligible for settlement.

- These changes will not apply to anyone who already holds settled status.

- A public consultation has been launched to gather views on the proposed criteria and additional tests.

These proposals could significantly affect migrants, families, employers, and anyone planning to apply for settlement in the coming years. Understanding how these changes may apply to your situation — and whether you may be affected during the transition — is crucial.

For clear, tailored advice on how these reforms may impact you or your clients, please contact Buckingham Legal Associates on 0203 006 2742 or www.buckslegal.co.uk. Our team is ready to guide you through the implications and help you prepare for any changes ahead.

Best immigration lawyers High Wycombe: Hire leading immigration experts & home office lawyers in the UK. Get legal advice from our Buckingham lawyers.

20/11/2025

Important update:

The Home Office has announced proposals that could mean some migrants in the UK may wait up to 20 years before being eligible for permanent settlement. According to the BBC, the standard qualifying period would be extended from five years to ten years, and under certain conditions — such as arrival on specific visa routes or being reliant on benefits — the wait could rise to 15 or even 20 years.

If you or someone you know may be affected by these changes and would like to understand how this could impact your situation, please book a consultation with Buckingham Legal Associates.

Visit www.buckslegal.co.uk - http://www.buckslegal.co.uk or call 0203 006 2742 to arrange an appointment.

Read the full article https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3w9wlney23o.amp

Best immigration lawyers High Wycombe: Hire leading immigration experts & home office lawyers in the UK. Get legal advice from our Buckingham lawyers.

12/02/2025

Important Update on British Citizenship for Refugees

The UK Home Office has introduced new changes to the Good Character Guidance, which could block many refugees from becoming British citizens. These changes apply immediately and will affect applications made from 10 February 2025 onwards.

Key Changes:

- Anyone who previously entered the UK illegally will normally be refused citizenship, regardless of how much time has passed.

- Anyone who arrived without valid entry clearance via a "dangerous journey" (such as small boats or concealed in vehicles) will also normally be refused.

- There is no right of appeal against a refusal, making this a high-risk and costly process for applicants.

What This Means for You

- The wording suggests that refusal is not mandatory, but rather the default position. This means there may still be scope to request discretion.

- Given the high fees and the lack of an appeal process, it is essential to get legal advice before applying.

- This change disproportionately affects refugees, despite the UK’s international obligations under Article 31 of the Refugee Convention.

If you or someone you know is affected by this change, seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Contact Buckingham Legal Associates at 0203 006 2742 or visit www.buckslegal.co.uk for expert immigration advice.

Do not take any risks—get advice before applying.

Best immigration solicitors High Wycombe: Hire leading immigration experts & home office lawyers in the UK. Get legal advice from our Buckingham solicitors.

20/04/2024

We are reaching out to inform you about the upcoming changes regarding your biometric residence permit (BRP), which serves as proof of your immigration status in the UK. Your BRP is set to expire on 31 December 2024. While the expiration of your BRP does not impact your immigration status, the method of proving your status will transition to digital means starting in 2025.

As part of this transition, physical documents like BRPs will be replaced by eVisas in the UK border and immigration system. If you've acquired British citizenship since your last BRP issuance, you will have the right of abode in the UK, and you can utilize a British citizen passport or a certificate of entitlement of right of abode to prove your status.

If you currently hold a British passport, no further action is required. However, if you possess a certificate of entitlement, you may need to take action in the future, with additional details forthcoming.

If you're not a British or Irish citizen, it's essential to take action before your BRP expires on 31 December 2024.

To facilitate the transition to eVisas, you'll need to create a UKVI account using your date of birth, BRP number, passport (if applicable), email address, phone number, and access to a smartphone. If you already possess an eVisa alongside your BRP, there's no need to create a new UKVI account.

An eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status, offering enhanced security and accessibility compared to physical documents. For more information on eVisas and their benefits.

As you plan international travel in 2024, continue carrying your valid BRP. Starting from summer 2024, airlines and carriers will digitally verify your permission to enter the UK if your passport or national identity document is linked to your UKVI account.

If you require assistance in setting up your UKVI account, you can contact our team and book a consultation on www.buckslegal.co.uk or call 0203 006 2742.

Best immigration solicitors High Wycombe: Hire leading immigration experts & home office lawyers in the UK. Get legal advice from our Buckingham solicitors.

17/02/2024

17/02/2024

The UK government has announced new changes that will affect Skilled Migrant and Partner Route Applications. For Skilled Workers, the earning threshold for overseas workers will increase to £38,700 from 4th April 2024. The government is also expected to make further amendments to 'going rate' levels, which may see additional increases above this threshold. Health and Care workers and Education workers on national pay scales are exempt from the salary increase.

However, from 11th March 2024, Health and Care workers will not be allowed to bring any dependents to the UK. Care firms will have to be registered with the Care Quality Commission to sponsor visas. The Shortage Occupation List will be reformed, and the current 20% going rate salary discount for shortage occupations will be abolished. These changes will only apply to first-time applicants. Existing sponsored workers on the Skilled Worker route will not be subject to the new salary threshold when they "change employment, extend or settle".

In terms of Partner/Parent/Child changes, from 11th April 2024, the minimum income required for British citizens and those settled in the UK who want their family members to join them will increase to £29,000 from £18,600. This will affect those who are relying on income as well as savings. The government plans to raise this threshold to £38,700 in alignment with the Skilled Worker threshold by 2025. These changes will only apply to first-time applicants. However, if you already have a visa on the five-year route to settlement under Appendix FM as the Partner or Parent of a British Citizen or settled resident, transitional arrangements will be implemented for future extension and settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) applications.

25/11/2023

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