Lace Law

20/04/2026

🚨 Need a faster UK visa decision? Here’s what you need to know 👇

Delays in UK visa processing can be frustrating—but many applicants don’t realise there are paid fast-track options available.

💡 For example:

- Standard decisions can take weeks or even months depending on the visa type

- Priority service can reduce this to around 5 working days

- Super Priority can mean a decision by the next working day in some cases

⚠️ But faster isn’t always guaranteed—missing documents or complex cases can still slow things down.

If timing is critical, knowing your options before applying can make all the difference.

👉 Read the full guide here:

https://www.lacelaw.co.uk/post/how-to-get-a-faster-decision-on-your-uk-visa-application

Learn about the steps you can take to speed up your UK visa application...

17/04/2026

⚠️ This could be your last chance to apply under the 10-year long residence route ⚠️

The Home Office has indicated that the 10-year long residence route to Indefinite Leave to Remain may be abolished.

At this stage, the timeline is unclear:

It could be as soon as April this year
It may happen later this month or next
Or it could be delayed until next year

But one thing is clear — this route is at real risk of disappearing.

If you are approaching 10 years of lawful residence in the UK, waiting could mean losing your eligibility entirely.

We are already advising clients to:
✔️ Review their residence history urgently
✔️ Identify any gaps or risks
✔️ Prepare applications now rather than later

Once this route is gone, there may be no equivalent alternative.

If you think you might qualify, now is the time to act.

👉 https://www.lacelaw.co.uk/post/the-10-year-long-residence-route-to-indefinite-leave-to-remain



Contact us today.

The 10-year long residence route offers a path to settlement in the UK for those who have built their lives here over a decade. It is open to applicants who can demonstrate 10 years of continuous and lawful residence, regardless of the visa categories they held during that period. This makes it an i...

07/04/2026

👶🇬🇧 How can you register your child as a British citizen in 2026?

Many parents assume that a child born or raised in the UK is automatically British — but this is not always the case.

The correct route often depends on:
✔️ where the child was born
✔️ the parents’ immigration status at the time of birth
✔️ whether a parent later obtained ILR or settled status
✔️ whether the child has lived in the UK for 10 years

In our latest blog, we explain the key legal routes for registration as a British citizen, the documents commonly required, and the good character requirement for children aged 10 and over.

This is one of the most technical areas of British nationality law, and careful preparation can make a significant difference to the outcome.

Read our latest insight here: How to Register Your Child as a British Citizen in the UK in 2026.

https://www.lacelaw.co.uk/post/how-to-register-your-child-as-a-british-citizen-in-the-uk-in-2026

Learn how to register your child as a British citizen.

31/03/2026

🇬🇧 Thinking about applying for British citizenship in 2026?

Naturalisation is often the final and most significant step in a person’s immigration journey in the UK. However, many applications are refused due to technical issues such as residence calculations, absence limits, timing after ILR, and the good character requirement.

In our latest article, we break down the key legal requirements, common pitfalls, and strategic considerations before submitting your application.

A carefully timed application can make all the difference.

Read our latest blog here:
https://www.lacelaw.co.uk/post/how-to-apply-for-british-citizenship-by-naturalisation-in-the-uk-in-2026

Learn the process for applying to naturalise as a British citizen in 2026.

24/03/2026

🚨 Can you leave the UK while your visa application is being processed?

Many applicants assume they can travel freely once they have submitted a visa or settlement application — but leaving the UK at the wrong time can have serious immigration consequences.

In many cases, travelling outside the Common Travel Area while an in-country application is pending can result in the application being treated as withdrawn, potentially requiring a fresh application and leading to delays and additional costs.

In our latest blog, we explain:
✅ when travel may be possible
✅ the risks of Section 3C leave lapsing
✅ practical tips to avoid costly mistakes

If you are planning to travel while your visa application is pending, it is important to understand the rules before making any decisions.

👉 Read the full blog here:
https://www.lacelaw.co.uk/post/can-i-leave-the-uk-while-my-visa-application-is-being-processed

If you need tailored advice, contact us today.

Many applicants ask whether they can travel outside the UK or internationally while their visa application is still pending. The answer depends on where the application was submitted from, what type of application it is, and whether biometric enrolment has taken place.Travelling at the wrong stage c...

20/03/2026

🚨 Can you work before your Skilled Worker visa is granted?

Many employers and sponsored workers assume work can start as soon as the application is submitted — but this is not always the case.

👉 Applicants applying from overseas must usually wait until the visa is granted.
👉 Some applicants switching inside the UK may start work after submitting a valid application, but only if specific conditions are met.

Getting this wrong can create serious right-to-work and sponsor compliance risks.

We explain the rules and practical scenarios in our latest blog 👇
🔗 https://www.lacelaw.co.uk/post/can-i-work-before-my-skilled-worker-visa-is-granted

Discover if you can work while your Skilled Worker application is considered

18/03/2026

🚨 Earned Settlement Reforms: Parliament Warns of Risks and Uncertainty

The Home Affairs Select Committee has raised concerns about the UK Government’s proposed “earned settlement” reforms, highlighting potential risks including lack of clarity on timelines, longer settlement routes, and possible unintended impacts on families and lower-earning migrants.

These changes could significantly affect migrants, employers and long-term settlement planning in the UK.

👉 We explain what the proposals may mean in practice in our latest blog:

Read about concerns raised by the Home Affairs Committee about the Home Office's Earned Settlement proposal due to come into effect in 2026.

12/03/2026

🚨 Big news for UK start-ups planning to apply for a Sponsor Licence.

One of the most common practical questions we receive from new businesses is whether a digital bank account — such as Revolut Business — is suitable for Sponsor Licence applications.

In our latest blog, we explain:
✅ Why a business bank account is an important part of demonstrating that your company is genuine and trading in the UK
✅ The advantages of digital banking solutions for start-ups
✅ What the Home Office actually looks for beyond simply having a bank account
✅ Key steps businesses should take before submitting a Sponsor Licence application

If you are setting up a UK company or planning to sponsor Skilled Workers, proper preparation can make a significant difference to the outcome of your application.

👉 Read the full blog here: https://www.lacelaw.co.uk/post/revolut-business-bank-account-for-uk-sponsor-licence-start-ups

📩 Feel free to contact us if you would like tailored advice on Sponsor Licence applications or UK business set-up.

Digital banks may offer an easier solution for UK start ups seeking a sponsor licence from the Home Office.

04/03/2026

🌍 Do you need a TB test for your UK visa application?

Many UK visa applicants must provide a Tuberculosis (TB) screening certificate before travelling to the UK. This usually applies if you are applying for a visa for more than 6 months and have lived in certain listed countries.

In our latest blog, we explain:
✔️ Who needs a TB test
✔️ How the test works
✔️ When you should take it
✔️ How long the certificate is valid

Understanding this requirement early can help you avoid delays in your visa application.

Read the full guide here:
👉 https://www.lacelaw.co.uk/post/tuberculosis-tb-screening-for-uk-visa-applications

Understand what a TB test is, why it's needed, and who must take it before travelling to the UK.

18/02/2026

🚨 Lace Law – Free Online Advice Clinic🚨

Navigating UK immigration law can be complex, stressful, and expensive.
That’s why Lace Law is opening its doors online for a free online advice clinic, delivered as part of our pro bono programme.

👩‍⚖️👨‍⚖️ What we’re offering:
✔️ A free initial online consultation
✔️ Practical, honest guidance from experienced UK immigration lawyers
✔️ A chance to understand your options before making any commitments

📩 How to take part:
1️⃣ Follow us on Facebook
2️⃣ Email [email protected] with:
· A brief summary of your immigration enquiry
· Your availability for an online consultation

🔎 Important to note:
· Places are limited
· We reserve the right to select eligible enquiries
· Free consultations will be offered where we believe we can genuinely help
· Some matters may fall outside our area of expertise

This initiative reflects our commitment to access to justice and responsible, ethical legal practice.

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from clear, professional immigration advice, we encourage you to get in touch.

📅 Follow | Email | Apply
📧 [email protected]

12/01/2026

🔔 Settled Status after long absences? A new legal route has opened.
Many EU nationals with pre-settled status were previously blocked from settled status due to long or repeated absences from the UK. That has now changed.
📅 From 16 July 2025, the Home Office allows an alternative test:
➡️ 30 months’ residence in the UK within the last 60 months may now be enough — even if absences would have broken continuous residence under the old rules.
This is a major development for those affected by:
• Covid-related travel
• Work or family commitments abroad
• Complex absence histories
Both the old and new routes remain available, but choosing the wrong one can still lead to refusal.
👉 Read the full explanation and case examples here:
🔗 https://www.lacelaw.co.uk/post/settled-status-with-long-uk-absences-a-new-legal-route-opens

Changes to the absences threshold under the EUSS permit faster settled status in many cases.