US Immigration to the UK - INF 15 - 2 Years

[Digitalartist]

US Immigration to the UK - INF 15 - 2 Years

Thankyou for clicking this topic....

I am requiring some advice regarding the INF 15 Visa. I have done my research and it seems that i require one. I live within the UK, however my girlfriend lives in the US.

She is requiring the INF 15 form, to allow her to work up to 12 months in the UK. She is 22 years of age, and as far as i can see is eligible for the Visa.

I would be extremely grateful for some advice regarding this topic, such as possible pit falls and issues that may arrise.

Thankyou for reading.

Digital Artist

[sakura]

What exactly is that visa for? Is she coming to work or study??

[vinny]

Do you mean Guidance - Working holidaymakers (INF 15) and 18.4 - Working Holiday makers?

Note that:

Please note the working holidaymakers scheme is due to be deleted later this year when the new points-based system Youth Mobility Scheme of Tier 5 is launched.

[sakura]

What is her nationality??

[Digitalartist]

Thankyou for the replies...

In reply to the question's asked.

- She is American, and holds a valid US passport.

- She is coming to work. This can either be paid work, or voluntary work.

- And yes, i do mean the INF 15 Working Holiday Makers

If there is an alternative to the INF 15, please do enlighten me. We are aiming for her to live in the UK for up to 2 years, and work for a duration of 12 month's. This can either be paid or voluntary work.

Thankyou again, much appreciated

Digital Arist.

[sakura]

My understanding is that the WHM is only for citizens from Commonwealth countries, of which the USA is not. So, unless she has dual nationality with a qualifying country, I cannot see how the qualifies as a US citizen.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/polic ... appendix3/

She can always opt for BUNAC, but that, I think, is for 6 months only.

[Wanderer]

I concur.

WHM is for Commonwealth citizens only and aside from BUNAC, the only way forward is Work Permit or HSMP or whatever is replacing it.

[Digitalartist]

Thankyou for the information, it is much appreciated. Yes i believe you are correct. I shall aim for a Work Permit or the HSMP replacement.

Sorry to ask, as you have aided me greatly already. However if you know of anything regarding the two then that too would be much appreciated.

Thanks again guys.

[Wanderer]

Thankyou for the information, it is much appreciated. Yes i believe you are correct. I shall aim for a Work Permit or the HSMP replacement.

Sorry to ask, as you have aided me greatly already. However if you know of anything regarding the two then that too would be much appreciated.

Thanks again guys. :D

For WP basically u need to prove no UK or EU person can do the job in question, and advertised to show. The company applies for the WP.

HSMP u need to have a degree or higher ed, previous good earnings, and skills in demand, it's a points system, easy to see if u qualify or not.

I think Tier 1 will replace these two options shortly and be modelled on the HSMP one.

[Digitalartist]

Ok then i see. The individual in question does not posses a higher education certificate, and the highest qualification is Highschool.

We are aiming for her to have up to 1-2 years in the UK, and the capabilty for her to work would be preferred however isnt essential.

If you know of any method that would give her over 6 months in the UK, i would be extremely grateful. After the time is up for her in the UK, i am aiming to go to the US with her, as i will posess an higher education degree, and so on.

I know she can come as a tourist for 6 months, however more time would be preferred. If there is no other way, then i shall opt for the 6 month Tourist Visa.

Thanks for the reply, it was very useful. And equally fast. Thanks again.

[Wanderer]

Only the tourist visa and that's only 6 months in every 12, u can't reenter immediately after one six month stretch or the IO's will doubt she is a genuine visitor.

There's a student visa - but as she'll haveto pay international fees that might mount up a bit, budget 15/20k a year but she can wotk 20hrs a week.

[paulp]

Or she can go to one of the colleges on Tottenham Court road in London. The fees are much less than the universities.

[PaperPusher]

Or she could go to one that is not on Tottenham Court Road, but has fees of around £5k a year for a degree.

http://www.holborncollege.ac.uk

Fees schedule from the website

She could work full time outside semester time.

By the way the college is an example not an endorsement or plug. Just wanted to point out the cynics that there are decent cheap colleges out there & she could come away with a decent degree at the end - not Irish International University et al

If she is looking at colleges, please check for .ac.uk on the end - not .ac only though! I have other hints - if you are in the UK, go and visit yourself - just turn up unannounced & check it out.

If your girlfriend has three years senior level employment experience, she may be able to get a work permit. It is unlikely that she would qualify easily for the new Tier 2 that will replace work permits uless she gets a high paying job in the UK.

See the UKBA website for more info

She could qualify for a TWES permit to do 2 years of work experience (only one year is granted at a time), and then she could switch to unmarried partner, which needs 2 years of cohabitation ideally, or marriage

It is harder to change TWES permit employment than anything else, so beware if she goes down this route because there are pitfalls!! It needs an employer that can provide a proper work experience programme.

TWES will change soon too though.

Any other ideas anyone?

PP