Belfast

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Immigration Services

Guidance on visas, residency, and other essential immigration processes for newcomers.

Sections

a. Work Visas

  • Skilled Worker Visa: For individuals with a job offer in a skilled occupation from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor.
  • Global Talent Visa: For highly skilled individuals in fields such as science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, and arts.
  • Health and Care Worker Visa: For healthcare professionals with a job offer in the UKโ€™s health or social care sector.
  • Temporary Worker Visas: For short-term work, such as seasonal work or charity work.

b. Study Visas

  • Student Visa: For individuals enrolled in a UK educational institution.
  • Child Student Visa: For children aged 4-17 attending independent schools in the UK.

c. Family Visas

  • For joining family members who are UK citizens or settled in the UK (e.g., spouse, partner, child, parent).

d. Settlement and Citizenship

  • Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): For those who have lived in the UK for a qualifying period and wish to settle permanently.
  • British Citizenship: For those who meet the residency and other requirements to become a UK citizen.

e. Asylum and Refugee Status

  • For individuals seeking protection due to persecution in their home country.

f. Visitor Visas

  • For short-term visits, such as tourism, business, or family visits.

2. Costs of Immigration Services

The costs for immigration services in Belfast depend on the visa type and application. Below are approximate fees (as of 2023):

Visa Application Fees

  • Skilled Worker Visa: ยฃ610โ€“ยฃ1,408 (depending on the length of stay and job type).
  • Student Visa: ยฃ363 (for applications outside the UK).
  • Family Visa: ยฃ1,538 (for applications outside the UK).
  • Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): ยฃ2,404.
  • British Citizenship: ยฃ1,330.

Additional Costs

  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): ยฃ624 per year (reduced to ยฃ470 for students and under-18s).
  • Biometric Enrolment Fee: ยฃ19.20.
  • Priority Processing: ยฃ500โ€“ยฃ800 (optional, for faster processing).

3. Immigration Procedures

The immigration process involves several steps. Hereโ€™s a general guide:

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

  • Identify the visa category that matches your purpose for coming to Belfast (e.g., work, study, family).

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

  • Gather required documents, which may include:
    • Passport or travel document.
    • Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements, sponsorship letters).
    • Certificate of sponsorship (for work visas).
    • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) (for student visas).
    • English language proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS, if required).
    • Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable).

Step 3: Submit Your Application

  • Apply online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.
  • Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (if applicable).

Step 4: Biometric Appointment

  • Book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center to provide fingerprints and a photograph.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

  • Processing times vary:
    • Standard applications: 3โ€“8 weeks.
    • Priority applications: 5โ€“10 working days.

Step 6: Collect Your Visa

  • If approved, youโ€™ll receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport or a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) upon arrival in the UK.

4. Local Site Considerations in Belfast

When navigating immigration services in Belfast, consider the following:

a. Immigration Offices

  • Belfast does not have a dedicated UKVI office for in-person visa applications. Most applications are processed online or at UKVCAS centers.
  • The nearest UKVCAS center is located in Belfast City Centre. Youโ€™ll need to book an appointment for biometric enrolment.

b. Legal Advice and Support

  • For complex cases, consider consulting an immigration solicitor or advisor. Local organizations offering support include:
    • Law Centre NI: Provides free legal advice on immigration and asylum.
    • Northern Ireland Community of Refugees and Asylum Seekers (NICRAS): Offers support for asylum seekers and refugees.

c. Language Support

  • If English is not your first language, translation and interpretation services are available through local community organizations.

d. Cultural Integration

  • Belfast is a welcoming city with a growing multicultural community. Local groups and events can help you integrate and meet others from your home country.

5. Practical Tips for Immigrants in Belfast

  • Housing: Secure accommodation before arrival. Popular areas include Belfast City Centre, South Belfast (e.g., Lisburn Road), and East Belfast.
  • Healthcare: Register with a local GP (General Practitioner) to access free healthcare under the NHS. Youโ€™ll need your BRP and proof of address.
  • Transportation: Belfast has an efficient public transport system, including buses and trains. Consider getting a Translink Smartcard for discounted fares.
  • Banking: Open a UK bank account to manage finances. Youโ€™ll need proof of identity (passport/BRP) and proof of address.

6. Key Contacts and Resources

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to navigate the immigration process in Belfast. If you have specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!