Immigration Advice Service
EU Settlement Scheme deadline
EU nationals and their families living in the UK must apply to the government’s EU settlement scheme by 30th June in order to be granted settled status or pre-settled status. See our page Status of EU nationals and their family members for more information, or contact RCN Direct on 0345 772 6100 to be referred to our Immigration Advice Service if you are still concerned about your status in the UK.
COVID-19 update
The Government announced measures that will assist some medical staff currently residing in the UK under Tier 2 visas. The announcements covers the following:
- Tier 2 residents and additional hours in a second Job (if the second job is with the NHS)
- Booking appointments at the UK Visas and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)
- Visa extensions. Visas that expire between 1st October 2020 and 31st March 2021 can now be extended for one year free of charge
For more information, please read the full government announcement: Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents. If you're still concerned about your status in the UK, please contact the Immigration Advice Service.
What we can advise you on:
- Skilled Worker Visa (formally called the Tier 2 (General) visa)
- Tier 4 (Student Visa) and Tier 5 (Temporary Worker)
- Points based system dependants
- Changing or extending your current visa
- Applications based on marriage/civil partnership
- European Settled Status Scheme Applications
- British citizenship
- Human Rights Claims
- Refugee Settlement Applications
- Home office refusal on an application to remain in the UK
We do not provide advice and assistance with asylum applications. We can assist with finding accredited advisors who will be able to assist with asylum claims.
How to book an appointment
If you're an RCN member needing advice on immigration matters, contact the RCN on 0345 772 6100 and press option 2. (Lines are open 8:30am - 5pm on weekdays, and 9am - 4pm on weekends.)
We're also available via live chat or email.
Appeals and visa applications
Our solicitors will be able to assist with preparing and representation on immigration appeals.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is central to the service we offer. Any information concerning clients of the service, including whether or not they have contacted the service, will remain confidential to the service.
No information will be passed to any outside organisation or individual, or to other staff or members of the RCN, without the client's specific request or explicit permission to do so. For more information about our obligations under the Data Protection Act 1998, please refer to the RCN’s Data Protection Officer at RCN HQ.
Our solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Further information
You can also get help on a range of workplace issues.
Health Surcharge
Find out more about the increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge on our FAQ page.
General immigration advice
Bank accounts, driving licences, right to work, health charges, removals from the UK, appeal rights & administrative review
Health and Care Visas and the Immigration Health Surcharge FAQ
FAQs on the Health and Care Visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge
Biometric Residence Permit cards (BRP)
BRP cards, applications, how to transfer indefinite leave, costs and biometric enrolment
Status of EU nationals
Advice for EU or EEA nationals on current rights and applying for residency
The Windrush Scheme
Advice on the Windrush Scheme, how it works, and how to apply
UKVCAS
Advice on the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service
ILR applications
People residing in the UK with Limited Leave to Remain can apply for Indefinite leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 or 10 years continuous residence. To check if you can apply, see the Home Office website.
Landlord Immigration status checks
Our Immigration Advice Service is here to support and assist RCN members who are required to produce evidence of their right to enter into a tenancy agreement.
Language requirements
Advice on the English language requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain and British citizenship
NMC requirements for Overseas Nurses
Advice on NMC requirements for overseas nurses wanting to join the register
Preparing for IELTS, OET and OSCE exams
Resources and useful links to help you prepare for your exams
We're here for you
If you're an RCN member needing advice on immigration matters, contact the RCN on 0345 772 6100 (open 8:30am-5pm on weekdays, and 9-4pm on weekends). We're also available via live chat or email.
