UK Visa news update

   Schengen Visa Success Rates: A Guide for Travelers



Planning a trip to Europe? You’ll likely need a Schengen visa, and securing one can be a stressful process. But some countries within the Schengen area have higher approval rates than others, making them easier for travelers to obtain a visa.

 

Kash Legal Services, a UK immigration lawyer, has compiled a list of the countries with the highest success rates for Schengen visa applications. This data can help you choose your travel destination and potentially streamline the application process.

 

  • Iceland leads the pack with a remarkably low 2.2% rejection rate. This suggests that Iceland is incredibly welcoming to visitors from around the world.

 

  • Switzerland follows closely behind with a 10.7% rejection rate, making it another excellent choice for travelers seeking a higher chance of visa approval.

 

  • Latvia boasts a 11.7% rejection rate, offering a comfortable middle ground for those wanting to experience the Baltic region.

 

  • Italy and Luxembourg both have rejection rates of 12% and 12.7% respectively, solidifying their place as relatively easy countries to secure a Schengen visa.

 

While the rejection rates increase slightly for the following countries, they still offer relatively high chances of approval:

 

  • Lithuania: 12.8%
  • Slovakia: 12.9%
  • Germany: 14.3%
  • Austria: 14.3%
  • Greece: 14.7%

 

Keep in mind that these are general trends and individual circumstances can influence the outcome of your visa application. Factors like your nationality, travel history, and purpose of travel all play a role in the decision.

 

Kash Legal Services offers expert guidance and support for all your UK immigration needs. We can help you navigate the complex world of visa applications, ensuring you have the best possible chance of success.

 

Contact us today for a free consultation

Applying for a British passport

Applying  for a UK passport

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to applying for a UK passport. Whether you’re a first-time applicant, renewing your passport, or in need of expert assistance, we’ve got you covered.

Types of British Passports

  • British Citizen Passport: You can live and work in the UK without any immigration controls. You can apply for a British passport if you were born in the UK or have obtained British citizenship through naturalization or registration.
  • British National (Overseas) Passport: You can hold a British passport but do not have the same rights as a British citizen. This type of nationality is typically for individuals connected to former British colonies.
  • British Overseas Territories Citizen Passport: You have rights associated with a specific British Overseas Territory. You may be able to apply for a British passport, depending on your specific circumstances.
  • British Subject Passport: This type of nationality is for individuals with a close connection to the UK or its territories but without an automatic right to a British passport.
  • British Protected Person Passport: This type of nationality is for individuals who had a connection to a former British Protectorate or Protected State. You can apply for a British passport as a British protected person. 
  • British national (overseas): This type of nationality is for individuals who were British Dependent Territories citizens connected to Hong Kong before 1997. You can apply for a British passport as a British national (overseas).

 Eligibility for a UK Passport

To be eligible for a UK passport, you must hold British nationality. Different types of British nationality correspond to various passport options. Here are some common ways to become a British national:

  • Born in the UK: If you were born in the UK, you may be a British citizen depending on when you were born and your parents’ circumstances. You can check if you’re a British citizen here.
  • Married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen: If you’re married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship if you have lived in the UK for the last 3 years and have indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
  • Have indefinite leave to remain (ILR): If you have ILR, you can usually apply for citizenship after living in the UK for 12 months.
  • Have settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme: If you have settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you can apply for citizenship after living in the UK for 12 months.
  • British parent: If you have a British parent, you may be eligible for citizenship.
  • Another type of British nationality: If you have another type of British nationality, you may be eligible for a UK passport.
  • British overseas territories citizenship: If you have a parent with British overseas territories citizenship, you may be eligible for a UK passport.
  • Stateless: If you are stateless, you may be eligible for a UK passport.
  • Renounced your citizenship: If you previously renounced your British citizenship, you may be eligible to resume it.
  • Special circumstances: Other special circumstances may apply to you, making you eligible for a UK passport.
  • Chagossian descendant: If you are a direct descendant of someone born in British Indian Ocean Territory, you may be eligible for a UK passport.

Application Process

  1. Online Application: Complete the online form on the official UK government website.
  2. Council of Registration (CSR) or Overseas Post: Apply through the Council of Registration or an overseas post if you reside outside the UK.
  3. Counter Signatory: In some cases, you may require a counter signatory to verify your identity.

Required Documents

    1. Proof of Identity: Such as a birth certificate or previous passport.
  • Proof of British Nationality
  1. Recent Photograph: Must adhere to specified guidelines.

 Fees

Fees vary based on the applicant’s age and passport type. For instance:

  • Adult Passports: £88.50 (32 pages) or £100.50 (50 pages).
  • Child Passports: £57.50 (32 pages) or £69.50 (50 pages).

 Passport Renewal

To renew, submit a new application form, current passport, and necessary documents. Renewals can be done online or via mail.

 Emergency Travel Documents

Contact the nearest British embassy or consulate if your passport is lost or stolen during travel.

 Passport Validity

UK passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children.

 Passport Delivery and Collection

Passports are delivered via courier or mail. You can collect them from the application center or have them mailed to you.

 Application Support

For assistance, contact the UK government’s passport advice line or visit a local passport office.

 Application Updates

Keep your contact details updated for timely communication regarding your application.

 Application Rejection or Withdrawal

If your application is rejected, you’ll receive a letter explaining the reason. Correct the issue and reapply if necessary. To withdraw an application, contact the passport advice line.

 First Adult Passport Applications

Required documents vary based on factors such as birth location and parental nationality.

Passport Renewals and Replacements

Provide your most recent passport, complete the application form, and pay the fee.

How to Submit Your Application

Fill out the form, gather required documents, pay the fee, and submit your application.

 Applying for a Passport: Guidance

  • Different passport types
  • What to include with your form
  • Completion guidance and contact details

 Expert Assistance: Kash Legal Services

At Kash Legal Services, our experienced professionals offer expert guidance to ensure a successful UK passport application. Contact us today for assistance.





Adequate Maintenance for UK Visas

Adequate Maintenance for UK Visas: 

At Kash Legal Services, we understand that navigating the complexities of UK visa applications can be challenging. One of the essential aspects of a successful application is demonstrating adequate maintenance. This article will provide a detailed overview of the adequate maintenance test and requirements for UK partner and parent visas.

What is the Adequate Maintenance Test?

The adequate maintenance test is an alternative financial requirement for UK visa applications, primarily for those who receive specific ‘permitted’ benefits. These benefits include Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, and others.

The adequate maintenance test requires applicants and their partners to prove that their combined income, after deducting income tax, National Insurance contributions, and housing costs, is equal to or exceeds the level of Income Support an equivalent British family of their size can receive.

Calculating Adequate Maintenance

The adequate maintenance calculation can be represented as follows:

A – B ≥ C

Where:

A is the net income (after deduction of income tax and National Insurance contributions)

B is housing costs (what needs to be spent on accommodation)

C is the amount of Income Support an equivalent family unit can receive in the UK

To calculate the net income, you can include specific permitted sources, such as:

  • Employment income from a non-specified limited company
  • Income from a specified limited company (employment income and/or dividend income)
  • Cash savings
  • Pension income
  • Self-employment income as a sole trader, in a partnership, or as a franchise
  • Benefit/allowance income from specific sources
  • Non-employment income, such as property rental or dividends from a non-specified limited company

How to Demonstrate Adequate Maintenance

To demonstrate adequate maintenance, applicants must provide the appropriate documents to support their income claims. These documents may include bank statements, payslips, employment contracts, proof of pension income, or evidence of self-employment income.

It is essential to ensure that all documents are accurate, up-to-date, and clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the adequate maintenance requirement.

Seeking Professional Assistance

At Kash Legal Services, we specialize in assisting clients with their UK visa applications, including meeting the adequate maintenance test. Our experienced professionals can help you prepare your application, gather the necessary documents, and ensure that you meet all the financial requirements.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you navigate the complexities of the UK visa application process.