Easter Egg Decoration at Lisa’s Law!

Here at Lisa’s Law we like to have some fun as well as work hard, and the Easter holiday was a perfect chance for us to enjoy ourselves. For our Spring Event we usually get together as a team and do something as a group, like go for a meal or take part in an activity such as bowling. We are lucky in that we are also friends as well as work colleagues.

Due to COVID restrictions still being in place, we decided that Easter Egg decorating from home was a good compromise and would give everyone a chance to show off their creative sides!

Here are some of our Easter creations!

Leanne got very creative with her Egg, choosing to transform it into a minion! Very clever indeed!

Mandy M, Surveyn, and Felix got very colourful with their designs!

Ding’s Egg dated back to pre-historic times, as you can tell by the dinosaur!

Liu’s egg is trying to hide!

Zody from our marketing team clearly has an artistic mind, as she used her egg to create an impressive self-portrait!

Shanshan, Mandy C, Monica, and Victoria all presented their eggs very nicely! Some more fantastic creativity shown here!

Luke and Shannon from the marketing team get thumbs up for their Eggs!

Cissi had some help with her egg from a four-legged friend!

And Michael has help from his very young daughter!

Anne and Salina’s eggs are very stylish indeed, what great additions!

Hassen, Yitong, Dalian, Connie and Rosa got into the Easter spirit this year!

We hope you enjoyed seeing our Easter Eggs as much as we enjoyed decorating them. In these challenging times it is important to take some time to relax and unwind, and this Spring event gave us the chance to do exactly that!

Have questions? We are operating as usual!

We are ready to provide you with a fantastic legal service and there are many ways for you to contact us!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

Or, download our free app! You can launch an enquiry, scan over documents, check progress on your case and much more!

Links to download below:

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lisas-law/id1503174541?ls=1

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lisaslaw

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We are growing! Say hello to our new staff members!

Despite the challenges the past year has brought with it, we have continued to grow and develop here at Lisa’s Law. We have a dedicated team of professionals who have truly adapted and thrived, providing their clients with the same excellent service that they have come to expect from us.

We are thrilled to have recently welcomed two new excellent additions into our ranks, who have already settled in brilliantly and shown themselves to be fantastic team players!

Welcome to Connie!

Connie joins us as an Office Administrator and has already made her mark with her fantastic organisational skills and top notch work ethic. She has a BA in Cultural Studies from Lingnan University in Hong Kong. Connie is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese.

Our client list is growing steadily and Connie is playing an essential role in making sure everything continues to run smoothly and efficiently. We are so glad to have her on board!

Welcome to Teresa!

Teresa has joined us as a Paralegal and has already established herself as a hardworking and knowledge individual. She has a BA in English for professional communication from Chu Hai College in Hong Kong. She then completed the GDL and LPC at BPP university.

Teresa previously worked as a legal assistant for Ola Leslie for 1 year and most recently legal document reviewer for Integreon. She is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese.

We are thrilled to have Teresa join us and look forward to seeing her grow and develop during her legal career!

Have questions? We are operating as usual!

We are ready to provide you with a fantastic legal service and there are many ways for you to contact us!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

Or, download our free app! You can launch an enquiry, scan over documents, check progress on your case and much more!

Links to download below:

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lisas-law/id1503174541?ls=1

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lisaslaw

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Trainee Solicitor Contract for Stephanie Chiu!

It is with great excitement that we can now announce that Stephanie Chiu has been offered a Trainee Solicitor contract with Lisa’s Law and has taken a massive step forwards in her legal career!

Since joining us as a paralegal back in November 2019, Stephanie has been a hardworking and dedicated member of the team, and her brilliant work ethic has lead her from strength to strength here at our firm. She has consistently displayed a high level of knowledge and has handled all of her cases with the utmost professionalism.

Stephanie has mainly worked as part of our conveyancing team, but has shown herself to be adaptable and very quick to learn.

Well done Stephanie, we can tell you have a bright future ahead of you and are thrilled to have you as an official Trainee Solicitor here at Lisa’s Law!

We are open as usual!

We are ready to provide you with a fantastic legal service and there are many ways for you to contact us!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

Or, download our free app! You can launch an enquiry, scan over documents, check progress on your case and much more!

Links to download below:

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lisas-law/id1503174541?ls=1

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lisaslaw

lisaslaw@web

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New Skilled Worker Visa route expands recruitment pool! What does this mean for employers?

The rules for the Skilled Worker visa route will allow for more potential applicants to come and work in the UK, meaning more choice for employers looking to bring new talent to their companies. One of the main differences between the previous Tier 2 General visa and the Skilled Worker visa is in the level of qualification needed for the jobs in question. The drop from needing a RQF6 level qualification (equivalent to degree level) to a RQF3 level qualification (equivalent to A-level) certainly widens the doorway into the country for potential workers.

What do these more lenient requirements mean for people looking to bolster their workforce from abroad?

Points based System

This Skilled Worker route is based around points that the employee must earn before they can have a successful application. They need to earn 70 points and can attain them by achieving the below:

The mandatory requirements must be completed, which will get the applicant 50 points, the remaining 20 points can be made up from any of the tradeable options.

Available roles

As stated above, the amount of roles which can now potentially be filled by overseas nationals has been increased due to the lowering of required qualification. However, this does not mean that all roles are now up for grabs. The full list is available here, and as you can see when it comes to IT roles, and the majority of office type roles, it is positions of at least mid-level stature that employers can recruit for.

As we can see from the above table, employers can play a part in the success of workers applications. For example, let’s say that a worker meets the top three mandatory requirements after being offered a position at a marketing firm. As long as the employer is happy to pay that worker the going rate of that position (but no less than £25,600), then the application should be a success and the employer will have their new worker.

Alternatively, if the worker will not be paid this wage initially, but they have a PhD in a relevant subject, such as a marketing PhD, they will earn an extra 10 points. The employer in this case could pay the worker slightly less than the going rate, worth an additional 10 points, therefore making up the 20 needed points.

How do you sponsor a worker?

You must assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the worker so they can make a successful immigration application. In most cases, you will have to pay a fee to assign a CoS and (in the case of Skilled Workers and Intra-Company Workers), pay the Immigration Skills Charge.

The role you are recruiting for must be included in the Skilled Worker Occupation List. There are certain circumstances that must be taken into account when arranging the sponsorship of an employee from overseas, such as the amount of money they will be paid and the type of role they will fulfil.

Payment of workers

If you are sponsoring a worker on the Skilled Worker or Intra-Company routes, you must pay them at least the minimum salary specified for that route, or the going rate (or, in some cases, a proportion of the going rate) for the occupation, whichever is the higher. The going rates for all roles on the Skilled Worker route are listed here.

English language

Anyone who you want to employ must be able to speak English to a good standard, which is lower than a B1 level by the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), as this is one of the non-negotiable requirements for the employee.

Right to work checks

You must check that any worker you wish to employ has permission to enter or stay in the UK and can do the work in question before they start working for you. This applies even if the worker is, or appears to be, a British citizen or other settled worker. If you fail to carry out a right to work check, you may be liable for a civil penalty under illegal working legislation

Can workers bring dependants?

Skilled workers are able to bring dependants. Dependants are spouses, partners and children (below the age of 18 at point of entry), and their application is linked to that of the main applicant.

In most cases dependants have near full access to the UK labour market and can work at any skill level. School age children accompanying a migrant are entitled to a state education. Dependants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Like skilled workers, after five years on skilled worker dependent visa, they may also be eligible to apply for settlement.

What do we think?

We are always of the opinion that the more people given the chance to come and work in the UK, the better the outcome for the country as a whole and for the individual workers. We see the lowering of the threshold of qualification as a positive move and one that will lead to a wider variety of people coming and filling various roles in the UK. In terms of employers, this development can only be a good thing. It will open up more options in order to find the right person for the job.

However, we will wait and see the reality of this Skilled Worker routes and see how it plays out for employers and workers alike. We remain optimistic for now.

Have questions? We are operating as usual!

We are ready to provide you with a fantastic legal service and there are many ways for you to contact us!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

Or, download our free app! You can launch an enquiry, scan over documents, check progress on your case and much more!

Links to download below:

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lisas-law/id1503174541?ls=1

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lisaslaw

lisaslaw@web

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More reasonable Skilled Worker visa requirements brought in! What does this mean for the catering industry and its potential employers?

People wanting to come and work in the UK, and those employers who want to recruit from overseas, are more likely to be able to do so under the Skilled Worker visa route rules. Whereas before applicants would only be considered if they were offered a role in the UK listed under the Level 6 (RQF6) skill bracket as part of the previous Tier 2 Visa, the updated rules instead require a Level 3 (RQF3) or above role as the minimum.

To put this into perspective, Level 6 role equates to a job where having degree or graduate diploma is necessary, while Level 3 is the equivalent to a job which requires A-levels. This will open a lot of doors to people who were previously denied the option of coming to work in the UK based solely on qualifications. It creates a larger pool for employers to recruit from.

The system will rely on a points based scheme, whereby applicants must earn 70 points in order to have a successful application. Points are earned by having certain credentials, passing an English language test, and having a job offer from a relevant sponsor. Some points are mandatory and others are tradeable.

One of the major sources of employment in the UK is the catering industry. Now that there is a light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to COVID-19, as more and more people are getting vaccinated, we expect the catering industry to experience a big influx of new workers, as the general public will be keen to get into bars and restaurants again.

So what do these Skilled Worker requirements mean for the catering industry, those who want to work in it and employers looking to recruit from overseas?

What jobs in catering meet RQF3?

As listed in the government guidance here, there are a variety of roles within the catering industry that meet the Level 3 requirement, which employers can look to bring into to their business on the Skilled Worker route. These include Restaurant Managers, Fast Food Restaurant Managers, Assistant Restaurant Managers, in establishments that can seat at least 80 customers at once. Others such as Catering managers, Bar managers, Banqueting managers, Hotel food and beverage managers may also qualify.

Also, Chef roles which require three or more years’ experience are also included in the Level 3 skill bracket.

When it comes to Waiters and Waitresses it will only be the Heads of staff that qualify, and again it will only be where they have an offer from an establishment that can sit at least 80 customers at once.

As an employer in the catering industry, who can I hire from overseas?

The roles listed above are all possible options for an employer in the catering industry to recruit from overseas. Let’s say someone owns a restaurant and is looking to employ new members to their team. There are a few possible options available within the new Skilled Worker route. They could hire a restaurant manager, and if they were happy to pay that manager the going rate of £21,000 per year, there would be little in the way of the Skilled Worker visa being approved. This is provided that the person wanting to take on the role meet the mandatory requirements laid out in the section below.

Another potential position that a restaurateur could recruit overseas for would be a Chef, as long as the position required 3 years training, such as a Head Chef position.

It is important to note that the roles are mostly managerial positions, or positions in which the person carrying out the job will have a good amount of experience. A young person starting out as a waiter will likely not be approved for the Skilled Worker visa, whereas an experienced Head Waiter with a sponsorship offer from a large restaurant which can seat at least 80 people may be successful if all requirements are met.

Let’s look at the requirements

As set out in the Policy Statement published on 19 February, anyone coming to the UK for work, including EU citizens, will need to demonstrate they meet a specific set of requirements for which they will score points. It is important that employers take note of these requirements. There is no overall cap on the number who can apply for this Skilled Worker route.

The applicant must meet the following mandatory criteria in addition to passing the relevant UK criminality checks:

The applicant must have an offer of a job from a licensed sponsor.

The job must be at or above the minimum skill level: RQF3 level or equivalent (A-level or equivalent qualification). Workers will not need to hold a formal qualification. It is the skill level of the job they will be doing which is important.

The applicant must speak English to a level which is no lower than B1 level under the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Tradeable points

After achieving the above mandatory requirements, the applicant will have amassed 50 points. In the UK’s points based system, 70 points is the required amount to be granted the Skilled Worker visa.

While this article is specifically focussing on the catering industry, the table below lists out all of the relevant tradable points available to applicants. Some are more relevant than others to the catering industry.

So as we can tell from the table above, once an applicant hoping to come and work in the catering industry they may make up the extra 20 points if their proposed salary meets the going rate of that specific role. Alternatively, if they are a new entrant to the labour market, this can also earn them the important 20 extra points.

What do we think?

In general, we believe this system is positive and will allow for more people to come to the UK and flourish. We are positive that business owners in the industry will be pleased that there is a larger amount of options for them when recruiting from overseas. However, focussing on catering alone, there is potentially some room for improvement. For example, the extra tradable points are mainly salary dependant, whereas in other areas there are chances to earn the points through academic achievement or taking on a role on the Shortage Occupation List. However, we understand that their does have to be some restrictions on who can come to work.

We will be doing further articles on the Skilled Worker route focussing on alternative industries, so make sure you keep an eye out for upcoming blogs!

Have questions? We are operating as usual!

We are ready to provide you with a fantastic legal service and there are many ways for you to contact us!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

Or, download our free app! You can launch an enquiry, scan over documents, check progress on your case and much more!

Links to download below:

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lisas-law/id1503174541?ls=1

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lisaslaw

lisaslaw@web

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Looking for the next stage in your legal career? From Paralegals, to Solicitors and Supervisors, we are now hiring!

We have some fantastic roles available in our busy, London based law firm. Despite the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought, business has continued to grow here at Lisa’s Law and we are pleased to say that now is a good time to recruit some new team members!

Working at Lisa’s Law

Lisa’s Law is a forward-thinking, modern law firm. We value each member of the team highly and welcome their contributions and ideas. Career development is of paramount importance to us. We endeavour to create a relaxing and friendly work environment and provide every opportunity for colleagues to learn, develop and lead.

Now is a great time to join us! So, what positions are on offer?

All positions will be full-time and based at our offices in the SE1 area, near Elephant and Castle station, and Waterloo station. Working from home can also be discussed during the application process.

Solicitor and Paralegal roles:

We are looking for qualified solicitors or experienced paralegals with experience of handling a wide range of legal matters in Immigration, Litigation and or Conveyancing. They would be of a commercial mind-set with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal and possess the skills and potential to contribute to our growing success.

Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:

Manage your own caseload.

Provide a high-quality legal service to clients.

Meet and interview clients and take clients’ instruction.

Advise clients on the law and legal issues relating to their case.

Supervise junior paralegals, trainees and legal assistants.

Draft documents, letters and contracts tailored to client’s need.

Keep up to date with changes and developments in the law.

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:

Excellent English and Chinese language skills both verbal and written.

At least 3 years’ experience in Immigration, Litigation and or Conveyancing.

Proven ability to manage a large caseload and work to tight deadlines.

Good attention to detail and personal organisation skills.

Salary between £30,000 and £50,000 dependent on experience.

To apply for this role email your CV and cover letter to a.dalipe@lisaslaw.co.uk or apply through this link.

Chinese Speaking Conveyancer

We are looking for candidates with experience of handling a wide range of commercial and residential conveyancing matters including freehold and leasehold conveyancing, landlord advice and disputes, land disputes and joint ownership. They would be of a commercial mind-set with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal and possess the skills and potential to contribute to our growing success.

Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:

Manage your own caseload.

Provide a high-quality legal service to all clients.

Meet and interview clients and take clients’ instruction.

Advise clients on the law and legal issues relating to their case.

Supervise junior paralegals, trainees and legal assistants.

Draft documents, letters and contracts tailored to client’s need.

Keep up to date with changes and developments in the law.

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:

Excellent English and Chinese language skills both verbal and written.

At least 3-years’ experience handling commercial and residential conveyancing matters.

Proven ability to work under heavy workload and to tight deadlines.

Experience of handling large caseloads.

Good attention to detail and personal organisation skills.

Salary between £25,000 and £50,000 dependent on experience.

To apply for this role email your CV and cover letter to a.dalipe@lisaslaw.co.uk or apply through this link.

Immigration Supervisor

We are looking to recruit an experienced immigration supervisor with extensive experience of handling a wide range of immigration matters. They would be of a commercial mind-set with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal and possess the skills to contribute to our growing success.

Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:

Develop, market and grow the immigration department.

Day to Day supervision of the immigration department ensuring that they maintain high standard of service; maintain practice standards; resolve any compliance matters; meet expected targets.

Provide regular updates and internal training to the immigration department.

Identify new business opportunities.

Optimise and streamline the department’s procedures.

Stay up-to-date with the latest relevant legislation and policy changes.

Conduct regular file reviews of all immigration colleagues.

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:

Excellent Chinese language skills both verbal and written is preferable.

Extensive experience in appeal, JR, bail, EEA, PBS and HR applications.

At least 3 years’ supervisory experience.

Proven ability to work under heavy workload and to tight deadlines.

Good attention to detail and personal organisation skills.

Salary £70,000+, dependant on experience.

To apply for this role email your CV and cover letter to a.dalipe@lisaslaw.co.uk or apply through this link.

Litigation Supervisor

We are looking to recruit an experienced Litigation supervisor who is a three year post qualified solicitor with extensive experience of handling a wide range of contentious issues including commercial, civil and property litigation. They would be of a commercial mind-set with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal and possess the skills to contribute to our growing success.

Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:

Develop, market and grow the Litigation department.

Day to day supervision of the Litigation department ensuring that they maintain high standard of service; maintain practice standards; resolve any compliance matters; meet expected targets.

Provide regular updates and internal training to the Litigation department.

Identify new business opportunities.

Optimise and streamline the department’s procedures.

Stay up-to-date with the latest relevant legislation and policy changes.

Conduct regular file reviews of all immigration colleagues

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:

Excellent Mandarin language skills both verbal and written is preferable.

Extensive experience in handling Litigation cases.

At least 3 years’ supervisory experience.

Proven ability to work under heavy workload and to tight deadlines.

Good attention to detail and personal organisation skills.

Salary £70,000+, dependant on experience.

To apply for this role email your CV and cover letter to a.dalipe@lisaslaw.co.uk or apply through this link.

Have questions? We are operating as usual!

We are ready to provide you with a fantastic legal service and there are many ways for you to contact us!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

Or, download our free app! You can launch an enquiry, scan over documents, check progress on your case and much more!

Links to download below:

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lisas-law/id1503174541?ls=1

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lisaslaw

lisaslaw@web

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Child abuse laws finally expanded: Sports coaches and faith leaders to face the same consequences as teachers and doctors.

Some important developments are being made to the the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which was introduced to Parliament on 9th March 2021. It is likely to become law very shortly.

One key part of the bill is about child abuse. It has widened the definition of positions of trust to include sports coaches and faith leaders and hence expanded the law in this area substantially.

Up until now, the Sexual Offences Act has made it illegal for people in professions such as teaching or doctor roles to engage in sexual activity with a person under the age of 18, even if that person over the age of consent (being 16 years in the UK). However, it has not been the case when the perpetrator is in the position of a sports coach or faith leader. This may come as a surprise, as these people are clearly in similar positions but have been treated differently when it comes to the sexual abuse of children.

Finally, after many years of campaigning, these laws will now be adapted so that everyone is treated the same when it comes to this crime.

Positions of trust

The law is being widened to prevent adults in ‘positions of trust’ from engaging in sexual relationships with young people under the age of 18, bringing sports coaches and religious leaders in line with other occupations such as teachers and doctors. Of course, the concern is that people in these positions may use their position to groom younger people. This could lead to serious cases of abuse.

It has been through, in part, the hard work of Baroness Grey-Thompson and MPs Sarah Champion and Tracey Crouch who have been fighting to get this law updated for over five years.

All three women have seen the terrible effects of abuse within the communities they serve, and believe that the change in law will help to prevent children being coerced into inappropriate relationships.

A landmark victory

This change to the law is rightfully being hailed as a major win by many charities and bodies that support children. Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said:

“This landmark step sends a clear message that children and young people can return to the extracurricular activities they love without being at risk of grooming by the very adults they should look to for support and guidance.”

Legal definitions of sexual abuse of children

Sexual abuse occurs when a child is made to take part in any kind of sexual activities, whether or not they know what’s happening and whether or not there is a threat of violence. It may involve:

physical contact, for example, inappropriate touching or sexual assault

non-contact activities, such as showing children pornographic images or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet)

using young people in prostitution. All young people under 18 used in prostitution are victims of child sexual abuse

Past cases

This change to the law has been a long time coming, as abuse within sporting circles has been in and around the news for many years.

Back in 2018 there was a large investigation into the world of UK sport in which over 80 coaches were convicted of child sexual abuse. The most high-profile case involved former Crewe coach Barry Bennell, who was jailed for 31 years at Liverpool Crown Court for 50 counts of child sexual abuse between 1979 and 1991.

Other laws amended

The expansion of child abuse laws is one aspect of multiple new measures proposed by the Government in its Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which was introduced to Parliament on 9^th March 2021.

Other provisions in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill include:

The possibility of Whole Life Orders for the premeditated murder of a child, as well as to 18 to 20-year-olds in exceptional cases such as for acts of terrorism which result in the mass loss of life.

Killer drivers may be given life sentences and new powers to stop automatic release halfway through a sentence for serious violent and sexual offenders.

New court orders to help reduce knife crime and make it easier for police to stop and search those they suspect of carrying a knife.

More serious punishments for the criminal damage of a memorial, with the maximum penalty set to increase from three months to 10 years.

What do we think?

We agree wholeheartedly with the change to the child abuse laws, and we are of the opinion that they should have been changed many years ago. We hope that cases of abuse will fall due to these new laws and that young people can take part in sports and religious activities without having to worry about the adults involved acting in inappropriate ways towards them.

Have questions? We are operating as usual!

We are ready to provide you with a fantastic legal service and there are many ways for you to contact us!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

Or, download our free app! You can launch an enquiry, scan over documents, check progress on your case and much more!

Links to download below:

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lisas-law/id1503174541?ls=1

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lisaslaw

lisaslaw@web

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Graduate Visa – Eligibility, application process and more.

The recent changes to the immigration rules included some more details regarding a visa type that has plenty of interest around it: the Graduate Visa. This visa promises to allow the brightest and best from around the world to look for work in the UK after completing their studies, but who exactly is eligible for the visa and what does it mean once they are accepted on to it?

When does the Graduate visa route open?

As the Home Office’s Change of Statements on 4^th March 2021 states, this route is open to applications from 1^st July 2021. Graduates will be able to send in their applications then.

How long does the visa last for?

The visa will last for 2 years for graduates who have a degree below PhD level, but for those who do have a PhD the visa will last for 3 years.

Who can apply?

International students must have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider, with a track record of compliance with the government’s immigration requirements to apply to the Graduate route. Professional degrees such as the GDL and LPC courses also count towards eligibility, as do the PGCE courses taken by future teachers.

It should be noted that applicants do not need to be awarded their degree certificates before submitting their application. As soon as their course providers can confirm that they have successfully completed all the compulsory courses and are due to be awarded their degrees, it will suffice.

The applicants do not have to have a job offer in place to apply for this route, as it is an unsponsored route. This will be good news for many people who want the chance to find work here in the UK but have not done so yet. There is no specific amount of money that the applicant must be earning either.

All the documentation and information associated with most visa routes will still apply, such as providing necessary travel documents, biometric information and paying the Immigration Health Charge.

No maintenance requirements

Unlike many other types of visas, the graduate route does not request applicants to provide financial documents to prove that they are able to maintain themselves and their dependants adequately without resort to public funds.

This could be due to the fact that all the applicants should have completed their degree courses and lived here for 12 months or more, which itself is evidence that they are able to live in the UK without public funds.

This is clearly a relief for all the applicants.

Where must they apply from?

It is important to note that all applications for the Graduate visa must be made from within the UK. So, once the applicants have finished with their studies, it would make sense for them to apply for the Graduate visa without returning to their home country.

The applicant must have previously held a Tier 4 or Student Visa and transfer directly from a Student Visa to a Graduate Visa.

Applicants are not permitted to have previously held a Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES) or similar graduate visa route before making the new application.

What can those on the Graduate visa do?

They will be able to look for work in the UK, or indeed work a job once they have found on and been accepted a role. They are also able to study further if they choose so without having to apply for a separate student visa.

Dependents on the Graduate visa

Only existing dependants who are already in the UK will be allowed to remain with the applicant on this visa type, meaning that people will not be able to come and join the graduate if they are accepted, but those already with them will be able to stay. Children born in the UK will be allowed to remain, even if they are born after the initial visa application.

COVID-19 Extension

International students starting in the Autumn 2020 who are affected by the pandemic, will be eligible to apply for Graduate Visa after completing their degree program, provided they are able to return to the UK by June 21, 2021 (if they are still “learning at a distance” outside the country). This date has been extended by approximately two and a half months from April 6.

Alternatively, for applicants who started their courses in January or February 2021, they must be in the UK by September 27, 2021.

Potential refusal?

Issues of Administrative Review may arise where an applicant is refused the visa due to he or she not completing an eligible course at UK higher education provider, for instance if the institution is not accredited to award a degree in the UK. On another hand, it may be an issue that the UK provider or the applicant does not have a track record of compliance with government’s immigration requirements. Hence, the refusal.

Administrative Review (AR) offers the applicant the opportunity to request a review, if he or she believes that all the facts have not been considered regarding their application. It also offers the Home Office the opportunity to look at the applicants grounds of appealing/requesting AR against the Home Office’s reasons for refusal.

What do we think?

We are pleased to see that this Graduate visa is finally coming together, after first being announced in September 2019! To be optimistic, we hope this route will offer many bright individuals the chance to flourish in the UK and build successful careers for themselves. On paper, the application process looks fairly straight forward, if the Home Office can hold up their end of the deal and the applications are considered fairly and with the graduates’ best interest at heart, this route could be very beneficial for everyone involved.

Have questions? We are operating as usual!

We are ready to provide you with a fantastic legal service and there are many ways for you to contact us!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

Or, download our free app! You can launch an enquiry, scan over documents, check progress on your case and much more!

Links to download below:

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lisas-law/id1503174541?ls=1

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lisaslaw

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Shortage Occupation List, Graduate visa, and Global Talent visa routes updated in latest changes to the Immigration Rules.

The Home Office announced its first Statements of Changes to the Immigration Rules in 2021 on 4^th March 2021.

As many will know, the Immigration Rules are used to regulate peoples entry into, and permission to stay in, the United Kingdom. Like any ruleset, it must be updated to factor in any changes of circumstance and make sure the rules serve their purpose in the best possible way.

In the latest Statements of Changes, amongst other amendments, those made to the Shortage Occupation List, the Graduate visa and Global Talent routes are worth paying attention to.

Graduate route to open to international students on 1 July 2021

One exciting update is that the new Graduate route will open for applications on 1 July 2021. This will allow many bright applicants from around the world to flourish in the UK after their studies are completed.

International students must have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider, with a track record of compliance with the government’s immigration requirements to apply to the Graduate route. Students on the Graduate route will be able to work or look for work after their studies for a maximum period of 2 years, or 3 years for Doctoral students.

This is highly positive for both the applicants as well as the businesses who will have the chance to recruit from this new pool of graduates. Having more talent available in the UK will help drive the economy in the right direction.

Also, the Graduate route will be unsponsored, meaning applicants will not need a job offer to apply for the route. Applicants do not have to worry about salary requirements either, as there are no specific amount they must earn. Graduates who make it on to this route will be able to work flexibly, switch jobs and develop their career as required.

Applicants who began their studies in Autumn 2020 will now have until 21 June 2021 to enter the UK (updated from 6 April 2021) in order to be eligible for the Graduate route. Students who began their studies in January or February 2021 will need to be in the UK by 27 September 2021.

We will provide more details on the graduate route very shortly as to its eligibility, residence and suitability requirements, how to apply and which dependant can apply.

Global Talent Visa – Prizes over Endorsements

The Global Talent category is for talented and promising individuals in the fields of science, digital technology and arts and culture wishing to work in the UK. ‘Talent’ applicants are already leaders in their respective field, while ‘promise’ applicants have shown the potential to become leaders in their field.

One major part of this route is that the applicants need to be endorsed by a pre-approved body, such as a research facility or a University. The updated version of the Immigration Rules now state that where an applicant has been awarded a prestigious prize, they may be able to bypass this endorsement phase. Essentially, the prize will be subbed in for the endorsement.

Not all prizes will be considered prestigious enough to warrant the bypass. For this purpose, the Home Office has published a list of prestigious prizes in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes, which will be updated by the Home Office from time to time.

The Shortage Occupation List sees new additions

The Shortage Occupation List and eligible occupations are being revised, following a report published by the Migration Advisory Committee on 29 September 2020.

Health services and public health managers and directors;

Residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors;

Pharmacists;

Health professionals not elsewhere classified (the MAC recommended this occupation be recognised as a shortage occupation in Wales and the Government is expanding this to include the rest of the UK);

Physiotherapists;

Laboratory technicians (including those not in the health and care sectors);

Nursing auxiliaries and assistants;

Senior care workers.

In the meantime, chef has been removed from the list.

One benefit for an occupation to be on the Shortage Occupation List is that applicants relying on them can trade it for 20 points to meet the compulsory 70 points in their application.

In addition to the above, the Statements of Changes also contains the following changes as well:

applicants currently on a visa as a domestic servant in the UK in a private household can apply for 2 years leave to remain if they have been received a conclusive ground notice from the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) that they are a victim of modern slavery and apply for such leave within 28 days of receiving such notice;

some EEA nationals and their family members will be able to apply for visa or family permit under the EUSS settlement scheme even after the current deadline of 1^st July 2021 in certain circumstances

the Home Office starts charging fees for administrative reviews for visa applications made from overseas.

What do we think?

The Home Office first announced its graduate route in September 2019, which has caused so much speculation. Despite the current Covid-19, this statement should have been published much earlier to avoid any unnecessary speculation and confusion.

Although it is positive that applicants for global talent visa who have received prestigious awards can finally bypass the endorsement requirement, it is difficult to understand the restriction that domestic servant visa holder will have to continue to work as domestic servant after they have been granted 2-year visa as victims of modern slavery.

Has the Home Office ever thought that such applicants could one day fall into victims of modern slavery again?

Have questions? We are operating as usual!

We are ready to provide you with a fantastic legal service and there are many ways for you to contact us!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

Or, download our free app! You can launch an enquiry, scan over documents, check progress on your case and much more!

Links to download below:

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lisas-law/id1503174541?ls=1

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lisaslaw

lisaslaw@web

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Lisa’s Law App – Your Online Solicitors!

Mobile App

You may be aware that Lisa’s Law has its very own mobile app available on both iPhone and Android smart phones as well as tablets, which you can download for free on the App Store and Google Play. Just search for ‘Lisas Law’ and it will come up!

Or, find the links below:

iPhone version.

Android version.

On this app clients new and old can launch a New Enquiry with us by filling out a simple and quick form, which will be sent directly to us – it couldn’t be easier!

Once the case is underway clients can keep up with all the developments using the Check Your Case function. They will know exactly what stage their case is at in seconds, with a touch of a button.

Getting important information over to us has been streamlined as well, with the innovative Scan Document function. Clients will be able to scan multiple documents at a time, hit one button to convert them into pdf format, then one more button to send them directly to us. It’s so simple!

How to use our app

Simple and Efficient

These are the key attributes of the app. Its purpose is to allow for easier instruction for the client, and faster high quality legal service from our caseworkers.

The following are instructions on how to use the functions of the app once you have downloaded it onto your device:

This is the homepage of the app, where you can see its main functions:

New Enquiry – this is where you can start instructing us from scratch.

Check your case – this is where you can follow progress of an existing case.

Scan Document – this is where you can :scan and send over documents that are needed for your case.

Contact us – this is where you can find our other contact options.

About us – this is where you can read some information about our firm and our staff.

New enquiry:

Simply click into the New Enquiry tab, and you will be faced with this very simple form.

All you have to do is fill out your personal details, and then give a brief outline of your case.

It is vital you give us contact information with which we will be able to get through to you.

This information will then be sent to a monitored inbox, and one of our specialist caseworkers will get back to you with a swift reply.

Check Your Case:

This is available once you have begun a case with us. You will be able to login to Osprey with details from us, and follow the progress of your case, no matter where you are, with the click of a button.

Scan Document:

This is a very important part of the app, and it is integral that it is used correctly.

To scan a document, lay the document out flat so that it is easy to read.

Then click the button with the cross at the bottom right of the screen. This will open your phone camera.

You will then be able to take pictures of the documents, one after the other. Please scan them in chronological order, making sure the information has been properly included.

Once you have scanned the documents, hit the PDF button, which will bind them together into PDF format.

Once you’ve done this, press the envelope symbol. This will then prompt you to enter your full name or case number if you have one. It is vital you enter this correctly.

Once you have done this, will be able to send everything through to our Documentation Inbox safely and securely.

Download the app today, specialist legal advice is just a click away.

Of course, we are here to support you every step of the way, so please get in contact if you need any help at all using the app. Our main concern is client satisfaction

Ask Lisa

Join the wide range of clients already using Ask Lisa! By simply clicking on the Ask Lisa icon in our websites homepage, the user will be faced with a very simple form into which they can write down whatever legal issue they need help with.

This will be sent to a specifically created email inbox and answered extremely swiftly by a member of our team. Quick, effective legal advice at your fingertips.

See for yourself here.

More ways to stay connected with us?

Email into info@lisaslaw.co.uk, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn!

lisaslaw@web

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