Schengen visa update

Summer madness - Swiss Schengen visa offer

SmoothMigration has been chosen by the Swiss Embassy to deal directly with Swiss Schengen visa postal applications and to celebrate we are announcing a special offer! Until July 31st we are able to offer a Swiss Schengen visa for £90 inclusive of the Consular application! So if you are planning a business or leisure trip make sure you speak to us and take advantage of the very special offer!

French Schengen visa changes

At the beginning of May the French Embassy introduced changes to the rules and regulations on French Schengen visa applications. If individuals have a current Schengen visa they are no longer able to apply for a new one until the existing valid visa has expired. Individuals also must now obtain a direct fax or email from each of the hotels that they are staying at during their trip; this is to act as confirmation of their bookings.

Contact Smooth on 0845 644 1871 for assistance with Schengen visas.

Tier 2 visa extensions

UK employers currently employing non-EU workers on original Work Permits and, who require extensions on these in the near future, need to be aware that the current UKBA processing time for employer licences is 12 weeks. It is therefore pertinent that UK employers wishing to apply for such extensions for their employees submit their licence applications in a timely manner, to ensure that these are processed before existing Work Permits expire. Failure to obtain a licence before the individuals current Work Permit expires will result in the employee being forced to return to their home country and will have to re-apply for a fresh Tier 2 visa. Having to re-apply for a new Tier 2 visa will not only be costly and time consuming but also breaks the individual’s process of naturalization.

To find out how we can assist with obtaining Tier 2 licence extensions please contact the Smooth team on 0845 644 1871.

Looking to enhance your current qualification?

If you are currently on a work permit and feel concerned because your employer doesn’t want to or even cannot apply for a Tier 2 Sponsorship license, OR you are worried about being made redundant, you need to consider your options if you want to remain in the UK for the foreseeable future. Have you ever considered studying for an MBA? If so, the Tier 4 study visa may present an attractive option. It enables you to study for your course as well as allowing you to work up to 20 hours per week!

For more information on the Tier 4 Student visas contact the Smooth team on 0845 644 1871.

ILR update

Was your HSMP granted before April 3rd 2006? If so, you can now apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 4 years as per your original visa rules. The policy and procedures have now been published by the UKBA, and state that it is imperative that those whose leave is due to expire on their visa submit an in time application as soon as possible!

Please contact the Smooth team on 0845 644 1871 for assistance with in time ILR applications, if this applies to you.

Sandra Robertson named CEO at Charterhouse Group International

Sandra Robertson has been named chief executive officer for Charterhouse Group International, the global leader in the provision of remuneration, back office, immigration and financial services. An internal appointment, Sandra had most recently been chief operating officer and has held several other senior management roles within the group.

"Sandra has a proven track record of success and unparalleled knowledge of our business and industry, making her ideal in this key strategic position," says David Dean, chairman, Charterhouse Group International. "It's clear that businesses across the UK and the rest of the world are facing incredible challenges. Sandra provides the safe pair of hands required for uncertain times."

Sandra Robertson graduated with a first class honours degree in business studies from University of Ulster and has more than 20 years experience in the provision of customer service and administration gained predominantly within the insurance industry. She is presently studying for a Masters of Business Administration at Henley Business School.

She joined Charterhouse Group International in January 2004 to head up the group's operations division. As the group expanded into new directions, she was actively involved in ensuring the efficient flow of administration in all areas of the business and latterly involved in distribution. Sandra was appointed as a director on the group board in October 2005.

Sandra Robertson said, "Right now, we are ideally positioned to thrive thanks to the broad range of services we provide and of the breadth of markets we compete in. Key priorities for the coming months include driving sustainable growth and building strong relationships across industry. I look forward to tackling the challenges ahead."

Smooth Sponsor All Nations Netball

SmoothMigration are main sponsors of the All Nations Netball team who play on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings each week in Southfields, London. Several weeks ago SmoothMigration attended their finals night to award the much deserving teams and most valued players with their prizes.

The winners and runners up were presented with much appreciated cash prizes, bottles of champagne, certificates and SmoothMigration branded water bottles! The bottles were a hit as in the past no sponsor has given them anything quite as useful and stylish!

The new season is now well underway and we will be sure to keep you updated as to the results of this season.

Smooth Group Limited
1 Dock Offices, Surrey Quays, London, SE16 2XU
Tel: 0845 644 1871 Email: info@mysmoothgroup.com
www.mysmoothgroup.com
OISC Registered No: F200300158

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