Owl and Snake Immigration

13/09/2026

We posted family visa entry clearance stats in the past, and have the same observation now, as we did then.

Which is that it's surprising, in some sense, that numbers now are very similar to how they were in 2022. Given that the minimum income threshold increased on 11 April 2024, from £18,600 to £29,000.

In another sense, it may not be surprising, as you would do anything to be together with your partner/children, even it means taking on multiple jobs, and moving back in with your parents to save for visa fees.

Nothing more important than your family 💙

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/monthly-entry-clearance-visa-applications-august-2026/monthly-entry-clearance-visa-applications-august-2026

12/09/2026

Not immigration related.
Sharing for wider awareness.
And for lost friends.

30/08/2026

Looking to begin your unmarried partner visa journey to the UK? O&S Immigration specializes in spouse, fiance and unmarried partner visa applications. We provide expert guidance and personalized support, tailored to your unique situation. Our experience team, led by former Home Office staff, is here to help you every step of the way. Visit our website today to explore packages tailored to your budget. And start your pathway to British citizenship with confidence.

25/08/2026

If you cannot pay the IHS fee, you cannot then proceed to pay the visa fee. Paying the visa fee is what submits your application.

So if you had planned to submit your application between these times, you may not be able to do so.

23/08/2026

Did you know that immigration advisers regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) are expressly prohibited from advertising their success rate?

Interesting that we've come across a few recently who are doing exactly this 🫤

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6776b2ef6c34906cc84c9499/IAA_Codes_of_Standards_2024.pdf

17/08/2026

https://owlandsnake.co.uk/guides-%26-letter-templates/f/cohabitation-evidence---switching-from-fiancee-to-spouse-visa

How do you show cohabitation with your partner when switching from fiance to spouse visa, inside the UK?

12/07/2026

***UPDATE: We have so far found the Firefox web browser allows us access to the TLS site (other web browsers we tried which didn't work: Vivaldi, Ecosia, Brave, Chrome, and MS Edge ***

For applications inside the UK, there is an ongoing issue with the TLS website. An eternally turning wheel, which doesn't then allow appointment booking, document upload, etc.

However, we have found that switching to Google Chrome (from Microsoft Edge) seems to work. Other immigration colleagues report that this made no difference for them.

Our suggestion would be try multiple different web browsers until you find one that works. Hopefully TLS will fix this in due course.

22/05/2026

Martin is one of our oldest clients. Our relationship began with a consultation. Shortly after O&S Immigration was established. Many years ago. And it feels like we've grown and developed together since then.

Subsequent to the initial consultation, we have assisted with Martin's visa extension applications, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and his wife Mariel's entry clearance application, through to her ILR, and now Martin's British citizenship (pictured).

We are absolutely delighted that this couple's long and stressful visa journey is nearly at an end. With just Mariel's citizenship application to go, in the coming months.

Martin is an engineer, and Mariel is a doctor. The UK needs good citizens like these, who can make a positive contribution to our economy, and to our society.

We are proud to have helped them along the way 🇩🇴🇬🇧🇩🇴🇬🇧🇩🇴🇬🇧

20/05/2026

Hope nobody was planning to submit their application today 😬😬😬

09/04/2026

Successful Super-Priority refund request for a client today, saving her £1000! While still having her spouse visa extension (FLR-M) application resolved in 2-working days from her bio date!

UKVI policy on refunds here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c4f80e471d520038d0f660/Immigration_and_nationality_refunds_policy.pdf