NewStats: 3,264,171 , 8,182,844 topics. Date: Tuesday, 10 June 2025 at 12:43 AM 185a6i

Dblock,

The London skyline is changing fast but a lot of people don't agree
with the changes to the skyline because it dilutes the essential character
of this very historic city.

Take a monument like Tower Bridge for example, a London icon, I defy anyone to take
a walk or drive over this bridge at night and not marvel at its beauty. the bridge
is several hundred years old. Now there are plans to build a couple of skyscrapers near it and the fear
is they will dwarf the bridge. I think this is wrong and that skyscrapers should be kept away from historic
buildings like Tower bridge and  ST. Pauls. Anyway here is the link to an article which might interst you.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2007/05/30/building_britain_ackroyd_feature.shtml

funkybaby:

@ imani, vor and akolawole

ouch! thanks for hitting the nail on the head. i will take to you guys advice and do my thing independently. i will try the scottish option.

what will you guys do if you were in my BOYFRIEND'S situation, given his background which i have tried to explain as much as possible. i still can't help worrying about him.

what do you guys know about canada's immigration laws regarding after one year of study in a canadian university? do their laws also encourage/favour graduating students to build their future in canada?

thanks a lot !

Funky

Good luck with whatever decision you choose to take.

If you look back through this thread you will see what my
thoughts are on your boyfriend's situation.

As for Canada other than reading what is available through
the internet I really don't have much idea as to how their
immigration system is geared, though I would guess that
a lot of the basic principles are similar to those of the UK.
But then you never know, Canada has a reputation for
encouraging legal migration.

Imani:

Lets hope your wifey doesn't get to read of your escapades


Back to topic,

What do you suggest as the best possible option for funkybaby ?

Wife? ssshhhhhh.

Re: Funky,

If I were her I would ensure that any leave to remain I obtain in the UK is
in my own right and not dependent on anyone else. I know she says she is
very much in love with her boyfriend but if the relationship sours and she is
his dependant then she will be in a very vulnerable position.

Nothing she does has any guarantees but I think her best way forward
is to do her one year masters followed by the Scottish talent scheme. Even
whilst she is on the scheme she can attempt to switch to WP employment/HSMP before
the two years is up. She then has to string things out for five years till she obtains her
ILR.

Marrying her boyfriend at this point will give her no advantage in immigration
as he only has limited leave to remain.

What do you think?

Like I said earlier, many of you obviously don't have children.

Imani,

I didn't go .

Saturday I was too busy working so I had hoped to go on the Sunday when I got info it was cancelled.
Later I was told it actually went ahead on Sunday anyway though it ended early.
Anyway, there is always next year. Hope to see you there then, no excuses this time. .

Yes O immigration is my home, though I can often also be found in the romance/sexuality threads
giving my little pearls of wisdom and benefit of my many and varied experiences. Know what I mean?

BTW Funky what course is your b/f doing and at what stage of the course is he at?

funkybaby:

na wa o! thats 1year masters + 2years work permit+ another 5years work permit = ILR
THAT'S IS EIGHT YEARS IN SCOTLAND just for ILR?
please, i need more confirmation on this. if this is true, then why are nigerians rushing to scotland. or is there something that no one has told me

please i need a plan B.

based on the advice given by VOR and mrpataki some months back on this my issue, my boyfriend and i had earlier agreed that he enrols for ACCA. now my aunt told me that the ACCA option is a risky one. she said the chances that he will  be given the visa via ACCA are high but that he MUST the exams. she said that ACCA is difficult bearing in mind that he will have to be working and at the same  time studying. she said that home office will always ask for his results and assumming he fails, his visa will not be renewed so she told me to tell him not to use ACCA as a basis for his visa renewal.

i am confused oooooooo !

Assuming things go according to your plan you will not need to spend 8 years in Scotland( although I must say there are worse places in the world you can spend 8 years )
Once you get a WP after the two year fresh talent scheme you can work anywhere in the UK.
Take into consideration also that your boyfriend can apply to be your dependant on the fresh
talent scheme visa.
As for the ACCA route it is not realy different from any other course in that anytime any student visa is
up for renewal the Home Office checks to see satisfactory progress is being made on the course. It just
depends on your boyfriends ability to undertake the course.

Really Funky there is no easy answer to your predicament or any LEGAL short cut.

Funky

The fresh talent scheme is not actually a work permit.
It is a scheme similar in some ways to a WH visa which allows
one to work in the UK without a WP.

See this link for a clearer expalnation than the rules I posted earlier:

http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/working_in_the_uk/en/homepage/schemes_and_programmes/fresh_talent__working.html?

Progress,

There is no harm in submitting a letter from your sponsor if it strengthens your application.
You will not be penalised if you do but might be penalised if you don't so go ahead and submitt it.
What are your proposals after you have finished your course in September 2007.

progress2:

@VOR
Please can you contribute to my post on dependant student visa application

Thanks

Progress2

Click on the link below which I hope you find useful.

https://nairaland.macsoftware.info/nigeria/topic-46625.0.html

Cheers

VOR

funkybaby:

@ VOR

thank you so much.

1)are you saying that to qualify for the ILR under the fresh talent scheme, i must have schooled in scotland for at least 3 years?

2) am kind of confused right now. i am already a degree holder from a nigerian university.the plan is that i apply to study for my masters at the scottish school by sept. this year or lastest feb. next year. i thought my 1year of MSc study at the scottish school should give me the 2years work permit. am i right?

1) No, sorry to confuse you I assumed you were proposing to go to Scotland for an Undergraduate programme.
A Scottish masters will qualify you for the scheme. See 143A(B) of the rules I have posted. You don't have to have studied in Scotland for three years.

Akolawole:

1) Since its in-country regularisation of papers, i don't just bother to post the rules and i believe its generally easy to fulfilled.

2) You even get more than 100%.You are correct
Please confess on Nairalandthat you are in "THAT BUSINESS"
I mean arrangement of " ********" in UK
You must be in thousands of pounds brother.
I beg make you no forget me o

ONLY THE DEEP CAN CALL TO THE DEEP.

Ako

I beg o.

Just like FUNKY any "business" or advice I give is
strictly legit. Check out my previous posts I always
give advice from a strictly legal standpoint and steer
clear of posts wanting advice on dodgy schemes.

I will give advice on how to bend rules to your favour
but not on how to break them.

Here goes Funky:

1) In order to obtain ILR in the UK(WHICH INCLUDES SCOTLAND) you must have resided there legally for five years as
a work permit holder or dependant. There are other categories but I think this is what applies to you as well as the one I mentioned earlier about marriage.

2) It is not any easier to get "pali" in Scotland than it is England. By "pali" I assume you mean port. The qualifying period is exactly the same. The fresh talent scheme is unique to Scotland, there is no real equivalent in England so this may be the reason why Scottish education is popular. Leave to remain for the purposes of the scheme as I mentioned is not automatic, one still has to meet the Immigration Rules. All I will say is if you one has been studying in Scotland for at least three years then those requirements are not too onerous.

3)No, the rule with regards to the Anglican church marriage is an exception to the rule that all non-permanent residents must either have permission to marry or obtain a marriage visa before getting wed in the UK. If you now wish to settle in the UK after your marriage you must return to Nigeria and obtain the appropriate EC. As your boyfriend is only a student here with limited leave to remain you will have to apply as his dependant.
Coincidentally, I have a US national client who applied for entry in the UK for the purpose of marriage in an Anglican church to her British boyfriend. She did not have a visa. The matter is currently being considered by the Immigration authorities here. I should be able to let you know the outcome by Monday.

4) ILR obtained anywhere in the UK is valid throughout the UK.

Akolawole:

@VOR

I think you have forgotten Funky's situation from the word go.

1) Am i wrong? NO. After graduation, Students applied and were given

2) Funky has nothing to do with 2 years ILR ( Try to Funky initial story o )

6) Like i said, Visa nationals do need permission to marry in UK. Do you know there is a way to beat that?
. I gave you that as a weekend coursework to be submitted on monday

I haven't bothered to re-cap on Funky's personal circumstances, so you are right to that extent.The advice I have given
is general.

1) It is the Home Office that grants the fresh talent working in Scotland visa. Applicants must satisfy them
that they meet the requirements of the rules. If they can't, then they may be refused. I can't see how it will be automatic if for instance an applicant is on benefit or mentions the fact he hopes to get a job in England.

2)As above.

3)Non visa nationals also require a visa to marry in the UK or permission if already here.
I assume the loophole you are talking about is by marrying in an Anglican church.10/10 for me sir.

proverbial:

Do you love anyone more than(or as much as) you love yourself?
If yes, would you take a bullet for this person(if necessary)?
If no, why not?

I suppose I should start: ermm I am still thinking

Obviously you don't have any children!!!!

Akolawole:

1) Upon graduation in Scottish Universities, Students are given automatic 2 years work permit.

2) No, students don't qualify for Indefinite stay after THAT 2 years, the 5 years rule applies in scotland as well

3) Legally, It can't be used in England.

4) This had been dealt with several times on Nairaland, i think London cool even pasted the rule somewhere here. Please check.

5) Dependant visa has nothing to do with education. The Dependant visa allows the bearer to do full time work but his/her continous stay in the country still depends on the the Principal Visa holder( Student).

6) Yes but depends on whoever they are marrying. I think they cannot marry a VISITOR( from visa nationals). TThey can marry a fellow international students/EU/UK citizen but with permission.

Good luck

1) That is not quite accurate. Students who have studied in Scotland can APPLY as a working in Scotland scheme  participant. It is NOT granted automatically and the provisions of the Immigration Rules have to be met before it is granted. I have copied and pasted these below:

      [b]Requirements for leave to enter the United Kingdom as a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant
143A. The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter as a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant are that the applicant:

(i) has been awarded:

(a) a HND, by a Scottish publicly funded institution of further or higher education, or a Scottish bona fide private education institution; or

(b) a recognised UK undergraduate degree, Master's degree or PhD or postgraduate certificate or diploma, by a Scottish education institution which is a recognised or listed body; and

(ii) has lived in Scotland for an appropriate period of time whilst studying for the HND, undergraduate degree, Master's degree PhD or postgraduate certificate or diploma referred to in (i) above; and

(iii) intends to seek and take employment in Scotland during the period of leave granted under this paragraph; and

(iv) is able to maintain and accommodate himself and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds; and

(v) has completed the HND, undergraduate degree, Master's degree PhD or postgraduate certificate or diploma referred to in (i) above in the last 12 months; and

(vi) intends to leave the United Kingdom if, on expiry of his leave under this paragraph, he has not been granted leave to remain in the United Kingdom as:

(a) a work permit holder in accordance with paragraphs 128 - 135 of these Rules; or

(b) under the highly skilled migrant programme in accordance with paragraphs 135A - 135H of these Rules; or

(c) a person intending to establish themselves in business in accordance with paragraphs 200 - 210 of these Rules; or

(d) an innovator in accordance with paragraphs 210A - 210H of these Rules; and

(vii) has the written consent of his official sponsor to enter or remain in the United Kingdom as a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant, if the studies which led to his qualification under (i) above (or any studies he has subsequently undertaken) were sponsored by a government or international scholarship agency; and

(viii) if he has previously been granted leave as either:

(a) a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant in accordance with this paragraph; and/or

(b) a participant in the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme or International Graduates Scheme in accordance with paragraphs 135O - 135T of these Rules is not seeking leave to enter under this paragraph which, when amalgamated with any previous periods of leave granted in either of these two categories, would total more than 24 months; and

(ix) holds a valid entry clearance for entry in this capacity except where he is a British National (Overseas), a British overseas territories citizen, a British Overseas citizen, a British protected person or a person who under the British Nationality Act 1981 is a British subject.

Leave to enter as a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant
143B. A person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant may be itted for a period not exceeding 24 months provided the Immigration Officer is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 143A is met.

Refusal of leave to enter as a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant
143C. Leave to enter as a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant is to be refused if the Immigration Officer is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 143A is met.

Requirements for an extension of stay as a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant
143D. The requirements to be met by a person seeking an extension of stay as a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant are that the applicant:

(i) meets the requirements of paragraph 143A (i) to (vii); and

(ii) has leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom as either:

(a) a student in accordance with paragraphs 57 - 69L of these Rules; or

(b) a participant in the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme or International Graduates Scheme in accordance with paragraphs 135O - 135T of these Rules; or

(c) a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant in accordance with paragraphs 143A - 143F of these Rules; and

(iii) if he has previously been granted leave as either:

(a) a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant in accordance with paragraphs 143A - 143F of these Rules; and/or

(b) a Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme or International Graduates Scheme participant in accordance with paragraphs 135O - 135T of these Rules is not seeking leave to remain under this paragraph which, when amalgamated with any previous periods of leave granted in either of these two categories, would total more than 24 months.

Extension of stay as a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant
143E. An extension of stay as a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant may be granted for a period not exceeding 24 months if the Secretary of State is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 143D is met.

Refusal of an extension of stay as a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant
143F. An extension of stay as a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant is to be refused if the Secretary of State is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 143D is met.

[/b]

2) You are correct. Although if Funky obtains an EC/resident permit on the basis of marriage to a person settled in the UK she will be granted an initial period of two years residence followed by ILR provided the marriage is still subsisting. Perhaps this is what she means.

3) You are correct, it would appear participants can only use the scheme to work in Scotland. Although, if practicable, I can't see any problem with living in England e.g Newcastle and working in Scotland. Also, what would happen if you were employed by a Scottish based company but got transferred to England? That I would suggest would depend on an interpretation of the rules by an Immigration Officer in the first instance and then on appeal.

4) As you said somewhere in the body of this thread that issue has been dealt with by myself and LC.

5) Spot on.

6)Anyone in the UK who has limited leave to remain or is  subject to immigration control is unable to get married without first applying to the Home Office( In Country) for permission. He/she must apply for a certificate of approval to get married in the UK. As a student you must have at least three months of your leave left. Such a person can marry a visitor to the UK but that visitor must first of all have obtained an EC for the purpose of marriage. This applies to all countries (Except EU nationals) so for example if an American visitor
wants to get married in the UK he/she must have obtained a visa for the purpose before    coming to the UK.

Hope this helps.

liliana:

@Mr pataki,VOR,
The interview was succesful.Thanks to u guys for the encouragement.My port will be ready in 3wks time(from june 7th).I need travel advice.I want a direct flight from Lagos to london(heathrow).Which airways do this flight?

Glad to hear of your success.

It is nice to know that sometimes the advice we give here for free is useful
and helps people.

With regards to your question, I believe, British airways, Bellevue, Virgin Atlantic and VirginNigeria all have direct flights
either to Gatwick or Heathrow. Other airlines such as Iberia also fly to the UK from Nigeria
but they have stop overs eg Spain. These flights take longer but are obviously cheaper. The
good thing is that since you are travelling on a UK port you certainly won't need
a transit visa for any stop in an  EU country.

Hope you have fixed yourself up with reliable accommodation and prospects of a job?

Mohadana,

Thanks very much for this most enlightening and educative thread.
My mrs is Urhobo, born in the diaspora with little knowledge of her
heritage unfortunately. What you have provided is a great help.

Tell me, what is the word for Princess in Urhobo and is it usual to name
a child princess or would it sound funny?

Sorry to say this event has been cancelled due to overcrowding.
Check the link below

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/6738365.stm

soulpatrol:

abi o debosky. na your people be that o. but we are all guilty of misponounciation. it took me ages to stop saying "baf" insetad of "bath"
wetin i go do? i be naija girl now

I don't know where you are located Soul patrol but in the UK
Southern English people say -barf and northerners say -baf
just like you used to. Which is correct? Take your choice.

I like to play draughts with my partner.

That is draughts with a twist though. Both of us wear
very little clothing when we start and whenever one of us
eats an opponent we have to remove one item of clothing.

She usually ends up naked before me. You should try it Oreofemi.
If you don't have a partner let me know and I will give you
details, you are more than welcome to us.

soulpatrol:

VOR, abeg vamoose commot this forum if you no dey contribute.
stop spoiling the flow of things.

@Soulpatrol

Na wa o. It is not up to that ke.

Oya put your own pisho(note the funny pronunciation ) make I serenade
you with compliments too.

Birth of my child, nothing comes close.

Lovely kids, but why mention the fact they are mixed?
In any case it is quite plain to see that they are.

Sammy my broda I feel your dilemma.

Ask your self this question.

If you were unemployed and she was working in the oil company
you tink say she go flash you so?

@Queen2

I know what I am about to say is somewhat off topic (please indulge me posters)
but can I just mention what an awesomely fine looking babe
you are. You can be my Queen anyday.(if only!!!)

You even got your headtie to match your curtains.