Chikadibia21:
Hi Solumtoya,

Amex card applications for my husband and I were rejected. We have done everything possible to build credit scores; monthly direct debits, phone contracts, registration to vote, and are in our 2nd year in the UK.

My husband's works full-time on a permanent basis. Someone said we have to have spent 3yrs in the UK but I see ppl less than 6months getting approved. What could be the issue please?

Don't apply for Credit for another 3 months.

Check your Credit score on Experian, Equifax and Transunion. Hope I got the names right. Check them to ensure the data held for you is correct and if your score is "Poor" or Fair".

Let time do the magic. Just "free am" for a few months while doing everything right.

NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE O.

frankadrian:
Hello guys.

I'm in an urgent need of a studio or room ensuite anywhere in Bristol, Birmingham or London. Not student accommodation. If anyone can help, I'll be immensely grateful.

Strange... London is about 3 hours drive from Bristol and Birmingham is about 3 hours drive from London. Those are 3 distant Cities apart. I guess you are just looking to move to any of the big Cities

SamReinvented:


This is exactly why people said you’re overgeneralising. You’re looking at a stats for the entirety of the UK, but you’re on a forum consisting of a niche demography whose behaviour can (and most definitely is) vastly different from the larger majority. What’s more, you’re using the unrepresentative stats to judge the honesty of the claims of maybe 5 people… on a thread that has thousands of followers. You’re not adapting your statistics effectively.

You're quite smart and I expected better from him. The other fellow is just trolling

AKALAMAGBO:
Bro no dey deceive urself, realities are different. People’s living condition are not the same, because you can’t pay in full doesn’t mean everyone else can’t… No be everybody get COVID that year when e dey do people strong thing… I pay mine in full before the direct debit date just so you know, and I have a combined total credit card of £8,000 on 2 cards ( Amex and Aqua)…

It's so sad to see how people think. While some are taking notes and learning from others' experience. Some people are having some type of complex and convincing themselves that those experiences are lies.

I'm glad it's just one or two dudes anyway, so most other folks probably take the info shared here with a clearer heart.

Rapitex:
yes it is 2 persons application but the interest rate dropped to 5.25 ( fixed for 2 years) with 15% deposit. I have submitted full application. Finger crossed

Wow, these rates are up there

Progressivegee:


The way some people on this thread belittle others working in the healthcare profession is not just wrong but also condescending. To some, it is believed that healthcare assistant is all about packing sh!t. Thats myopic. Lol. The healthcare industry is very broad and has high earning potentials. As a mental health support worker, you can earn as much as £25 per hour with minimal experience on the job. More experienced workers earn up to £40 per hour and above by just sitting down all day or night taking records or making sure things are done properly in the facility. Complex care support for children with learning difficulties pays very high even more than many office workers. Its an industry that offers huge potentials and opportunity to grow with readily available hands on training provided by most employers.

Let's erode that mindset that all healthcare workers are at the bottom of the career food chain (salary wise) when in reality many earn far more than workers in other industry. A friend of mine who studied mechanical engineering both in his undergraduate and UK masters level made a lot of money in complex health care and has started his own care company. Today he is an employer of labor and a director after undergoing several training.

You don't need to make yourself feel highly by bringing others down. For healthcare assistants, while you are motivated to grow your career within or outside the care profession, do not let anyone make you look down on your hustle. You can make good money in this profession without doing personal care with the little experience you can gather. And if you choose to get other professional jobs in line with your academic qualifications, great! Care Experience can be useful for jobs roles in customer support, human relations, because you are able to manage emotions of people with varying degree of temperament and mental stability.

May God bless everyone with a legit hustle. Amen

Even if it's just packing sh*t and collecting less than £8 per hour, it's still no reason to be condescending on someone's noble occupation.

Everyone deserves respect, this is not Naija. Whether you sweep the streets or work in a bourgeois corner office, there's dignity in labour and every worker must be talked about with respect.

Lexusgs430:
I just hit 2 bicycle jackpots....... My neighbour put out 2 (almost new adult bicycles)......

Fault - all tyres low + faulty mis-aligned chains........

As a 9ja boy wey I be ...... I carry both bicycles, took me all of 15 minutes, both bikes now riding like a Ferrari..........😭😁

My dilemma..... My neighbour is a Chief Judge, I hope he does not sue me, demanding his lovely bikes back ..........😜😁🤣

Hahaa! Enjoy your new bikes! I have some nice bikes that my neighbours left in the apartment and moved out about 1 year ago. The new Naija tenants have just left it there since it's chained and they met it there. I've told them to inform the landlord and know if they can break the chains and flex it.

I wish I have a biking Community where I live. I have started taking some long rides to other Towns through several miles of lovely bike paths like the pictures I took below last month

giselle237:
comprehend ke? It is you that came to give us story of how people go out for 2 days and come back. Sorry Sir.

And when did I state it was the norm

I'm currently making an application for a Grandma and I'm stating she's gonna stay for 2 months with even her flight ticket already booked.

She will be granted 6 months multiple entry based on the application.

If she stays her 2 months and 3 months later decides to come back for a week's visit, she's well within the terms of her visa even though she didn't state that in her application but she can do so comfortably and renew afterwards without issues.

giselle237:

Why has the German woman not done it frequently in her 2 or 5 or 10 year visa na? Because you only came to give that ploy as if it’s the norm to step out for 2 days and return consistently…

You're on your own, giselle. I can't take responsibility for how you comprehend my gist. Have a nice day, una too like fight

SamReinvented:


Classic example of the people that Zahra commenter is talking about. Blatantly abusing processes with no care in the world. SMH.

I agree with that, actually. But it's a loophole in the visa and they're exploiting it unfortunately.

BorisJohnson:


I would be careful. Very careful about the bolded.

Actually, visitors are allowed to register at GP, it's just not free of charge like BRP holders. These are actually on the gov.uk website. I always do it when an Elderly person is staying for long. In fact, there are several Emergency services they can get for free

giselle237:
pls when this German visitor of 2 days renews tell us.

Of course, she has. There are 2 of my friends whose Mums did that, one of them has renewed.

There's a lot of misconception about the visitor's visa. It says you should not stay more than 6 months at a time and that's mostly it. They hardly consider your application reason vs length of stay when renewing especially for a Retiree. If one applies for a 10 year visa, for instance, they don't expect you to outline your entire itinerary for the 10 years. The exception is that you don't "live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent or successive visits", that's very subjective. It would most likely raise a flag if German Grandma does that 4 times and ends up staying for 2 years at a stretch with just only a few days away throughout.

The guy whose Grandma is on a 5 year visa and wants to extend her stay to 5 or 6 months to stay for the kid's birthday is perfectly legitimate. She won't have an issue when renewing, she didn't break her visa rule.

Lexusgs430:



What do you mean ...........

How come my mum spent her 5 year visa, almost sending us bankrupt................

My friend's Mum stayed for 5 months and 29 days, travelled to Germany and came back after 2 days to stay another few months

Personally, I do 5 months at a stretch for Grandma. She's even registered at our GP sef.

hustla:


... Can be two sides to a story tbh

I remember my house mate once met one on a bus and she continued to lie about her age until my friend asked to see ID

She then confessed she's 16.

Either zip up or confirm age so as to not land in hot soup

I hope you didn't watch the video... Cos, in this case, there are no two sides. Baba was clearly in the wrong and quite inexcusable. His terrible lifestyle just caught up with him

Pearlyfaze:


I am in the North East, I don join tech bros and annual pay is a little above £60k. Nor be only South get better Tech jobs.

Good for you. Congrats, that's a very good pay!

Not sure why you guys love this North-South talks though. Everyone should just enjoy and make the most of where they are or move if they want to.

While we wait for the gurus, no one can say, for sure, what is the best line of action in this.

Are you on Tier-4 visa? I would say wait till you are on Tier-2...

If you are on Tier-2, I would say getting a property is a risky venture but it's usually a good one albeit. If circumstances change, you can always sell or rent out. The adjustment I would advise is to avoid 25% if it will tie down too much of your capital. Being on a visa and having all the probabilities would mean you might wanna have sufficient Emergency Funds.

So, yes, getting the property, but don't use your last card, keep aside some Emergency Funds, so in case plans change, you don't have to sell your house in a hurry or be stranded.

Remember, the alternative is paying your Landlord's Mortgage without building any equity for yourself.

kwakudtraveller:

I agree with you, the UK is actually one of the easiest countries to get into and it’s just wishful thinking to assume that others would go elsewhere. If people can do HA jobs for 5 years, what’s 3 years extra. E sure me sef say some of the people on this thread dey on that 10 year route for this UK. In the end, we go still dey alright.

True, of course, people who don't have options will have to remain regardless. Not like there's a choice.

But I was zooming on those who have in-demand skills like Doctors, Nurses, Tech folks, etc. These are also the folks the UK is interested in. The UK was indeed a good option for these guys because of the easy entry routes but that was it. The Salary is low, the weather isn't so good, houses are small, limited and expensive and it takes so long to become a permanent resident. Moving it to 8 years makes other options more desirable.

Permanent Residence is an important deciding factor and even though many Countries may not offer Citizenship easily, they ensure the Skilled Immigrants are settled with at least PR. UK is considering moving requirement to the same PR to 8 years continous stay.

Canada, Australia, USA, New Zealand, Ireland are English-speaking Countries that come to mind. France, Germany, Poland, etc are there but have the language barrier.

We go dey alright las las sha.

Gerrard59:


Apart from the UK, Germany and maybe France, becoming a naturalized citizen in most developed countries in the EU is getting tougher and stricter. Rules are being changed. So the options are limited. Australia and Canada are the better options. Except through marriage, the US doesn't have a straightforward path to being a naturalised citizen. As for the proposed change of rule in the US, just hope the Republican Party doesn't win next year. They will change everything.

You forgot New Zealand

hyzich:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12156381/amp/Foreigners-wait-longer-British-citizens.html

Conservatives are really desperate to win.. They are looking for every avenue to look good and acceptable to the English.

Wahala... ILR from 5 years to 8 years... Hmmm... There are better ways to tackle immigration and attract only quality talents sha. The Point Based system is not "pointing".

My major challenge with the whole thing is the fact that an Immigrant, no matter how skilled, is tied to the Sponsorship of the Employer. I don't mind the 8 years but requiring an Employment Sponsorship for 8 years is crazy. Such a person can't even easily change jobs but has to remain with Employers willing to sponsor and remain at the mercy of such Employers.

The Global Talent Visa would have been a good remedy but even that is not the easiest to get, I hear.

Don't want to talk about the Visa Fees and IHS for 8 years!

marylandcakes:


I don’t have to justify myself to you or anyone else. It baffles me when people without doing any kind of research find one way or the other to doubt people’s statements especially on this thread. That’s why I just read and pass most of the time because a very few minority here feel that they know everything and every other person is a liar. If you are expecting me to place my ct bill on here to make you feel good that’s not going to happen.😒😒😒

No vex, I didn't mean you were lying. Just a struggle to imagine people pay that much. I know people pay more than £4k, it's just crazy

kwakudtraveller:

Guy try finish your ACCA. It just sounds to me like you need a break, just try relax and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. BA is not as easy as people think, if you are working for a big company that’s very busy, it’s just as stressful as every other job.

This is a good point o! He seems like he wants to switch to BA to flex work from home and other "flexures". It's not so easy anywhere o. We just let go of a BA we recruited a few months ago cos she couldn't cope so it's not like BA is a walk in the park

Goke7:


That is why he should take his time, employers are beginning to see the rush from those who want to do the quick fix and are beginning to scrutinize further

I see your point o. BUT you forget this is a guy on Tier 4, there's no time to "take his time". He said he wants to switch career and is tired of accounting which he is working in currently here in the UK. He also doesn't feel like doing ACCA so the earlier he switches, the better for him. He doesn't really have the luxury of time unless he wants to remain in Accounting/Auditing for a long time.

He's gained enough UK experience, so many Employers might be willing to take him in as a BA, he's not exactly inexperienced.

Goke7:


Calm down I know how you feel, we've all been there, and you are on the right track but you see this Uk, it's an experience-based job market so the experience and skills you have from Naija that is relevant to the Uk now is where you should start from to break into your desired career no matter the pay. Getting a BA role right away might be a challenge without experience and don't mind the naysayers out there saying things like within 3 months you can get a BA role, those who follow that route start struggling on the job and many have been booted out. I believe in going through the process to get real domain knowledge like Zahra said and he's very right about that. Take a deep breath, continue the job you're doing now, and start applying to Large financial firms or other sectors big firms, apart from accounting if you have other skills like KYC and AML, put them on your profile and apply to such roles, most times it's just basic knowledge they want. The trick about the Uk is to humble yourself, start small, and play the long game, it doesn't even take long as in one year, you will be shocked at how things will move fast. Get into a large firm and take advantage of their BA and data analysis courses from very reputable and accredited organisations. Your profile of working in such a firm and the new certifications you have done will land you that desired role. This is my personal experience and story.

"Naysayers"

Apart from that, this is good advice though.

I personally think you can choose to switch to BA, your experience is rich enough for the switch. If you're not enjoying Auditing/Accounting, feel free to chase your dream of BA.

The BA space is even getting choked now so if you push it to later, it might only get more difficult to break in.

The choice is yours, either way, I think you will be fine though.

Viruses:
I want to apply for visitor visa for my mum. The visit will be sponsored by myself and my brother. Do I need to attach bank statement or payslip and employment letter is enough.

If bank statement is necessary, on average what balance should be in it.

Also someone suggested I get an affidavit from a lawyer backing the visit. Has anyone used this approach before?

Do I need to submit my mum's bank statement as well?

Any clues to strengthen the application?

If you have applied for your parents and it was denied please share the reason 🙏

All suggestions are welcome.

Two things:
1. Don't overthink it. After application, but before document upload, a lot will be clearer.
2. Be honest, and let it make sense to an intelligent person. For instance, You can't say your Mum earns N35k but has N4m in her account. It's mostly likely a lie and doesn't even make sense.

Now for your questions:
Yes, you should upload Employment Letter, Bank Statements and Payslips where possible. It's better to have to much evidence than too little.

There's no average amount but let it make sense. If your Mum is visiting for a Month, how much do you honestly think will be needed? Maybe £1k for flight, £200 per week for hosting her and another £500 for shopping. So £2k or £3k for the month visit.

You need to upload your Mum's Bank Statement too. I think they want to see that her financial footprints aligns with the occupation or status quoted so this usually a big reason for rejection. If she has too much or little activities for her status.

Affidavit, that's just weird, fam.

To strengthen your application will be in two letters:
1. Cover Letter from the Application (your Mum) explaining her visit, any gray areas, and proving that she will not overstay by showing she has ties to her home Country like landed properties, family members, other activities, etc.
2. Invitation/Sponsorship Letter from you and your brother. Again explaining your living conditions, your income, any gray areas in your finances or statements, just generally convincing the Officer that you indeed want your Mum to visit and you're capable of hosting her without bothering the system.

Don't be afraid to throw in pictures of you and Mum, birth certificates, etc.

I could go on and on but you get the gist. I've seen people denied for so many reasons:
1. Not enough evidence that the visitor is related to the person inviting as a relative
2. Fake or too much unexplained inflow in the account
3. Not enough evidence that the person inviting really wants the applicant to come. This one is a little funny.
4. Insufficient proof of financial sponsorship
5. Insufficient proof that the applicant will return home after the visit.

ETC... I don't wanna make this too long, but feel free to ask any question.

Knowlegeseeking:
Dear wise ones,

Thank you all for your numerous contributions and insights you have all given on this thread. It has made my journey extremely easy and I am grateful for the time you all take out to profer solution to the numerous questions we have. I specially greet all elders here @justwise @lexusgs430 @solumtoya @semmyk @husla @koonbey @giselle237 @thathrguy and everyother person for your sound contributions.

I am looking at switching careers and I need insights from everyone. A little background about me.
I have worked in the big 4 as an auditor and have over 4 years experience. I am partly ACCA qualified. I want to continue my career as a business analyst. I have an M.Sc in International Accounting and Finance here in the UK.
I have looked at the job description of a business analyst and it is something I am very comfortable with. I just want to know if I would need to take some short courses or certification to venture into this route, what I should be looking out for in terms of position if I am to start applying for jobs in this area and every information that will help with a smooth transitioning into this career path.
Please if this has already been touched on, please kindly refer me to the page number in the thread.
I am open to DMs to contacting personally if need be to get me all the details.
All contributions and insights will be of immense help to me. I'll be waiting to read from you all.

Thank you.

4 years in a big 4. You're hot cake! BA is easy to break into. I always advocate for it among immigrants. Having a certification is always an added advantage. Having a good CV is even more important though. The most important is to start applying and tweaking your CV and knowledge base with the job descriptions you find.

Ugochinyere1:
Hello guys.
Thanks to all the contributors and elders in here.
Please I'd like to ask if anyone has converted from tier4 to either post study or tier 2 dependent with an expired passport but valid brp.(valid till July 1st)
Have been on passport renewal since feb.
Please any idea?

Passport needs to be valid

Prizee1:
Please help!!! Can one take a coach with kids from heathrow airport on a 3hours trip to destination? Especially with lugages?

Of course.

abuhusna1:

I'm band D in london and my CT is 2200

Yup. Doesn't apply to every Borough. Westminster amd many others are paying less than half of yours

Zahra29:


Bands G and H in England are over £3k . Band H is close to £4k, might be more in some boroughs.

Yeah, true! Some are even higher than £4k actually, crazy stuff. In London, some Band H are below £2k sef. You can guess that Band A will be below £1k.

marylandcakes:


My council tax is almost 4k per annum, so count yourself lucky.

I struggle to believe this sha.

Tier4Dependant:
After Jan 2024, Assuming I’m on PSW dependent partner visa and I switch to student visa to pursue a masters degree. What happens to my family (wife and kids) who are here with me? Does the rule mean they would have to return to Nigeria?

Short answer: Yes.