| F.A.Q |
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the new rules in UK immigration?
What will the changes mean for medical students already in the UK?
Does this stop doctors from overseas coming to train in the UK?
Who will carry out my conveyancing?
How long does conveyancing take?
Why is the local authority search fees only an estimate?
What are the changes in stamp duty law?
Q: What are the new rules in UK immigration? What are the new rules in UK immigration? A: From 3 April 2006 doctors and dentists in postgraduate training will be considered for immigration purposes to be in employment rather than in training. Permit-free training will no longer be available, and those who do not have right of residence in the UK or EEA will require a work permit to undertake employment.    Q: What will the changes mean for medical students already in the UK? What will the changes mean for overseas students already studying medicine in the UK? A: Overseas students will still be able to complete their undergraduate studies with a student visa. On graduation from a UK medical school they will be eligible to apply for leave to remain in the UK as a Postgraduate Doctor (permit-free training) to undertake a 2 year Foundation Programme and therefore to register with the General Medical Council. They will compete on an equal footing with UK and EEA resident graduates in the allocation of posts. It is important that this provision remains so that they have a transferable professional registration on completion of their studies. Following completion of the Foundation Programme, if they want to remain in the UK then they will have to switch into another category of the Immigration Rules, such as the work permit system.  Q: Does this stop doctors from overseas coming to train in the UK? Does this stop doctors from overseas coming to train in the UK? A: No. Overseas doctors will still be able to come and train in the UK. However, you will now be considered as being in employment for immigration purposes, and will therefore need to meet the requirements of an employment category of the Immigration Rules, such as the work permit system. Work permits will only be issued where the post cannot be filled by someone with right of residence in the UK or Europe. The work permit is specific to the post and only for the duration of the post. Each new post will require a new work permit. Q: Who will carry out my conveyancing? Who will carry out my conveyancing? A: Your conveyancing will be carried out by one of our qualified solicitors. Because there is no need for personal meetings, it is not necessary that we should be near to where you live or work. Communication between you and us can take place by email, letter or telephone. Q: How long does conveyancing take? How long does conveyancing take? A: This is one of the most common questions. The answer is that it depends on a number of factors. For example: how long the chain is, whether people have existing or new mortgages to obtain, and most important, how quickly information is provided by the other side. As a guideline, we would suggest that you expect a period of eight to ten weeks. Q: Why is the local authority search fees only an estimate? Why is the local authority search fees only an estimate? A: The fees charged vary between different local authorities with some charging less than others. The £110 fee is what we estimate to be the average. Q: What are the changes in stamp duty law? What are the changes in stamp duty law? A: The law on Stamp Duty is due to change on all transactions after the 1st of December 2003. It is now called Stamp Duty Land Tax. Broadly, the new law keeps Stamp Duty Land Tax levels at the same rate as before, except when a new lease is created (sale of an existing lease remains at the same rate). However, the new law obliges all buyers to complete a new Tax Return Form which contains over 70 questions. This form is then used by the Inland Revenue to calculate your liability to Stamp Duty Land Tax, if any. The duty is on the buyer to complete and sign this form personally. However, if you wish to have the assistance of your conveyancing solicitors in completing this form, this can be arranged for a fee of £50 plus VAT. |