Immigration Solicitors

The British population having decided to leave the European Union by voting in favour of Brexit. The immediate aftermath of the UK referendum has created a global wave of uncertainty to our economy, social and political landscape.

Focusing on our economy for a moment, the pound (GBP) took a dramatic plunge almost across the board immediately after the vote results were announced. When compared against a major economic power such as China, it is noted that China’s CNY soared by +8.11% to 9.0738, while the offshore Yuan (GBP/CNH) rose +7.68% to 9.0934, as confirmed by Daily FX Forex Market News And Analysis.
As a result of the weakened pound, the UK is bracing itself for an influx in Chinese investment, tourism and sales of luxury products as it is now cheaper for Chinese nationals to purchase UK goods and services.
Chinese nationals are taking advantage of this extraordinary time in the UK’s history by moving ahead with their plans to invest, visit and enjoy the British culture.

According to Boomerang, Chinese are the biggest buyers of high-end goods and make the most of their purchases overseas, counting a number of 270,000 trips to the UK over the past year. As stated in The Economist in 2014, around two-thirds of luxury products bought by Chinese are purchased outside the country. Also, Global Blue, a retail-tourism company, has revealed that for 82% of them shopping is a crucial part of their holiday plans, preferring European or American stores to their own as a guarantee of authenticity.

Due to the recent events, it’s believed that cheaper prices for luxury goods and services may benefit British companies, such as Burberry Group Plc and Mulberry Group Plc, bringing them out of the sales slowdown that they have been facing in the past year.
We have noted many Chinese investors, entrepreneurs and visitors are uncertain as to the process of coming to the UK. At Duncan Lewis Solicitors, we have a dedicated team of specialist Chinese speaking immigration lawyers who can help Chinese nationals enter the UK for business or leisure.

If you are coming from China and you are ready to catch this opportunity, we have set out some basic guidance as to how you and/or your family member can apply for a UK visitor visa from China.

Step 1: Online Application

To apply for a visa to the UK, you must visit the UK visas and Immigration website and fill in the application online.

Step 2: Book Appointment

After you submit the online application, you must book and attend an appointment at one of the 12 visa application centres in China. You must bring a number of supporting documents with you at the appointment.

Step 3: Biometric Information collection

At the visa application centre, you will be asked to submit your biometric information. This includes a digital finger scan (all 10 digits) and a digital photograph.

Step 4: Collecting your documents

You will be given a choice between collecting your documents in person at the visa application centre or have them delivered to you by EMS.

Documents you must provide

• A current passport or other valid travel identification;
• Evidence of finance;
• Evidence to show accommodation arrangement for the duration of the travel in the UK;
• Evidence to show you are a genuine visitor; and
• Evidence to show intention to return.

Visa Processing Time

Applicants can apply for their visitor visa three months prior to their travel to the UK. Most applications are processed within 15 working days. Long Term Visit visa for a period of more than 6 months may take up to 30 days to process. Fast track process is also available to Chinese visitors at an additional fee of 1410 RMB. Applicants can either pay online or at the application centres for their visa to be processed within 3 to 5 working days. It is well advised that applicants should not book any travel tickets until receiving the visa.

For any further information or queries, please contact our specialist Immigration Caseworker, Valerie Shao, who is fluent in speaking Mandarin and Cantonese at valeries@duncanlewis.com or the Head of Business Development, Geoffrey Yeung, at geoffreyy@duncanlewis.com.