Practical information for Latin Americans in the UK
Much of your experience in the UK depends on the type of documentation you have (whether you entered as a tourist, student, on an asylum visa, or as a citizen of the European Union).
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Before travelling...
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You must have a visa to travel to the UK. The process is personal and has to be done at the embassy. We do not recommend using agencies or intermediaries.​
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If your intention is to come to work, you have to take into account that the migration regulations here are very rigid and only people who have a previous work contract offered by a company with a salary of more than £25,000 pounds per year. They also ask you for several requirements that you must meet in a points system. All the information about immigration can be found on the UK government page.
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If your intention is to work illegally, we do not recommend it because it is very difficult for people without papers to be hired in the UK due to the fines that could be imposed on the company or even for you to have access to healthcare. Especially now, that there is so much unemployment and that so many Europeans and Britons have lost their jobs and they, having the National Insurance Number, will always have an easier time being hired over someone without papers.
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​If you are living in the UK illegally, you may be able to apply to legalize your stay. You will be living here illegally if you came to the UK without permission or if your permit has expired. You can also get help to return to your home country if you want.
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If you decide to live her illegally, life could be difficult. You may be charged for medical treatment or you may be detained and removed from the country. You could be exploited at work, and have a hard time finding housing. Here you can see the options to regularize your situation.
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Do you need legal advice?
Immigration support services for Latinos:
Refugee Council and Praxis
(Support services for refugees/asylum seekers)
(or write toimmigration@casalatina.org.uk)
“I came but I didn't know what it really meant. When you enter (the UK) they take everything from you, you hand over your phone and wallet. I didn't know it was like that. They keep you there and investigate that you have no legal record. They do an interview to find out your situation and why you are fleeing.
They saw my documents. At immigration they asked me where I was going, I said I needed an interpreter. They asked me how long I was going to be here and I said I don't know, and I said that I had come to ask for asylum. They filled out a form with my information which is permission for them to investigate you - where did you come from, what was your route?
My process lasted 1 year and 7 months but in some cases it can be more or less, between 5 months and 8 years. I got depressed - I got out of bed without knowing why, without having a goal because I had nothing to do. They gave me £40 a week to buy food and transport. I would go for a walk, not to exercise but just to distract yourself, but you can't find how. You don't feel any satisfaction. You have to come psychologically prepared that you are going to be isolated.”
Robert
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Legal Aid: Asylum seekers can access a free legal advice service,Legal Aid.
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However, for those who have other types of visa such as the student visa or for family reunification, it is necessary to go to private lawyers. Here you havethe database of all solicitors in the UK. You can also filter them bySpanish speakers.
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Private attorneys who have worked with Latinos include Paragon Law
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Are you a citizen of the European Union (EU settlement scheme)?
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Settled is a new charity whose mission is to guide, inform and help EU citizens who are at risk of being left unprotected due to their personal circumstances
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Casa Latina also provides support. Write to brexit@casalatina.org.uk or call 0740 303 9780
Do you have a student visa?
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If you are interested in moving to the UK and are interested in studying at the same time then find out if you are eligible for a student visa. The UK offers scholarships to study a master's degree through the Chevening. While these scholarships are very competitive, there are people who can access a scholarship directly from the university to which they are applying.
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If you do not get a scholarship from Chevening, then you will have to do your own paperwork to get the visa.
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You can find how to apply for a student visa on this page of the government detailing the requirements and documents you will need. Many people apply for this visa with their partners and children.
Request for asylum
You can apply for asylum in the UK if you have left your country and cannot return because you fear persecution. For more information about how to apply for asylum, go to the government page here.
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Tips before traveling to request asylum
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It would be useful to be clear that you are going to come to go through a very hard process, in the sense that you cannot work. If you come alone, you may share a room, wait for them to assign you a room with people from other cultures and languages, and the process is long and complicated.
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You have to come clear with the story with which you are going to start your process because that story is the one that will base your application and you cannot change your story if the process is not complicated for you.
Our Policies
Data protection/Protección de Datos
At Info Latinos we respect any personal data that you share with us or that we obtain from other organizations, and we keep it safe. Our goal is to be clear when we collect your data and we will not do anything with it that you would not reasonably expect. You can contact us at any time to request access to the information we hold about you, correct it, delete it and/or restrict its further processing. You can read our Data Protection policy here.
En Info Latinos respetamos cualquier dato personal que compartas con nosotros o que obtengamos de otras organizaciones, y lo mantenemos seguro. Nuestro objetivo es ser transparentes cuando recolectemos tus datos y no haremos nada con ellos que no esperes razonablemente. Puedes contactarnos en cualquier momento para solicitar acceso a la información que poseemos sobre ti, corregirla, eliminarla y/o restringir su procesamiento posterior. Puedes leer nuestra política de protección de datos aquí.
Safeguarding/Cuidado y protección
Safeguarding is a fundamental part of InfoLatinos' work and this commitment is reflected in the values of our organisation, which inform and support all of our safeguarding activity. You can read our Safeguarding policy here
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El cuidado y la protección es parte fundamental del trabajo de InfoLatinos y este compromiso se refleja en los valores de nuestra organización. Aquí puede leer nuestra política de cuidado y protección.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
​Info Latinos promotes diversity, equality, and a safe environment for all. We empower individuals to protect their own welfare and that of others, ensuring everyone—regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, or belief—can live free from abuse. Our trustees, staff, and volunteers uphold this commitment. You can read our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policy here.
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En Info Latinos estamos comprometidos con la promoción de la diversidad, la igualdad y un entorno seguro para todos. Empoderamos a las personas para que protejan su propio bienestar y el de los demás, asegurando que todos—independientemente de su edad, sexo, etnia, discapacidad, sexualidad o creencias—puedan vivir libres de abuso. Este compromiso es respaldado por nuestros directores/fiduciarios, personal y voluntarios. Para leer nuestra Politica aqui.