Immigration Update from Sophie
As my OISC Level 1 exam is looming, I wanted to give an update on how things are going. Since May 2023, I have been training towards my qualification and learning all things immigration so I can assist serving personnel and their families with their immigration journeys.
Pete Hawley has been supervising and mentoring me in my own immigration journey and I’m pleased to say that since I started my first case (under Pete’s watchful eyes!) back in the summer, I have had the pleasure of receiving more than 10 successful applications. These applications vary from Naturalisation, Limited Leave to Enter (the first visa required for family members to enter the UK) and Indefinite Leave to Remain (also known as Settlement). This is great news for us at the Naval Families Federation as it means we have been able to help more families reunite after prolonged separation, more families can now begin their ‘settled’ life in the UK and more personnel are now proud to say they are ‘British’.
I have completed over 100 hours of training, this includes an OISC Level 1 course in December and countless training modules online to ensure that my knowledge is current and the best possible advise is being considered for all cases. There have been lots of ‘lightbulb’ moments and learning curves, but I’m really proud of everything I have achieved so far!
Since being in post, I have also begun immigration ‘drop ins’ at various locations. You can come and meet me to discuss your immigration queries at the below establishments:
- HMS Sultan – third Wednesday of every month – 1200 – 1400
- DTSL Worthy Down – second Wednesday of every month (open to Kestrel Division Phase 2) – 1600 onwards
- DTSL Worthy Down Chaplaincy – Thursday 29th February 1130 – 1400. I hope to set up termly drop ins moving forward.
- HMS Nelson – Ground Floor Office, Neptune Building in the Courtyard. Thursday 21st March 1200 – 1400, Wednesday 1st May 0930 – 1130 and Thursday 27th June 1200 – 1400.
I will be sharing further information on dates at HMS Nelson in the coming weeks. I also hope to set up some ‘drop ins’ for families in the local community in the Portsmouth base port area. As always, you can contact the immigration team by email at: immigration@nff.org.uk
My role is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, which has enabled the NFF to reach and support more serving personnel and their families in their immigration journeys.
I hope to meet or speak with you soon!