Q I am a non UK/EU citizen. I have a work permit to work in the UK. My partner, who I have lived with for five years, wants to come with me to Scotland. Can she do this?

A: An unmarried partner can accompany the applicant to the UK provided that the couple have lived together for more than two years. You should make an application at the British Consulate nearest to where you both live. The application should be submitted and approved prior to travelling to the UK.

Q In relation to an application under UK ancenstry, what if one of my parents is British and none of my grandparents?

A: You cannot successfully apply under the Ancestry category. However, depending on the date and place that you were born; which parent is British; and how they came to be British; you may be able to apply to register as a British citizen

Q What are "exceptional and compelling circumstances"?

A: Incapacity, llness, isolation and poverty are all examples of circumstances which may be considered. It is however a very difficult requirement to satisfy and each application is considered on its own merits

Q If I successfully apply to live and workd in the UK, what family members can I bring with me?

A: This depends on which immigration category you apply to enter or remain in the UK under. You can usually bring your dependent spouse (or partner) and children under 18. Other dependent relatives such as parents and grandparents over 65 years old can also apply but you must be able to show they are truly dependent on you.

Q I have been offered a job with a UK employer and I would like to take it. I am worried about whether I will qualify for a work permit. I have a university degree. Am I likely to get a work permit? Can my partner and our three year old child come with me if I have obtained a work permit?

A: If you have a University degree then you are likely to qualify for a work permit. If you did not have a degree, then usually you would need at least three years relevant work experience. So far as your unmarried partner is concerned, you may be able to include him or her in your application if you can show that you have lived together for at least two years. If your child is under 18 he or she may be included in your application.

Q Is it possible to get a work permit even if you do not have an offer of a job?

A: Under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme a successful applicant may enter the UK to seek and take work in his or her field. You do not have to have a job in advance. This is a points based programme and success depends upon scoring a sufficient number of points. Points are scored on the bases of educational qualifications, work experience, past earnings and recognised achievement in your field of expertise.