Newsletter No. 148
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FreePint
"Helping 63,000 people use the Web for their work"
http://www.freepint.com/
ISSN 1460-7239 6th November 2003 No.148
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ALTERNATIVE NEWSLETTER FORMATS AVAILABLE AT:
<http://www.freepint.com/issues/061103.htm>
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IN THIS ISSUE
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EDITORIAL
MY FAVOURITE TIPPLES
by Richard Drezen
FREEPINT BAR
In Association with Factiva
a Dow Jones & Reuters Company
JOBS
Financial Market Researchers
Senior Information Specialist (Maternity Leave)
Knowledge Manager
TIPS ARTICLE
"Records Management, the Aunt Sally of your business!"
By Tony Croft
BOOKSHELF
"Business Statistics on the Web: Find Them Fast
- At Little or No Cost"
Reviewed by Penny Leidtke
FEATURE ARTICLE
"Getting UK Immigration Information and Advice"
By Anne Ku
EVENTS, GOLD AND FORTHCOMING ARTICLES
CONTACT INFORMATION
ONLINE VERSION WITH ACTIVATED HYPERLINKS
<http://www.freepint.com/issues/061103.htm>
FULLY FORMATTED VERSION
<http://www.freepint.com/issues/061103.pdf>
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>>Online Information Exhibition FREE pre-registration now open<<
http://www.online-information.co.uk/ol03/tickets.html?em-0611-1
>>NEW - Incorporating co-located event - Content Management Europe<<
Meet over 250 suppliers of content resources, information management
& content management solutions. Attend comprehensive FREE
programme of seminars & masterclasses
2-4 December 2003, Olympia Grand Hall, London, UK
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>>> ABOUT FREEPINT <<<
FreePint is an online network of information searchers. Members
receive this free newsletter twice a month: it is packed with tips
on finding quality and reliable business information on the Internet.
Joining is free at <http://www.freepint.com/> and provides access to
a substantial archive of articles, reviews, jobs & events, with
answers to research questions and networking at the FreePint Bar.
Please circulate this newsletter which is best read when printed out.
To receive a fully formatted version as an attachment or a brief
notification when it's online, visit <http://www.freepint.com/member>.
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EDITORIAL
Big picture. Small picture. Which is more important? That's the daily
quandary for all people who work for themselves or in a small team. Of
course, the debate isn't quite of the importance of the general
relativity (very big) versus quantum mechanics (very small) debate,
but where to focus your attention can seem very important when the
pressure is on.
There are so many big and small things happening here at the moment
that at times all we seem to do is fire-fight. Since the last issue of
FreePint, we've launched a new look for three of FreePint's sister
offerings - hosting provider Willco <http://www.Willco.com>, URL
shortening service DigBig <http://www.DigBig.com> and the monthly
publication VIP <http://www.FreePintVIP.com>. We also had a big server
move two weeks ago <http://www.freepint.com/go/b26277> and we're still
feeling the aftershock.
Voting has now closed for the two industry awards we're running
(CILIP/FreePint Online Communities Award and the Online
Information/FreePint Award for Innovative Customer Service). The
judging panels are meeting this week, so watch this space for
announcement of the winners. Thank you to everyone who took the
trouble to cast their votes: we're delighted with the response.
Like many information companies at this time of year, we're working
hard on preparations for the Online Information 2003 show at London's
Olympia at the beginning of December. It's going to be a smashing show
again this year, with loads of exhibitors, free educational workshops
and co-location with the new show 'Content Management Europe'.
Wherever you are I would urge you to come along - thousands of people
visit from outside the UK too. You can get free tickets at
<http://www.online-information.co.uk/> and, since it's always a
rewarding experience, I'm sure you'll get a lot out of it. By visiting
you'll also be able to experience the launch of 'VIP', our new monthly
publication with information product news and reviews. Yes, the
FreePint team will be dressing up and there will be thousands of the
newly commissioned FreePint coasters for you to replenish your stocks.
With everything that's going on, it's important not to forget about
today's FreePint, which has the usual cosmopolitan mix of big-issue
and small-issue topics. So whatever your focus today, big or small, I
hope you find something here to make your day a little easier.
Happy sixth birthday today FreePint!
All the best
William
William Hann BSc(Hons) MCLIP
Founder and Managing Editor, FreePint
Email: <william.hann@freepint.com> Tel: +44 (0)1784 420044
FreePint is a Registered Trademark of Free Pint Limited (R) 1997-2003
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"Practical Guide to Negotiating Licenses for Electronic Products"
ISBN 1904769012
If you negotiate licenses for electronic products then don't miss
this valuable report from FreePint. Tips on contract clauses, model
license agreements and more.
<http://www.freepint.com/shop/report/>
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MY FAVOURITE TIPPLES
by Richard Drezen
* Ecomponline - Finding executive compensation for executives of U.S.
public companies is often a time-consuming process.
<http://www.ecomponline.com> provides a valuable shortcut in finding
corporate pay.
* The Corporate Library - <http://www.thecorporatelibrary.com> is an
excellent primer on corporate governance issues. Their "Corporate
Scandal Quick Sheet" is useful for keeping track on the major
scandals.
* Securities Class Action Clearinghouse - is a good starting point in
trying to identify class action lawsuits filed against companies in
the United States <http://securities.stanford.edu/>.
* Energy Information Administration - <http://www.eia.doe.gov>
provides a wide range of national and international energy
statistics compiled by the U.S. Dept. of Energy.
* Center for Responsive Politics - Need to find out who's giving what
to whom in U.S. political campaigns? <http://www.opensecrets.org/>
is the place to start down the money trail.
Richard Drezen is a financial researcher with The Washington Post
<http://www.washingtonpost.com>, currently based in the New York City
office of the paper. He frequently contributes reviews and freelance
pieces to Library Journal <http://digbig.com/3edb>.
Submit your top five favourite Web sites. See the guidelines at
<http://www.freepint.com/author.htm>.
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YOU'VE INVESTED IN CONTENT AND BUSINESS APPLICATIONS,
BUT ARE THEY WORKING HARD ENOUGH?
Factiva provides the tools and capabilities to build custom
information solutions for integration into your business applications.
With easy access to the right information in the right place you can
make informed business decisions, increasing organisational
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Visit <http://www.factiva.com/redirects/workflow/freepint>
for relevant white papers and case studies.
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>>> Information-related press releases in one place <<<
VIP invites you to submit your information-related
press releases to the VIP Wire:
<http://www.freepintvip.com/>
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FREEPINT BAR
In Association with Factiva
a Dow Jones & Reuters Company
Following our recent server move, we're conscious that there
are a number of outstanding issues with the Bar at the moment
<http://www.freepint.com/go/b26277>. Digests will resume soon
but the Bar Browser is already back to full strength
<http://www.freepint.com/go/b26372>. The good thing with all of
this has been the interest, support and concern of members, which
has demonstrated to us just how valuable members find the Bar.
The number of postings hasn't diminished with a lack of Digests, and
there is plenty of good advice available. Can you help with a service
level agreement for an intranet <http://www.freepint.com/go/b26356>?
What about a *free* source for lists of companies by SIC code,
country by country <http://www.freepint.com/go/b26354>? Can you
help with advice about becoming a children's librarian
<http://www.freepint.com/go/b26354 > or a business model for a
charity selling children's books <http://www.freepint.com/go/b26348>.
Something that we'd like to get involved with is helping libraries and
other organisations co-operate over the disposal or relocation of
books <http://www.freepint.com/go/b26347>. If anyone knows of a
service or would even like to help FreePint set one up, then please
get in touch with me <william.hann@freepint.com>.
Finally, we do like people who actively advocate the skills of
information professionals. Gary Price, Editor of ResourceShelf.com,
regularly calls people to the cause, and it's great for us to have
free access to his latest article <http://www.freepint.com/go/b26381>.
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The FreePint Bar is where you can get help with your tricky research
questions, for free! <http://www.freepint.com/bar>
Help with study for information-related courses is available at the
FreePint Student Bar <http://www.freepint.com/student>.
Twice-weekly email digests of the latest postings can be requested
at <http://www.freepint.com/member>.
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--- GLEN RECRUITMENT ---
Glen Recruitment is a leading independent Employment Consultancy
dealing in the recruitment of Information Specialists, Knowledge
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We provide both permanent and temporary staff at all levels from
senior managers to recent graduates. Our client list could not be
more exceptional and includes prestigious organisations of all sizes.
For more details call 020 7745 7245 email info@glenrecruitment.co.uk
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FREEPINT JOBS
<http://www.freepint.com/jobs>
FreePint Jobs -- the best place for information vacancies.
* VACANCY SEARCHING -- Free search and set up a weekly alert profile.
* VACANCY RECRUITING -- Complete the form and advertise a vacancy
for just GBP195 <http://www.freepint.com/jobs/submit/overview.php3>.
50% discount for registered charities. 10% discount for agencies.
This week's selected listings are below. All new jobs are posted to
the Bar and Bar Digest (circulation 12,000+) and matched against the
1000+ live job seeker profiles.
Here are some of the latest featured jobs:
Financial Market Researchers
A variety of excellent career opportunities for senior and junior
researchers covering financial markets.
Recruiter: City Professionals
<http://www.freepint.com/go/j2762>
Senior Information Specialist (Maternity Leave)
Seven month maternity leave vacancies (2) for Senior Researchers with
previous management consultancy experience. Very high neg. salaries.
Recruiter: Glen Recruitment
<http://www.freepint.com/go/j2771>
Knowledge Manager
Exciting KM role; advise on structuring and presenting info, liaise
with vendor. Exp with lg scale data, analysis, systems be a +
Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment
<http://www.freepint.com/go/j2772>
[The above jobs are paid listings]
Find out more today at <http://www.freepint.com/jobs>
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TIPS ARTICLE
<http://www.freepint.com/issues/061103.htm#tips>
"Records Management, the Aunt Sally of your business!"
By Tony Croft
Every business, regardless of size, is involved in the managing and
retention of records. This retention is in some cases regulated by a
professional body or in law, such as in the Companies Act 1985 and the
VAT Act. Accounting records, for instance, in public limited
companies, must be retained for 6 years to comply with the Companies
Act. Even in the absence of a specific law, it is recommended practice
for certain documents to be retained, such as property leases,
insurance liability policies or certain health records.
As a business grows, so does its mountain of paperwork necessitating
the need for a more professional approach to the whole area of records
management. Companies are faced with a plethora of options and the
ultimate dilemma of how to keep their records:
* In what format? Hard copy, CD or electronic?
* How long should they be kept for?
* What should be destroyed?
* Is there a carefully defined retention and destruction policy,
which meets the requirements of the company and complies with
current legislation?
* Where to store hard copy: on-site or off-site?
* Do you scan the paperwork and having done that, do you destroy it?
The decisions should be part of the senior management process, not
made ad hoc by each department. To confuse matters even further, new
companies are springing up all the time offering the perfect solution
to all your information systems! They suggest that electronic document
management systems (EDMS) will solve all your data problems overnight.
They will tell you that records management is dead because it is all
about managing paper and paper is about to disappear. You will no
longer need a retention management policy because space problems will
be a thing of the past. Computer storage is cheap and optical
technology means you can retain everything forever. Yeah, yeah! Trains
will henceforth run on time and cars will never get stuck on the M25!
Regretfully, real business life is not like that. Paper has not
disappeared and its use continues to grow exponentially.
In the end, records management remains about discipline, not pure
technology, and the need to introduce record systems best suited to
your company and the nature of your business. The problem remains that
the maintenance of records is not seen as an earnings-related activity
and is relegated to the bottom of the fiscal requirement pile. The
truth of the matter is that every company has differing requirements
when it comes to its record management.
The need to retrieve your records is a vital consideration. The
urgency of retrieving an anaesthetic record immediately prior to an
operation is far greater than the retrieval of a financial transaction
for insertion into a report. Companies need to sort out retrieval
requirements, retention and destruction policies as a matter of
course, and take steps to implement these policies either in
partnership with a professional records company or formulate and
practice an in-house policy.
To scan or not to scan?
-----------------------
Some documents genuinely lend themselves to imaging, whilst others can
be a nightmare. Companies rush off to purchase the latest scanner and
find that they have forgotten that their files contain differing sizes
and shapes, differing colours and weights of paper, staples galore and
a miscellany of junk documents which could be destroyed. Scanning is
efficient in the right circumstances, and, if indexed correctly and
carefully, documents can be easily and efficiently retrieved. You can
do this in-house or send them to a scanning bureau; the cost once you
have paid staff and purchased a suitable machine is very similar. The
downside is that it is an incredibly boring job but requires a skilled
an intelligent operator to sort, scan and index correctly: the two are
often incompatible. It is possible to keep one archive box at a
commercial archive company for up to 25 years for the price of
scanning the paper inside! If in doubt, consult a company that offers
both services, scanning and archiving, in this way you will not have a
biased opinion!
Finally, only the largest of companies should be entertaining the idea
of fully functional electronic data management. You cannot move from
disorganised paperwork to an electronic system without a great deal of
structural re-evaluation. If in doubt, obtain a copy of the new
British Standards document BSI ISO 15489 which is essential reading.
For most companies it is enough to ensure that the management of
records is given as high a priority as other disciplines. Without
easily accessed documentation, companies stand to lose not only time
and money but leave themselves open to the increasing possibility of
litigation for non-production, or loss, of records. Improper
retention of records or their incorrect destruction can cost your
company dearly. Don't take unnecessary risks with your business.
For peace of mind, get a professional records audit now or consult
a company who will give you advice free of charge.
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Tony Croft of File & Data Storage, is a member of the UK network of
archiving organisations: National Archive Solutions. The network promotes
the highest standards of professional management for the provision of
archive services and provides a nationwide service 24x7 from one point.
Clients benefit from document and electronic data storage off-site to
release space, and eliminate administrative time and effort, as well as
ensuring they can continue to operate even if they lose their on-site data.
Contact details: email <tonyc@fileanddata.com> or Terry Cohen at
<tc@londonweb.net> or 020 7703 3915.
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Related FreePint links:
* 'Information and Libraries' articles in the FreePint Portal
<http://www.freepint.com/go/p69>
* Post a message to the author, Tony Croft, or suggest further
resources at the FreePint Bar <http://www.freepint.com/bar>
* Read this article online, with activated hyperlinks
<http://www.freepint.com/issues/061103.htm#feature>
* Access the entire archive of FreePint content
<http://www.freepint.com/portal/content/>
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What is the ResourceShelf?
<http://www.resourceshelf.com>
ResourceShelf is a free daily update containing news of interest
to information professionals around the world.
Topics include the latest news with web search engines, research
tips, new web resources, and much more.
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>>> FreePint Jobs -- 50% Registered Charity Discount <<<
There's never been a more affordable time to
promote your information-related job vacancy:
<http://web.freepint.com/jobs/submit/overview.php3>
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FREEPINT BOOKSHELF
<http://www.freepint.com/bookshelf>
"Business Statistics on the Web: Find Them Fast
- At Little or No Cost"
Reviewed by Penny Leidtke
Written by Paula Berinstein
Sooner or later, everyone needs to find statistical data. The issue is
how quickly and inexpensively one can locate the information needed
at any given time. Paula Berinstein provides readers with a starting
point in her recent book 'Business Statistics on the Web: Find Them
Fast - at Little or No Cost'. Free or relatively inexpensive sources
are the primary focus of the book. Premium or commercial sources are
mentioned occasionally, especially those that offer some free content.
Sites that have fees associated with them are clearly marked.
The book begins with a Quick Start chapter for those in a hurry. The
next two chapters provide background information on the nature and
sources of statistics in general. General search tips are covered
in depth in chapter four, but tips and tricks are also presented
throughout the book where relevant. Subsequent chapters cover U.S.
and non-U.S. industry, market research, economic, financial,
demographic, and population statistics as well as company information,
special tips and tricks, and estimating company-related numbers that
cannot be located in publicly-available materials. Sidebars and case
studies appear throughout the book to illustrate various points,
resources, or the author's approach to locating particular
information. All but one was easily followed. The one relating to
health club membership contains an error in the wording of the text
that causes some momentary confusion. The book finishes up with a
glossary of statistical terms and a subject index.
The author's website at <http://www.berinsteinresearch.com> includes
statistics links, some of which are unique to the site. Berinstein
suggests you consult both resources for the most complete coverage.
The author states that the book is targeted at anyone needing to find
business and/or economic statistical data. However, it seems more
directed towards the novice or casual researcher. Given that, and the
fact that statistics are easily manipulated, as discussed by the
author, I would like to have seen certain caveats mentioned more
frequently throughout the book, including those relating to: time
lags; the potential bias of sources; the need to verify data, etc. In
addition, oversimplification and generalizations resulting from
presenting complex issues in easy-to-understand language can lead, at
times, to erroneous conclusions by some readers. For example,
guidelines are given for estimating certain company numbers. In some
instances, this may lead readers to conclude that the guidelines are
always applicable to every company in every industry at any given
time. Readers, especially novice or casual researchers, might benefit
from citations for the source of the guidelines or benchmarks used in
the examples as well as a reiteration of the relevant caveats.
The issues above aside, the book succeeds in presenting a starting
point for finding business statistics on the Web. Even more
experienced or professional information researchers could find the
book and the related website useful additions to their resource shelf.
While many of the sites listed throughout the book will be familiar to
experienced researchers, the topics covered are broad enough to allow
for the identification of new sites or the rediscovery of previously
forgotten ones.
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Penny Leidtke, principal of On-Target Information Services, has over
18 years experience analyzing, researching, and reporting on
companies, industries, economic conditions and financing strategies.
On-Target helps the corporate, financial, and legal communities meet
their information needs in connection with valuations, product
development, competitive analysis, mergers and acquisitions,
securities analysis, strategic planning, and market, industry or
economic trend analysis. Recent projects relate to various segments
of the automotive industry, educational institutions, publishing,
organic chemicals, and healthcare. Articles and presentations include
starting an information services business, market research methods,
and automotive industry resources. Penny can be reached at
<on-targetinfo@erols.com>.
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Related FreePint links:
* Find out more about this book online at the FreePint Bookshelf
<http://www.freepint.com/bookshelf/busstats.htm>
* Read customer comments and buy this book at Amazon.co.uk
<http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/091096565X/freepint0c>
or Amazon.com
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/091096565X/freepint00>
* "Business Statistics on the Web: Find Them Fast - At Little
or No Cost" ISBN 091096565X, published by CyberAge Books, written by
Paula Berinstein.
* Search for and purchase any book from Amazon via the FreePint
Bookshelf at <http://www.freepint.com/bookshelf>
* Read about other Internet Searching books on the FreePint Bookshelf
<http://www.freepint.com/bookshelf/searching.htm>
To propose an information-related book for review, send details
to <bookshelf@freepint.com>.
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>>> Long URLs Break in Emails <<<
If you've tried to communicate a long URL by email
or over the phone then you know that they often break.
Use the free DigBig service to make them much shorter:
<http://www.DigBig.com/>
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FEATURE ARTICLE
<http://www.freepint.com/issues/061103.htm#feature>
"Getting UK Immigration Information and Advice"
By Anne Ku
Several important changes have taken place in the area of UK
immigration since my first FreePint article on this subject (1 April
1999 - <http://www.freepint.com/issues/010499.htm#tips>). Among them
is the introduction of a new kind of work permit that does not require
the pre-existence of an employer. Complaints about unscrupulous
immigration advisers have led to the establishment of an independent,
public body to regulate such advisers and investigate the complaints.
Other changes can be found on the FAQ or latest news sections of UK
government websites <http://www.analyticalq.com/immigration/>.
In general, UK immigration issues fall into several categories: work
permits, non-work permit visas, entry clearance, and asylum. This
article attempts to clarify the issues around obtaining immigration
advice and service off the Internet.
The new work permit: Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
-----------------------------------------------------
In January 2002, a new kind of visa was introduced to allow highly
qualified professionals to work in the UK without requiring a prior
offer of employment. Revised in January 2003, the Highly Skilled
Migrant Programme (HSMP for short) works on a points system similar to
that of Australia. The minimum requirement of 75 points is to be met
by adding up points based on the last or highest (educational) degree
obtained, years of relevant work experience, existing or previous
salary level, etc. For details, see
<http://www.workpermits.gov.uk/default.asp?pageid=3631>.
The initial HSMP visa is valid for 12 months. Towards the end of this
period, you may apply for an extension of 3 years. After this, you may
apply for permanent residency. After one year of permanent residency,
you may apply for naturalisation. So HSMP is definitely the fast
track way to work and live in the UK for high achievers and priority
applicants such as medical doctors.
Workpermits.gov.uk also lists shortage occupations and new rules that
allow you to switch from working holidaymaker status to another work
permit status. It mentions other rules, such as the rights of
work-permit holders and their spouses to work in the country.
Obtaining immigration advice
----------------------------
The Immigration and Nationality Directorate
<http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk> should be the first point of call
for anyone looking for information on UK immigration. In the section
"Getting immigration advice", it warns against poor advice,
overcharging, and other unscrupulous activity. It states that it is
not necessary to get advice to apply for a visa. In my experience,
however, I found it absolutely necessary to get advice regarding my
immigration status and the options available to me before I even
considered applying for a visa. It also states "many good
organisations provide their services free of charge" - well yes, their
advice may be free but the service of applying for a visa is usually
not free.
The Immigration and Asylum Act of 1999 (November 1999)
<http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1999/90033--e.htm#83>
set up the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) to license and
regulate immigration advisers. But the OISC does not regulate
solicitors, law firms, and employers who give immigration advice to
their employees (the latter until 31 December 2003). The OISC can
however investigate complaints about any person or organisation that
provides immigration advice, including solicitors. In fact, since
April 2001, it is a criminal offence for advisers to provide
immigration advice or services unless their organisation is registered
with the OISC, or has been granted a certificate of exemption by the
OISC. For more information about the OISC and a directory of licensed
immigration advisers, visit <http://www.oisc.gov.uk>.
Dubious immigration advisers can "get around" OISC registration by
negotiating a deal with a solicitor and thereby avoiding the
requirement to register with the OISC, as solicitors are not regulated
by the OISC but by the Law Society. OISC regulated advisers benefit from
having clear areas of demarcation. Any issue of providing advice that
falls outside of the remits of their registered ability is then
referred on to a higher level who specialises in that area.
Up-to-date, accurate, and reliable information
----------------------------------------------
Immigration concerns are often highly personal and confidential. The
Internet provides a convenient way to find out about your options
without disclosing yourself.
The last five years saw the emergence of new immigration advisers,
associated web sites, and the practice of making available immigration
information on their websites to encourage self-help and as a source
of competitiveness. Often they explain and present the information
better than those announced on government sites. But readers should be
warned about out-of-date information on non-governmental websites, for
the owners are often not accountable for the sites' accuracy.
One way to discern the reliability of immigration information on
non-government sites is to look out for the "OISC Regulated" logo.
Otherwise, beware of so-called advisers who "hide under the skirts of
solicitors" and who camouflage their lack of qualification under the
"cover" of the solicitor's membership with the Law Society. Or foreign
law firms who are not regulated by the Law Society in this country.
When in doubt, visit official government websites, which have been
considerably revamped in the last few years. There, you can find FAQs
along with application forms and procedures on official government
sites. Although this improves self-help and self-service, it does not
necessarily increase the success rate of self-application or reduce
the cost.
Immigration advisers and their services
---------------------------------------
It is a mistake to assume that immigration services are best provided
by solicitors. Solicitors excel in conflict resolution, knowing the
law, and representing their clients. Immigration issues are rarely
about conflict of interest but about acquiring the necessary documents
to stay in a country, to legally work, study, etc.
You might hesitate to ask for immigration advice because you think
solicitors are expensive and legal advice is rarely free. You might
be skeptical of free advice, thinking that there's a catch. You might
even be mistaken to think that approaching such advisers might get you
in trouble.
One little understood fact is that you can obtain free advice from
advisers who operate on a "No Visa, No Fee" or "No Win, No Fee" basis.
It is a common, accepted practice in this business. Usually it starts
with a dialogue between a potential client/applicant and the adviser,
to determine the kind of case it is. The applicant discloses
information and the adviser imparts advice until such a time when both
parties are satisfied with the case in question. There is no fee paid
during this dialogue. When the case is determined, i.e., type of visa
to apply for, the fee is agreed. By then, the adviser is confident
that the visa can be successfully applied. Of course, after getting
the free advice, you may choose to apply for the visa in question
yourself. But don't expect to go back to the adviser if something goes
wrong. When you pay the adviser, you are paying for peace of mind.
Typically you get your fees refunded if the application isn't
successful. Unless, of course you're unlucky enough to run into an
unscrupulous adviser!
From 1st August 2003 the UK Home Office started charging visa
applicants. It is anticipated that by charging, government
administrative costs will be covered and a greater degree of service
will be afforded to applicants. However, the Home Office does not
provide a free advisory service where applicants visit their offices
to discuss their situation in detail, and it is not always easy to
get through by telephone or e-mail. Most immigration advisers
provide this advisory service for free but charge for representation
on top of the Home Office fees.
One final note
--------------
Immigration advisers act as intermediaries between the
applicant and the Home Office. Because immigration issues are often
not straightforward, obvious, clear, or certain, advisers may
spend a considerable amount of time giving free advice before
"taking the case on". Many enquiries will not result in a paying case.
Immigration advisers deal with peoples' futures, a task not to be
taken lightly. Many enquirers are highly emotional, as they may be
faced with the prospect of being separated from loved ones or refused
a visa. They may not know their real situation or all the options open
to them. For those reasons, immigration advisers are more than just
providers of information and processors of visa applications.
If you're looking to solve your own immigration dilemma, I would
suggest that you do your research on the Internet as well as consult
an OISC regulated adviser. But don't attempt to do it all yourself,
for a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing.
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Dr Anne Ku first entered the UK as a summer visitor and then returned
as a full-time post-graduate student, working holiday maker, work
permit holder, permanent resident, and more recently, a naturalised
British citizen. She wrote this article to update her previous one on
this subject and to respond to numerous enquiries on her website
analyticalQ.com. She thanks Steve Purdy of London-based Value Visas
Ltd <http://www.valuevisas.com> for invaluable advice and assistance
on all immigration matters over the years. Currently pursuing a
portfolio career in Europe, Anne can be contacted via her personal
site at <http://www.anneku.com>.
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