UK Immigration Blog, Thoughts and Opinions

From 6 April 2010 the following changes will be made:

Doctors and Dentists in Training

Graduates of UK medical schools (doctors) are now able to switch to Tier 1 PSW category within 12 months of completing the FoundationProgramme rather than graduation to allow them completion of speciality/GP training. Doctors who have leave in the old-permit Postgraduate Doctor and Dentist category will also be allowed to switch into Tier 1 (Post-StudyWork) on completion of the Foundation Programme.

However, with the introduction of new rules, new applicants applying under the Tier 1 General Scheme will not be able to practise as doctor as well as dentist in training UNLESS they have been awarded a degree in medicine or dentistry from a UK university.

HSMP Migrants

UK immigration authorities have finally incorporated the “HSMP Forum policy" into the Immigration Rules. Migrants who were granted HSMP visa prior to 3 April 2006 are able to apply for settlement upon completion of 4 years of continuous residence in the UK as opposed to 5 years under the current rule.In addition they will not need to demonstrate their knowledge of English language and life in the UK.