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30 Oct UKVI introduces new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules

Posted on October 30, 2015 in Other Visas by
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On 29 October 2015, the UK Government announced few changes to the Immigration Rules affecting the following categories: Asylum, Settlement, Family/private life, Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent), Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), Representative of an Overseas Business as well as the Tier 2 and Tier 5 Schemes.

These new changes, which will be implemented on or after 19 November 2015 are:

Asylum:

  • Asylum claims from EU nationals will no longer be admissible;
  • The Home Office has now clarified the circumstances which might lead to a withdrawal of a migrant’s refugee status.

 

Settlement:

  • Transitional arrangements for the English language requirement will be removed and as a result, Indefinite Leave to Remain and Nationality applications can only be supported by a Secure English Language Test listed under Appendix O;
  • From 6 April 2016, Tier 2 migrants who wish to settle in the UK should have a salary threshold of at least £35,000 (except for migrants whose jobs are listed in the shortage occupation list. The good news is that nurses have now been added to the list).

 

Family/private life:

  • A child’s entry clearance application might be refused if the Secretary of States  were to believe that the sponsor might pose a risk to the child’s safety.

 

Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent):

  • New Tech City UK endorsement criteria have been published to target applicants who might strengthen the digital sector in the UK.

 

Other changes:

1.    The UKVI will provide further guidance in terms of the required documents to be provided by Tier 1 Entrepreneur as evidence of their £200K investment in the form of share capital or a director’s loan;

2.    A Representative of an Overseas Business will no longer be assessed in terms of reading and writing to meet the English language requirement set at level A1 of CEFR.

3.    Tier 2 shortage occupation list has been updated;

4.    New requirements for charity workers;

5.    The annual allocation of possible places under the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme has been increased;

6.    Changes to the list of government authorised exchange schemes.

 

If you are concerned about the matters discussed above and would like to review your immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

The content of this article is for general use and information only. Since each case should be prepared on its own merit and in light of the constant amendments to the Immigration Rules, it is important to note that the information provided must not be relied upon unless Migra & Co has either given written consent or has been officially engaged in relation to a specific immigration matter. As a result, Migra & Co will take no responsibility for any damage, cost or loss resulting from relying on the information contained in this article, blog and website.