LS Legal News Bulletin
New Changes to the Immigration Rules
Monday 18th June 2018
The UK Government has announced changes to the UK Immigration Rules that will come into effect on 6 July 2018. Rather atypically, many of the changes are welcome news! The changes include the following:
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Open for Fashion Designers
The Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa will henceforth be open to leading fashion designers. The British Fashion Council will assess their applications, under the endorsement remit of the Arts Council of England (ACE). The Tier 1 Exceptional Talent route has also opened up to a wider pool of TV and film applicants. This is under the remit of the ACE.
Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visa Cap Lifted
Doctors and Nurses will be removed from the Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visa cap. This step will not only benefit the doctors and nurses but will open up spaces on for other skilled workers to come and work in the UK.
Tier 4 Student Visa Reduced Level of Documentation
The Home Office has expanded the list of countries from which Tier 4 Students will benefit from a streamlined process. Prospective students from these countries will have a reduced level of documentation when applying for a Tier 4 Student visa. Students still need to meet all the requirements, and the UK Government reserves the right to request evidence in full.
The countries that benefit from a streamlined Tier 4 Student visa process include Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Botswana, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, The Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, The Maldives, Mexico, New Zealand, Qatar, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates and United States of America.
Returning residents
If someone has an Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, the general rule is that it automatically lapses after two years' absence from the UK. The changes have been introduced to make it possible to have indefinite leave restored if you can show that you have strong ties to the UK and intend to make the UK as a permanent home.
New Form of Leave for Children
The UK Government will create a new form of leave for children under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016. This new form of leave will ensure that children who do not qualify for refugee or humanitarian protection leave will still be able to stay in the UK long term. They will be able to study, work, have access to public funds and healthcare, and apply for settlement after five years.
Turkish Business Persons Able to Settle Under ECAA
A new settlement category will be created for Turkish business persons, workers and their families in the UK under the EU-Turkey European Communities Association Agreement (ECAA). Turkish workers and business persons will now be able to settle in the UK after five years as an ECAA business person or worker, or another points-based route, provided that the most recent period of leave was under ECAA.
Electronic Visa Waiver
Holders of the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) will in future be able to present their EVW in digital format. This step will allow for a faster and smoother journey to the UK.
All in all, almost only positive news, which is certainly a welcome change!
LS Legal Solicitors may assist you with any type of the immigration application. Please contact our firm on 020 81 44 55 88, via email on info@LSLegaLUK.com or use the contact box to discuss your matter or make an appointment.
