LS Legal News Bulletin
Autumn Statement of Changes HC 217: What You Need to Know
Monday 16th September 2024
The autumn statement of changes HC 217 has been published. Here's what you need to know:
🎓 Student Visa Changes – January 2025
Starting from January 2025, student maintenance requirements will increase to match the maintenance loans available to home students for the 2024-25 academic year. The maximum amount for accommodation offsets has also gone up.
👶 Appendix Child – Staying with or Joining a Non-Parent Relative
The entire Appendix is being revamped for clarity. Two key policy changes:
1. A new family relationship eligibility requirement – sponsors must now be close relatives.
2. Simplified, clearer guidance for applicants.
🇪🇺 Changes to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) – October 2024
New rules aim to curb fraudulent EUSS applications post-transition. Here are the highlights:
- Pre-settled status may now be curtailed if fraud is involved, with the right to appeal.
- Joining family members must apply to the EUSS within three months of their FIRST arrival in the UK after the transition period, or risk being considered late applicants.
🎟️ VIP Delegate Visa – Coming 10 October 2024
A brand-new visa category has been introduced for official state visits. Heads of state and ministers can now bring a capped number of delegates into the UK with a simplified process:
✔️ Capped at 20 delegates for heads of state and 10 for ministerial delegations.
✔️ Light-touch application, no fingerprints required, and no fees.
Stay tuned for more updates as these changes roll out.
