Changes to the UK Immigration Rules Come into Force 24 November 2016
Changes to the UK Immigration Rules Come into Force 24 November 2016
Today, 3 November, the Home Office has published a Statement of Changes in Immigration rules which will start coming into effect from 24 November 2016.
Tier 2 General – migrant workers
The minimum salary threshold for experienced workers (subject to some exemptions) will be increased to £25,000. The threshold will not apply to workers sponsored before 24 November 2016 when applying to extend their stay in this category. The threshold will be further increased to £30,000 in April 2017. The worker will need to meet the £30,000 threshold from April 2017, as there will be no transitional arrangement for those sponsored between 24 November 2016 and April 2017.
Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfers
The minimum salary threshold for Tier 2 ICT Short term applicants will be increased from £24,800 to £30,000.
The Tier 2 ICT Skills Transfer category will be removed.
The minimum salary required for Tier 2 ICT Graduate Trainee will be reduced from £24,800 to £23,000 whilst the number of places a sponsor can offer will be increased to 20 per year.
English language
Applicants under the Point-Based System must now submit an official document produced by UK NARIC, if they wish to rely on their degree obtained in a non-majority English speaking country to satisfy the English language requirements.
Family applicants
From 1 May 2017, partners and parents of a settled / British person applying to extend their stay after completing 30 months in the UK will be required to pass a new English language test at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Other changes
Other minor technical changes and clarifications will be introduced to visit visas, the Administrative review process, Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Exceptional Talent, Tier 4 Student and grounds for refusal. The 28 day ‘grace’ period will be removed and replaced with a 14 day period within which an application for extension of stay could be made without it being considered as ‘out-of-date’, subject to conditions.
Contact our immigration law experts today
IBB Solicitors provide expert advice on all aspects of UK Immigration & Nationality law to businesses and individual clients. Contact us today on immigrationteam@ibblaw.co.uk or 03456 381381 to see how we can help you with your immigration matter.
