Changes to the Immigration Rules come into effect on 6 April 2012
The following changes to the Immigration Rules are coming into effect on 6 April.
These include changes for migrants coming to the UK under the following routes of the points-based system:
- Tier 1 – high-value migrants.
- Tier 2 – skilled workers, including: new arrangements for students switching into Tier 2 and confirmation that the limit for non-EU skilled workers allowed into the UK will remain at 20,700 for the next 2 years.
- Tier 4 – students.
- Tier 5 – temporary workers.
In addition to these changes the government is also increasing from 6 April, the funds that applicants will need to provide evidence of, in order to meet the maintenance requirements for Tier 4 and Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme). Changes to the level of funds needed for applicants in Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 5 (Temporary worker) will come into effect on 14 June.
Changes are also being made to:
- Curtailment (cutting short the leave you have if you fail to start, or have ceased your work or study).
- The visitor rules, with the creation of a new visitor route for permitted paid engagements to allow a small group of professionals, artists, entertainers and sportspersons who are to come to the UK to undertake short-term remunerated activities, for up to 1 month without formal sponsorship.
- The overseas domestic worker routes.
- The extension of leave to remain, so that Tier 2 migrants can now extend for a further 3 years, to take their stay up to a maximum of 6 years in total.
The above text is an adaptation of the contents on the UKBA website.