Legal News
Government publishes details of more changes to immigration rules (30 October 2015)
Date: 30/10/2015
The government has announced changes to some immigration rules, most of which will affect applications submitted on or after 19 November 2015.
The main changes involve asylum applications, settlement in the UK, family and private life – and Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 5 applications.
In the case of asylum applications, the changes will make asylum claims from EU nationals invalid, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
The changes also clarify the circumstances in which refugee status will be withdrawn.
Changes to settlement rules will ensure indefinite leave and naturalisation applicants – who normally rely on an English language qualification – take a secure English language test. There will also be the introduction of the £35,000 minimum earnings threshold for Tier 2 settlement, which will come into force on 6 April 2016.
The changes will also provide for a child’s application for entry clearance to be refused, where the Secretary of State considers that the sponsor or the sponsor’s partner poses a risk to the child.
Regarding Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) of the points-based system, the changes will amend the endorsement criteria used by Tech City UK, to better reflect the skills and experience of target applicants who are most likely to add value to the UK digital technology sector.
Changes to Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system will add nurses and four digital technology jobs to the Tier 2 shortage occupation list.
The changes will also clarify the charity worker rules for sponsors and applicants – and will set the annual allocation of places available under the youth mobility scheme for 2016. There will also be minor amendments to the list of government-authorised exchange schemes.
Duncan Lewis Immigration Solicitors
Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of immigration solicitors, able to advise migrants from the EU and non-EU countries on a wide range of immigration matters, including right to work in the UK and applying for work visas – as well as:
• Asylum in the UK and asylum appeals
• British citizenship
• Entrepreneur visas
• Human Rights Act
• Illegal entry to the UK
• Marriage in the UK
• Modern Slavery Bill
• Right to work in the UK
• Spouse visas
• Student visas
• Visa overstays.
For expert legal advice on UK immigration law, call Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors on 0333 772 0409.