This year, the government announced a series of changes to UK Immigration Law. The changes were announced on 29th October and most of them will affect applications submitted on or after 19th November 2015, unless of course otherwise stated below. Our team at Arlingsworth have broken down these changes for you to help you understand how the changes could affect you.
Changes to EU Applications
As of November of this year, the UK government will now class asylum claims from EU nationals as invalid unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Changes affecting UK Landlords
From the 1st of February 2016, UK landlords will have a statutory duty to carry out “right to rent” checks on the immigration status of all tenants. Failing to do this may result in a fine of up to £3000, as per the Immigration Act of 2014.
Changes to the English Language Test
When applying for indefinite leave to remain in the UK, or “settlement” as it is also called, you are required to prove a sufficient knowledge of the English Language and of daily life in the UK. As per the recent changes, applicants now have to take a new English language test at a registered and qualified test center. There are a number of these around the UK and the rest of the world. You can find a list here.
Changes for Immigrating Families
As per the new guidelines, a child’s application for entry into the UK can be refused if the Secretary of State decides that the sponsor, or the sponsor’s partner, poses a risk to the child.
Changes to the Tier 2 UK Visa
Any person now applying for indefinite leave to remain, and who has a Tier 2 Medium Skilled Worker Visa, must now earn a minimum of £35,000 per annum in order to qualify for settlement. This change will come into effect from 6th April 2016.
Changes to the Tier 2 and Tier 5 Visa points system
Nurses and workers with qualifications in the digital technology sector have now been added to the shortage of occupations list. This means that applicants with these or similar skills could be more successful when applying for a Tier 2 and Tier 5 “Temporary Worker” Visa.
Changes to the Tier 1 Visa points system
The criteria that are used to measure Tier 1 “Highly Skilled” or “Exceptionally Skilled” Visas are also being changed. The criteria will now better reflect the skills and experience of applicants who may be able to add value to the digital technology sector in the UK.
If you, a partner, or a family member need advice on Immigration Law or these changes, contact our expert legal team today via info@arlingsworthlaw.co.uk, or 01273 696 962. We look forward to hearing from you.
