UK Government Makes Changes to Points Based System Work Routes

Today, James Brokenshire, UK’s Immigration Minister, has laid out a written ministerial statement in the House of Commons in which he announced a “package” of changes to the UK’s Points Based System work routes. The government have announced that the changes to the Immigration Rules are intended to improve flexibility for applicants and help to boost economic growth. The written ministerial report can be read here, the Home Office’s press release can be read here and the full Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules can be read here. For the ease of our readers, we will summarise some of the changes in this article.

Summary of Changes to UK Immigration Rules

The following are some of the changes to the Points Based System work routes:

  • Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa Route: this category will now be extended to include leading talent in the digital endorsed by Tech City UK, as well as making it easier for applicants in this category to apply from overseas, and to count time spent in other immigration categories towards qualifying for settlement.
  • Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa Route: this scheme is to be made more flexible and simpler by removing the ring fencing of places for MBA graduates and the current restrictions on participants graduation dates;
  • Tier 2 Visa Route: there will now be grants of leave for up to five years at a time, rather than a maximum of 3 years at a time as at present. Changes to Tier 2 requirements are also to be applied to Croatian nationals;
  • Ending the exemption from the genuineness test that applies to nationals on this list when applying for a Tier 4 Student visa; and
  • New visa category for overseas government sponsored language teachers under the Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange route.

James Brokenshire: Plan is to Build Stronger, More Competitive Economy

The Immigration Minister, James Brokenshire has stated that the changes to the Immigration Rules are intended to help UK businesses employ skilled international workers as well as supporting the government’s long term economic plan to build a stronger, more competitive economy.

He stated:

“These changes today will ensure that the UK remains competitive in attracting global talent to work for British businesses, so that we can succeed in the global race.

“We are building an immigration system that works in the national interest as part of our long term economic plan. One that is fair to hard-working British citizens and legitimate migrants and tough on those who break the rules or flout the law.”

Successful UK Points Based Applications & Appeals

Our team of experienced and professionally qualified immigration solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process of making a Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 4 or Tier 5 application step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of law.

We also undertake a great deal of appeal work before the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal and have a successful track record of successful results for our clients. We have the experience and the knowledge required to take your case forward successfully. If you have had a points based visa refused, contact us to discuss your case so that we can provide you with a case assessment.

Contact us so that we can review your case and provide you with an assessment.

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