Business Immigration Update: Statement of Changes released for March 2021

The latest Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (HC 1248) were published yesterday on 4 March 2021. The are many minor changes to many of the existing business immigration routes as well as the introduction of a new graduate route. The Home Office has also published a shorter explanatory memorandum for these Statement of Changes. Our business immigration solicitors in London can explain all the latest changes to the business immigration routes in more detail during an initial consultation, so please contact our team in order to arrange a meeting.

Business Immigration Update: Changes to the Skilled Worker Route

The Skilled Worker route is for migrants from around the world who have a job offer from a Home Office approved sponsor licenced business in the UK. The main changes to this route which will come into force on 1 April 2021 are listed as follows:

  • As a result of the introduction of the Graduate Route, there are amendments to the criteria for new entrants. Current rules include individuals whose last permission was as a Student was within the last two years. However, this will be extended to also include previously holding permission as a Graduate within the last two years, as was recommended by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC);
  • The Shortage Occupation List has been broadened the include the following professions in the health and care sector. This is to address the long-term economic impact of Covid-19:
  • Health services and public health managers and directors;
    • Residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors;
    • Pharmacists;
    • Health professionals not elsewhere classified;
    • Physiotherapists;
    • Laboratory technicians (including those not in the health and care sectors);
    • Nursing auxiliaries and assistants; and
    • Senior care workers.

Modern foreign language teachers will also be added to the list and skilled chefs (who will nevertheless continue to qualify for the Skilled Worker route will be removed.  

  • Deckhands on large fishing vessels of nine metres and above as well as vent chick sexers will also be eligible occupations under the Skilled Worker route;
  • Skilled Workers must be paid the going rate for their job earning a minimum salary of £20,480 per annum (with the exception of tradable points). The going rates are based on a 39-hour working week (where appliable). This criteria are being supported by a minimum hourly rate of £10.10. This is to safeguard against sponsors requiring their employees to work long hours, to compensate for lower pay rates in meeting the minimum salary;
  • A transitional arrangement is being introduced to the minimum hurly rate mentioned above so does not apply to Skilled Workers who are already in the route and working in jobs paying less than £10.10 per hour to ensure they do not lose their jobs as a result of these amendments;
  • For the following occupations: 2113 Physical scientists, 2119 Natural and social science professionals not elsewhere classified and 2311 Higher education teaching professionals, a transitional arrangement is being introduced for Tier 2 (General) migrants who continue to be sponsored in these occupations, to exempt them from these higher going rates when they apply to extend their visa or settle under the Skilled Worker Rules; and
  • With regard to salary reductions, sponsors will be prevented from reducing their Skilled Workers’ salaries below the level of tradeable points which have been assessed and awarded by the Home Office.

Business Immigration Update: Changes to the T5 (Temporary Worker) Youth Mobility Scheme

The requirement for a Certificate of Sponsorship (“CoS”) is to be replaced with a requirement for a person applying from eligible countries without ‘Deemed Sponsorship Status’ to provide evidence of sponsorship. This must be done within 3 to 6 months.

In addition, the number of available allocations for Applicants applying from each eligible country with a youth mobility agreement with the UK will be updated in Appendix Youth Mobility Scheme: eligible nationals for 2021 with changes to the number of places available for persons applying from some countries.

Business Immigration Update: Introduction of the Graduate Route

As we posted yesterday, the Home Office has announced the introduction of the new Graduate Route which will open to applicants on 1 July 2021. The route is for international students who have successfully completed an eligible course as a student or Tier 4 (General) student. The new route will give those eligible students a further 2 years (or 3 years for doctorates) in the UK, so that they can look for a job at the suitable skill level and then switch into a relevant route (i.e. Skilled Worker).

Study will be permitted on the Graduate Route; however, it must not be study with a student sponsor on a course that would meet the requirements of the Student visa route.

Dependent family members are allowed to also apply under the Graduate route, as long as those family members are in the UK. New dependants will not be permitted, except where a dependent child was born in the UK during a period of Student or Graduate leave.

Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to submit a successful business immigration application in light of the recent Statement of Changes

Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with an application to apply for a new Student Visa. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules.

Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications, which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, our solicitors and barristers will ensure all specified documents must be provided.

The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.

Successful business immigration applications with our Immigration Solicitors in London

Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your prospects of submitting a UK Visa application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of a UK Visa application.

We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients.  We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice, and other central London courts.

Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation to discuss an application to the Home Office.

Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.

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