A number of changes to the UK immigration rules have come into effect over the weekend, it has been confirmed.
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) confirmed that from last Saturday (April 6th), the Tier 1 UK work permit allocation for permits granted through the Graduate Entrepreneur route, will include additional places for talented MBA graduates from UK Higher Education Institutions. The elite global graduate entrepreneur scheme, overseen by UK Trade and Investment, will be included in this.
The Exceptional Talent route is also being impacted by the changes. Applicants will no longer be required to submit their passport to the UKBA while their application for endorsement is being considered by an appointed organisation. This change is part of a broader adjustment to the Exceptional Talent route that is designed to split up the process so that applicants no longer have to fork up the full fee in one go.
Meanwhile, Tier 2 work permit applicants will see some adjustments made to the shortage occupation list and the codes of practice for skilled workers. On top of this, there will be some changes made in order to “improve the flexibility for intra-company transferees and for employers carrying out the resident labour market test”.
The family route for migrants will also undergo some minor changes in line with feedback received from caseworkers and immigration lawyers working on recent cases. Finally, clarification of the general UK visitor visa rules will be released and the Tier 5 visa route for temporary workers will be updated.
The changes the Coalition Government have brought in to the UK immigration service have been controversial so far. It remains to be seen whether or not the latest adjustments will bring positive news for the UK economy and migrant workers.