Tuesday, 4 August 2015

Immigration News: August 2015


Immigration Rule Changes: Tier 4

The government has announced changes to the Immigration Rules affecting Tier 4 of the points-based system.

The main changes are as follows:
  • From August, new students at publicly funded colleges will not be allowed to work, bringing them in line with those at private colleges.
  • From August, university students will be allowed to study a new course at the same level where there is a link to their previous course or where the university confirms that this supports their career aspirations. There will be credibility interviews and sanctions against any universities who abuse this rule.
  • College students will not be allowed to extend their Tier 4 visas in the UK, unless they are studying at an 'embedded college', one which has a formal, direct link to a university that is recognised by the Home Office. From November, they will need to leave and apply for a new visa from outside the UK if they wish to study another course.
  • College students will not be able to switch visas to Tier 2 or 5 in the UK, and will be required to apply from outside the UK (from November).
  • The time limit for study at further education level will be reduced from 3 years to 2 years (from November).
  • Tier 4 dependants will not be allowed to take low or unskilled jobs but they will be able to take part-time or full-time skilled work (from the autumn).
The Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules can be read here. Further information about the changes can also be viewed here.





Approved English Language tests

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have updated their list of approved English language tests to show that applicants have the required level of English for their visa.

The revised list can be viewed here.

Tier 2 cap: Skilled visa applications

The cap introduced on Tier 2 visas by the Home Office was reached for the first time in June, resulting in 1,329 visa applications being rejected. The Home Affairs Committee has subsequently launched an inquiry into the impact of the cap over concerns to how this affects the UK economy.

Further information about the inquiry can be viewed here.





Recent trends in EU nationals born inside and outside the EU

The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford has published a commentary of the recent trends in EU nationals born inside and outside the EU.

This analysis indicates that EU citizens living in the UK are more likely to be working in high-skilled jobs if they were born outside of the EU.

The full report can be downloaded here.





Restricted certificate allocations (July 2015)

The restricted certificates allocation for July 2015 published by UKVI can be viewed here. The figures show that all valid applications for restricted CoS which score the minimum 45 points were granted with carry-overs from the previous month(s).






Applications to extend stay in the UK: form FLR(O)

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have published a revised form and guidance for those applying to extend visa to stay in the UK ('leave to remain') and to obtain a biometric residence permit. This form and guidance should be used on or after 10 July 2015.

The form FLR(O) and guidance can be downloaded here.





Application to reconsider a decision for a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode

UKVI have published a revised application form (Form RROA) to request the reconsideration of a decision to refuse a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode in the United Kingdom.

The updated form can be viewed here.

Fees for citizenship applications

UKVI have updated their information about fees for citizenship and right of abode applications.

The updated fees document can be viewed here.


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