Changes to Immigration Rules
A number of changes to the Immigration Rules are set to come into force on 1 October 2013. The changes should provide business and workers with greater flexibility.
A number of changes to the Immigration Rules are set to come into force on 1 October 2013. The changes should provide business and workers with greater flexibility.
The main changes which affect businesses include:
- Allowing students who have completed degrees in the UK to work as interns in an area related to their degree under the Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange Scheme;
- Removing the English language requirement for intra-company transferees who are extending their stay beyond three years (currently only those who are paid £152,100 or more are exempt from this requirement);
- Making it simpler for graduate entrepreneurs to switch to a Tier 2 category as they will not be required to carry out a Resident Labour Market Test;
- Waiving the rule that Tier 2 applicants cannot own more than 10% shares in the sponsor’s business, subject to the applicant earning £152,100 or more.
Further, business visitors will now be able to study in the UK even though this is not the main purpose of their visit. Visitors will be able to undertake up to 30 days of English language, academic or recreational (i.e. leisure-type courses).
The changes can be read in more detail here.