Changes to UK Immigration Law in 2016
At We Talk Law, we help our clients with a range of different Immigration Law cases, from applying for a UK Visa and seeking asylum, to contending with deportation and applications for naturalisation. If you’re looking to work or live in the UK, we always recommend keeping up to date with the changes in UK Immigration Law. As the government have just announced a number of changes to the law, we thought we would explain them for you:
The changes were announced on the 29th October, and most of them will affect applications submitted on or after the 19th November 2015, unless of course otherwise stated.
We’ve listed these changes below for you with explanations:
The English Language Test
When applying for indefinite leave to remain in the UK, or “settlement” as it is also called, you are required to prove a sufficient knowledge of the English Language and of daily life in the UK. As per the changes, applicants will now have to take an approved and secure English language test at qualified test centres around the UK and around the world.
Changes to the Tier 2 UK Visa
Anybody now applying for settlement on a Tier 2 Medium Skilled Worker Visa must now earn a minimum of £35,000 per year in order to qualify for indefinite leave to remain in the UK. This will apply from the 6th April 2016.
Claiming Asylum
The government will now class asylum claims from EU nationals as invalid unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Changes affecting Landlords
From the 1st of February 2016, UK landlords will have a statutory duty to carry out “right to rent” checks on the immigration status of all tenants. Failing to do this may result in a fine of up to £3000, as per the Immigration Act of 2014.
Changes to the Tier 2 and Tier 5 Visa points system
Nurses and jobs in the digital technology sector have now been added to the shortage occupation list, meaning that applicants with these skills are possibly more likely to be successful when applying for a Tier 2 and Tier 5 “Temporary Worker” Visa.
Changes to the Tier 1 Visa points system
The criteria used to measure Tier 1 “Highly Skilled” or “Exceptionally Skilled” Visa will also be changed. The criteria will now better reflect the skills and experience of applicants who may be able to add value to the digital technology sector in the UK.
Families and Immigration
Under the new changes, a child’s application for UK entry clearance can be refused if the Secretary of State decides that the sponsor, or the sponsor’s partner, poses a risk to the child.
If any of these changes affect you, and you would like to understand what your options are, why not give We Talk Law a call, or contact us via email. We’re available 7 days a week and we specialise in all areas of UK Immigration law. Call us today on 0203 002 4898 or email advice@wetalklaw.co.uk.