UK: Statement of Changes to Immigration Policy

March 17, 2016


On the 11th March 2016, the Home Office presented Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, which are due to take effect from 6th April 2016.

The statement is a comprehensive outline of detailed, technical changes to specific areas of immigration policy, however a summary of the main amendments are as follows:

Visitors

  • The Electronic Visa Waiver is being introduced for nationals of Kuwait.

  • The Permit Free Festival list, which enables visitors to perform at certain festivals, has been updated for 2016/17.

Students

  • The maintenance requirements for students applying for leave to remain as a student union sabbatical officer, a dentist on a foundation programme or a postgraduate doctor have been reduced.

  • Tier 4 (General) students at independent schools can now extend their stay from within the UK. 

Overseas domestic workers

  • Overseas domestic workers will now be allowed to take alternative employment as a domestic worker during their 6 month period of admission.

  • The period of leave granted to an overseas domestic worker, who is the victim of slavery or human trafficking, has been increased from 6 months to 2 years.

NHS debt and litigation costs

  • The NHS debt threshold is being reduced from £1000 to £500.

  • Applications can now be refused if a litigation debt is owed to the Home Office

However, the above rule changes do not include any reforms resulting from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)”s recent reviews of Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) or Tier 2 visas. The Government has not yet published its response to those reports.

If you require any further information regarding these statement of changes please contact us at [email protected].