New UK Immigration rules from July 22: What’s changing and how it matters

New UK Immigration Rules from July 22: What’s Changing and How it Matters

Immigration is a hot topic, especially in the UK. With Brexit on the horizon, discussions about immigration have been at the forefront of political debates. On July 22, 2020, the UK government announced new immigration rules, which will come into effect on January 1, 2021. These changes will have a significant impact on individuals and businesses, particularly those who rely on skilled workers from outside the UK. In this blog post, we will delve into the specifics of the new immigration rules and understand how it will affect you.

Introduction to the New Immigration Rules

The UK Home Office has recently announced significant changes to the country’s immigration system. These changes are aimed at addressing the concerns of the British public regarding immigration and to pave the way for the UK’s post-Brexit immigration system. The new rules will come into force on January 1, 2021, and will apply to all individuals and businesses who wish to enter, work, or study in the UK. Let’s take a closer look at the key changes in the immigration rules and how it will impact different categories of people.

Changes in Tier 2 Visa

The Tier 2 visa category is for skilled workers who have a job offer in the UK. It is one of the most popular routes for non-EU workers to come and work in the UK. The new immigration rules will bring some significant changes to this category, which are as follows:

Removal of the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT):

Currently, employers are required to advertise the job vacancy to UK and EU workers for 28 days before offering it to a non-EU worker. From January 2021, this requirement will be removed, making it easier for employers to recruit non-EU workers.

Introduction of the Skilled Worker route:

The Tier 2 General visa will be replaced by the Skilled Worker route. This route will have a lower salary threshold of £25,600, compared to the previous threshold of £30,000. This will make it easier for skilled workers with lower salaries to enter the UK.

Reduction in the minimum skill level:

The new rules will also reduce the minimum skill level required for a worker to be eligible for a Tier 2 visa. Previously, the job had to be at RQF level 6 (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree), but now it will be at RQF level 3 (equivalent to A-level). This will open up opportunities for more individuals, especially in sectors such as health and social care.

Changes in EU Settlement Scheme

As the UK leaves the European Union, the rights of EU citizens living in the UK will also change. To ensure their rights are protected, the UK government has introduced the EU Settlement Scheme. Under this scheme, EU citizens and their family members who are living in the UK before December 31, 2020, can apply for settled or pre-settled status, depending on the length of their residence in the UK. The new immigration rules will bring some changes to this scheme, which are as follows:

Deadline for applications:

The deadline for applying to the EU Settlement Scheme has been extended from June 30, 2021, to June 30, 2021. This will give more time for EU citizens and their family members to secure their status in the UK.

Eligibility for pre-settled status:

Previously, to be eligible for pre-settled status, an EU citizen must have been living in the UK before December 31, 2020. The new rules allow EU citizens to enter the UK until December 2020 and still be eligible for pre-settled status.

Right to appeal:

Under the new rules, EU citizens who have been refused settled or pre-settled status will have the right to appeal the decision. This will ensure a fair process for all applicants.

Changes in the Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent visa is for individuals who have exceptional talent or promise in the fields of science, humanities, engineering, medicine, digital technology, or arts and culture. This visa allows individuals to work, study, and live in the UK without any restrictions. The new immigration rules will bring some changes to this visa, which are as follows:

Fast track for recognized winners:

Under the new rules, winners of international awards, such as Nobel Prize, will be able to fast-track their visa applications and enter the UK without a job offer or the need for an endorsement.

Removal of the cap:

Previously, there was a cap of 2,000 visas annually for the Global Talent visa. This cap has been removed, allowing more individuals to enter the UK under this visa category.

Introduction of the Global Talent mobility scheme:

The new rules will also introduce the Global Talent mobility scheme, which will enable UK research institutions to recruit international researchers and specialists in specific fields without the need for endorsement.

Changes in the Student Visa

The UK is a popular destination for international students, with many prestigious universities and educational institutions. To make the UK more attractive for international students, the new immigration rules will bring some changes to the student visa category, which are as follows:

Introduction of the Graduate route:

The new rules will introduce a new Graduate route for international students who have completed their studies in the UK. This route will allow students to stay in the UK and work for two years after completing their studies. This will provide opportunities for students to gain work experience and contribute to the UK economy.

Removal of the Study level requirement

Currently, international students are required to prove their proficiency in the English language and have an offer from an educational institution in the UK. The new rules will remove the need for students to have a specific level of study to be eligible for a student visa.

Removal of the cap on study hours:

Under the new rules, international students will be able to work unlimited hours during term-time, making it easier for them to manage their finances while studying.

FAQs about the New UK Immigration Rules

1. When will the new immigration rules come into effect?

The new immigration rules will come into effect on January 1, 2021.

2. Do the new rules apply to EU citizens?

Yes, the new immigration rules will apply to all EU citizens who wish to enter, work, or study in the UK after December 31, 2020.

3. Will the new rules impact the rights of EU citizens already living in the UK?

No, the rights of EU citizens who are already living in the UK before December 31, 2020, will not be affected.

4. Can I still apply for the EU Settlement Scheme after June 30, 2021?

No, the deadline for applying to the EU Settlement Scheme is June 30, 2021.