Uk Immigration Announces Changes in Tier1 & Tier 2 Visa

Tier 1 General Visa changes:

• Under this category, now Bachelor’s degree holders can also apply. Having a Bachelor’s degree makes you eligible for 30 points. Previously having a Bachelor degree did not have any points. Only candidates with a Master’s degree were eligible to apply.
• The new minimum income limit has been increased to £25,000. Having a minimum income of £29,999 will make you eligible for only 5 points. Prior to the recent changes, persons with this pay scale were liable for 20 to 30 points. The recent changes have made the tier 1 visa acquisition harder for lower income class.
• As per the previous policy, candidates having an income of £20,000 to £30,000 per year, received from 15 to 20 points. But according to the new policy, candidates only with a per year income of more than £25,000, are eligible for any points what so ever.
• According to the renewed immigration policy, for the first time; rather than 3 years, a 2 year visa will be issued. In case of being highly educated, a three year extension will be possible.
• From 6^th April, 2010 onwards, the age limit has been moved up to 40 years. This was previously at 32 years.
• The points of possessing a PhD. Degree, have been reduced to 45, from 50 points.
• Under the current scheme, if your yearly income is 1 lack 50 thousand pounds or more, then you are eligible for 75 points. Any candidate with this yearly income will qualify for the Tier 1 General Visa.

Tier 2 Visa (Changes in work permit Scheme)

• Permanent residence will not be further allowed for candidates, under the Tier 2 Inter company transfer visa.
• As with regards to income, this Tier has also undergone major changes, making it more difficult to fulfill the criteria. Any candidate making from £17,000 to £20,000 per year will be eligible for income points. Whereas, the points have been increased for candidates, with an annual income of £32,000 pounds or more.
• If you fall under the Tier 2 General category Non-shortage profession category, then you are eligible for 5 extra points, as compared to the inter company transfer candidates.
• For a Tier 2 visa in the non-shortage profession; an annual income of at least £20,000 is compulsory.
• If you are applying for an extension in the tier 2 visa, or work permit; then you are eligible for 50 points without the prior income test.
• Some of the multi-national companies, pay allowances. The laws pertaining to them have not been changed as yet.
• You will have to submit an application anew; if you wish to change your job but maintain your current profession and employer.
• Tier 2 ICT or Inter company transfer has three categories: established staff, graduate trainee, and skilled transfer.
• If you fall under the categories of graduate trainee and skilled transfer, then you can only stay for a limited period of time. You will not be allowed to apply for any of the numerous immigration categories.

Tier 1 Post Study Work

Provided that you have graduated from a British Medical Institute, you will be able to apply for the Tier 1 PSW or Post study work. After graduation, you will have to complete the foundation program and within a year or 12 months you will have to apply. You are not required to complete your specialist or GP training.

Other Significant changes in Immigration Laws

• Changes have been made in the eligibility of armed forces personnel, applying for Marriage visa. English language as an eligibility criteria for Asylum has been changed.
• Permanent residence seekers will have to attain proficiency in the English language.
• A new category of Highly Trusted Sponsor has been added to the Tier 4 Student Visa scheme.