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.