New Rules?

I heard that there are some new rules due to go into effect tomorrow. Apparently they include applications that have been made but not decided. I don't know what visa categories they impact, as my eyes glaze over every time I try to read the document. Just didn't see it on here and thought it should be posted so others who are more skilled at interpreting these things can have a go at it and tell us what it means.

Here's the link: Change in Immigration Rules

It has to do with this:  Statement of changes 22 November 2012 (HC 760)

The big thing is that the changes will be applied retroactively to those in the application pipeline.

But... I've skimmed the entire document and it looks like it is changes to Tier visas not family

Perhaps someone who is better versed in this can clarify this for all of us!

UKBA summary here:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2012/november/35-rules

It does seem mainly to be for the Tiers. The only mention of family life is an apparent clarification for children/parents.

The important bit for all of us interested in family migration is that the Home Office has elected to make retrespective changes, which is something they have not done in 20 years. 

In essence, it's rather epic.  Without being "dramatic", I consider to be a bit of muscle flexing on the part of the Home Office.  In essence they are saying they can and will change the rules when they sit fit, even if it affects persons already in the pipeline. 

The important bit for all of us interested in family migration is that the Home Office has elected to make retrespective changes, which is something they have not done in 20 years. 

In essence, it's rather epic.  Without being "dramatic", I consider to be a bit of muscle flexing on the part of the Home Office.  In essence they are saying they can and will change the rules when they sit fit, even if it affects persons already in the pipeline. 

I was concerned about that as well - and the bit where they address the fairness of changing the rules retroactively for those already in the pipeline kind of just says "We're not abusing your Human Rights, so it's fair," as far as I was able to understand. Which is clearly bs - how can you judge an application based on rules that weren't in place, or announced or even hinted at, when it was sent? Especially when so many applications are taking more than the target completion period to even open, let alone decide?

I've been looking into a Tier 4 student visa, so probably will not be entering on the family migration path like a lot of folks. But I'm still rather confused on what these changes actually are, and seem to have some difficulty reading/comprehending the document.

rebeccajo - My thoughts exactly.