Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules

Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules:  Laid before Parliament on 9 March 2009 under section 3(2) of the Immigration Act 1971

This is now ready for public consumption at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/policyandlaw/statementsofchanges/2009/hc314.pdf?view=Binary


Some changes are...

Tier 1 - extensions will still be bachelor not MA, unlike fresh applications.   £7200 maintenance for students Tier 1 (General) -  other than extensions as anticipated, no points for bachelor’s degree or earnings of less than £20,000.
 

Tier 1 (post study) – no points for post graduate certificates and diplomas other than UK Postgraduate Certificates of Education.
 
Tier 2 - the 6 months employment to qualify for ICT can be in the UK provided employee had leave as Tier 2 (ICT) migrant or as a work permit holder if work permit granted on basis of ICT.


Next.  I'll be sitting with ILPA next week to assess the changes and see what, if anything, needs to be done.  I'll be wearing my UK-Yankee(c) hat for most of the PBS stuff, and if there's concerns that need to raised or inconsistencies in the rules, please get them to me when possible.

Also, if there are questions about how the new rules affect PBS applications, please get them to me.  But NOT questions about an individual application if you are in the process of applying because those are for an adviser rather than a public advocate.  Questions need to be drawn from the rules themselves.

Next.  I think some of the new student stuff will probably require a new FAQ article.  Tannersarms has already pointed out that the party's over as far as discretion in student applications go.  It was a great party while it lasted, but I digress.  If you are contemplating a student application after May 2009, please read the new rules.

Last.  The representations on the deteriorating state of immigration couriers in the US was to be a topic at ILPA this month, but it's been cancelled until May.  That means we have more time to collect profiles and case studies.  So keep them comming folks.  I'll be meeting with UKBA the week after, but on a different agenda.

Hope all this helps.

Thanks. Is it on the UKBA agenda to keep one set of rules (whatever they may be) stationary for a few years ? How can any system work if it keeps changing the goalposts every 6 months !

Great news on extensions!

As for stability, forget it.  There will be an election next year, and it will all change again!


Vicky

Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules:  Laid before Parliament on 9 March 2009 under section 3(2) of the Immigration Act 1971

Tier 1 - extensions will still be bachelor not MA, unlike fresh applications.   

I know I'm being selfish, (sorry) but this is great news!

Stop press. 

I have just learned that after this activates that milk rounds have to go through Job Centre Plus first.

Strange.  Milk rounds? 

Does this mean T4 doesn't know what T2 is doing?   

Everything on Tier 2 is supposed to go through Job Centre plus. I think it is a way of justifying JC existence.

But Milk Rounds?  Surely they will be mainly for those on PSW?

Vicky

Milk rounds? I'm guessing this has some other meaning, but all I can picture is Dougal driving around the roundabout saying, 'I don't want to be a milkman anymore Ted! I want to be a priest again!'

That's the image I'm getting, too. 

It's when blue chip firms go to University open days and recruitment fairs to recruit fresh graduates.


Vicky

I know I'm being selfish, (sorry) but this is great news!

I concur.   I am thankful for the extensions falling under the 'original' rules. 

However, as you and I are both starting fresh on our 3 years, I'm fearful things will change a few times between now and 2/2012. 

This is at least a hopeful start.

It's when blue chip firms go to University open days and recruitment fairs to recruit fresh graduates.
Vicky

Aha = US "Career Day"

However, as you and I are both starting fresh on our 3 years, I'm fearful things will change a few times between now and 2/2012.

I'm worried about things changing between now and next year, when I plan on applying!