News

15.07.2012 - Changes to the Immigration European Economic Area Regulations 2006

On 16th July, 2012, the government announced changes to the EEA Regulations 2006 which govern the rights of EEA nationals and their family members in UK law.  These changes have been brought for the most part to incorporate developments in European case law.

Many of these changes are of a minor technical nature and we set out only the major changes of general interest here:-

1. There are new ‘derivative rights’ of residence for: those caring for self-sufficient EEA children; the children of former EEA national workers where the child is in education; carers of the children of former EEA nation...

10.06.2012 - Family migration changes announced

The government has today announced sweeping changes to family immigration rules which will come into force on 9th July, 2012:-

  1. There will be a minimum earnings requirement of £18,600 in order to sponsor spouses, fiancées, partners and civil partners for settlement in the UK.  If a child is also sponsored the minimum earnings requirement will be £22,400 and £2,400 for each further child.
  2. The probationary period for spouses and partners will be extended from two years to five years.
  3. A five-year probationary period for settlement for partners of Points based System Migrants (as opposed to the cu...

10.05.2012 - Removing full right of appeal for family visitors

The government has announced today that it will be removing the full right of appeal for family visitors.  The change is expected to come into force in 2014 when family visitors will be able to appeal only on human rights or race discrimination grounds.

From July 2012 the definition of family visitor will be limited so that those coming to visit a cousin, uncle, aunt, niece or nephew will have only a limited right of appeal on human rights or race discrimination grounds.  Furthermore, from July 2012, any family visitor will need to be visiting a settled family member in the UK (or one with ref...

09.05.2012 - Overview of the budget 2012

As expected, the Budget announced by the Chancellor, George Osborne, on 21st March stirred much debate, not just in Parliament, but across the country. Arguments for and against its impact on businesses, individuals and the economy in general, have raged on for the last week and, much like every budget through history, everyone’s stance is dictated by how it affects them personally.  In such circumstances it is difficult to find a view that is not tarnished by a subjective outlook, but now that the dust has settled on the budget, we will try to pick through the measures and provide an objectiv...

09.04.2012 - Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur

This route is for graduates who have been identified by participating Higher Education Institutions as having developed world-class entrepreneurial ideas or skills to extend their stay in the UK after graduation in order to set up a business in the UK.

The business can be as a sole trader, a partnership or a company registered in the UK.  There can be more than one business.

Graduate Entrepreneurs can switch into the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) category and need only show £50,000 of investment funds (but will be required to show the normal maintenance funds).

For detailed information please visit he...

27.03.2012 - Osborne Attempts to Stamp Out Tax Avoidance – Amendments to Stamp Duty in the Budget

In an effort close off tax avoidance loopholes, the Chancellor, George Osborne, has turned his attention to the property market in the Budget. This highly lucrative business sector is seen as an area where investors can legitimately avoid tax at present and hold onto their cash by careful manipulation of figures and terminology.

For example, those in the know very often have chattels (fixtures & fittings) itemised and paid for separately, thereby reducing the price of the property. As the value of the property decreases, so too does the stamp duty payable on it and, in some instances, the prop...

18.03.2012 - Changes to the Immigration Rules (March, 2012)


From 14 June 2012, the personal savings of the applicants (maintenance) under Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 5 categories must be as follows:


Tier 1
Tier 1 applicants - Entry Clearance - £3100
Tier 1 applicants – already in the UK - £900
Dependents of Tier 1 applicants who have been in the UK for less than 12 months - £1800
Dependents of Tier 1 applicants  - all other applications - £600

Tier 2
Tier 2 applicants - £900
Dependents of Tier 2 applicants who have been in the UK for less than 12 months - £1800
Dependents of Tier 2 applicants  - all other applications - £600

Tier 5
Tier 5 applicants - £900
...







28.02.2012 - Automatic settlement for skilled workers to end

The Immigration Minister announced today an end to ‘automatic settlement’ for skilled workers. In order to qualify for settlement Tier 2 General workers will need a minimum annual salary of £35,000 and be paid the ‘going rate’ according to the UKBA Codes of Practice. The £35,000 threshold will remain at that level until April 2018. Those Tier 2 migrants working in a shortage occupation, in designated PhD level jobs and ministers of religion will be exempt from the £35,000 threshold.

The new rules will apply to those Tier 2 General applicants whose initial Tier 2 leave was granted under the rul...

12.02.2012 - Changes affecting study, post-study work and maintenance requirements for students and workers

The Immigration Minister has announced new changes to the immigration rules affecting study, post-study work and maintenance requirements for students and workers to be brought into effect from 6th April, 2012.

The Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) route will close on 5th April, 2012, and be ‘replaced’ by new provisions under the Tier 2 (General) immigration category allowing those who have graduated from a UK recognised body with a  Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or PhD (or a PGCE or PGDE) to work for a registered employer in a skilled job if the salary is at least £20,000 a year (and at least the...

← Prev Next →