Limits on Tier 2 visas and Tier 1 changes come into effect

Annual limits on Tier 2 visas and changes to Tier 1 visas, including the closure of the Tier 1 (General) route, come into force today, 6 April 2011.

The changes represent the Coalition’s attempt to drastically reduce net migration in the UK as soon as possible. The changes are detailed in full in our Resources section. The major changes are as follows:

An annual limit of 20,700 Tier 2 (General) visas is now in place. A further 1,000 places area available to applicants of ‘exceptional talent’
Tier 2 visas will only be given for graduate-level vacancies and the English language requirements have been increased
Intra-company transfers now face limits based on the salary of the position
Tier 1 is now restricted to only entrepreneurs, investors and people of ‘exceptional talent’
applicants with a great deal of money or a salary over £150,000 will face fewer restrictions

Approved English test providers

As part of the increased assessment level for English language the UKBA have published a new list of approved English language tests.

Transitional arrangements are in place to allow people currently studying on a course that isn’t on the new list to finish and apply. These are as follows:

For Tier 1 and Tier 2 applicants this list applies to all applications received from 18 May 2011
If you are applying as the spouse or partner of a British resident this list applies to all applications received from 18 July 2011
For students on Tier 4 there are no transitional arrangements as the list will be expanded. Students should use the new list with immediate effect

Settlement

Further to these changes, if you are applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) then from today you must have no unspent convictions as part of a new criminality requirement.
There are also new income requirements and English language requirements for work routes to ILR, which are detailed in the announcement on settlement.

Life in the UK Test

Owing to the changes to visa categories the UKBA have also announced updated guidance on who has to take the Life in the UK Test when applying for ILR. These are covered in the updated information in our Resources section.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

The UKBA have also announced changes to the ESOL requirements for migrants in other categories. If you are applying for ILR through an ESOL course and you are not in one of the above categories you should check our ESOL page in our Resources section for detailed information.