UK Immigration News

UK Business Secretary Vince Cable has attempted to calm fears of Indian business interests over the planned immigration cap set to take effect in April of 2011. Cable insists that the UK will remain open for business for Indian firms and has repeated his assurances to Indian businesses in a trade mission to Mumbai on 17 January 2011.

The UK economy is recovering from the economic downturn in 2008. There are skills shortages in certain areas with many UK employers having to recruit from abroad to find suitable staff.

It's important for companies to understand the UK's various routes of entry for foreign workers from outside the European Union. This is especially true for businesses in skills shortage areas such as in healthcare and engineering.

The UK is likely to implement stricter English language requirements in a bid to reduce student immigration for below degree level courses. If the measures are put in place, tens of thousands of potential students would no longer meet the UK student visa requirements.

As a reminder, until the end of March 2011, there is no limit on the number of Tier 1 (General) visa applications that can be made from within the UK. This is now the only way in which you can apply for a Tier 1 (General) visa.

If you are in the UK or will shortly be in the UK and are thinking of obtaining a highly skilled migrant Tier 1 visa to extend your stay, it is important for you to start preparing your application as soon as possible.

London Mayor Boris Johnson says that the UK Government's immigration cap will harm Britain's economy and make the nation uncompetitive. Johnson said that business was having a difficult time finding skilled staff to fill vacant positions.