UK Immigration News

UK Immigration has announced that they have already reached the immigration limit on the total number of overseas initial visa applications that can be issued under the Tier 1 (General) Visa category of the points-based system for the month of November 2010.

In her first major speech on immigration, UK Home Secretary Theresa May stated that her goal was to bring in more high-value migrants to the UK, such as investors and research scientists, while at the same time encouraging employers to fill vacant jobs with local unemployed workers.

"The government intends to control immigration by focusing on all aspects of the immigration system, not just the points-based system," May said.

The UK Government has decided to abandon its plans to implement an 'earned citizenship' policy which was due to go into effect in July of 2011.

Earned citizenship would require immigrants to apply for 'probationary citizenship' instead of permanent residence (indefinite leave to remain).

Currently, an immigrant living in the UK can apply for permanent residence after about five years, after which they can live in the UK indefinitely.

Starting 29 November 2010, migrants who are the spouse or partner of a British citizen or resident and who wish to live in the UK will be required to prove that they can speak and understand English.

The new immigration rules will affect the spouse or partner of a British citizen or resident from countries outside the European Economic Area (including Switzerland).

To prove English language ability, you will need to show one of the following:

The UK Government is expected to announce a new "entrepreneur visa" aimed at attracting investor-backed businessmen who wish to immigrate to the UK to start high-tech companies. The goal is to better position London as a hot-bed for startups; The UK Government hopes that East London will become the "Silicon Valley" of the UK.

The UK Border Agency has started issuing Tier 1 (General) Visas again from 1 November 2010.

On 19 July 2010, the UK Government introduced an interim limit on the number of initial Tier 1 (General) Visa applications that can be issued each month; On 20 October 2010 the monthly limit had been reached and the UK Government stopped issuing Tier 1 (General) Visas.