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2018 saw a number of changes in the UK Visa system:
- We saw what turned out to be the worst Tier 2 visa shortage ever for employers wishing to bring in employees resident outside the EEA.
- It was announced that the Immigration Health Surcharge would double.
- The Brexit white paper was published recently.
- It became easier for Tier 4 visa students to switch to a Tier 2 visa
- It was announced that the Tier 1 Investor scheme would be suspended. However, this did not happen.
- The Windrush scandal was a huge scandal that exposed discriminatory practices at the Home Office.
We are including a selection of UK visa related news reports below:
UK visa white paper reveals new skills-based visa system after Brexit
Latest News: Theresa May loses Brexit vote. What will happen now? Will Brexit be delayed?
A heavily delayed UK immigration White Paper was finally published by the government on 19 December, 2018 despite divisions within the Cabinet. The White Paper outlines Britain’s post-Brexit immigration policy, including foreigner worker rules, but Cabinet members were still squabbling over the White Paper just 24 hours before it was published.
Sanwar Ali workpermit.com comment:
Even if the Tier 2 Sponsor Licence and Tier 2 visa system is replaced it looks as if there will be many similarities to the current system. It is to be hoped that the new UK visa system will not be as bureaucratic and difficult to understand as the current UK visa system. UK visa related fees are also very high. The Immigration Health Surcharge is due to double to £400 a year in most cases from 8 January 2019.
UK Tier 4 visa to Tier 2 visa switching easier after January
New UK visa rules are now in effect that make it easier for Tier 4 student visa holders to switch to a Tier 2 (General) visa. A raft of rule changes enforced on January 11 2018 allow Tier 4 visa students to file an application to switch to a Tier 2 visa immediately upon completion of a degree course without having to wait for their exam results.
Sanwar Ali workpermit.com comment:
There are many tier 4 visa students who are unable to stay in the UK on a tier 2 visa because their visa expires before they receive their exam results for their degree level course. Now tier 4 students can apply even before they have their exam results. If a tier 4 student has to leave the Country it is somewhat more difficult to obtain a tier 2 visa. The employer will most likely have to do a resident labour market test, and pay the annual immigration skills charge. This is not necessary for a tier 4 student on a degree level course switching to a tier 2 visa.
UK Tier 1 investor visa NOT SUSPENDED and still available
On 6 December 2018, without warning, the Home Office wrongly announced the suspension of the Tier 1 investor visa scheme. However, the Home Office’s announcement was somewhat premature as other government departments opposed suspending the so called ‘golden visa.’ This UK visa has not been suspended.
Sanwar Ali workpermit.com comment:
The Tier 1 Investor visa scheme is only available for those with £2 million to invest. So very few people can afford this. Even if you can afford to come under this UK visa category it may be worth considering other visa categories such as Tier 1 entrepreneur or Tier 2 visa (only suitable if you own at most a small share of the UK employer).
Workpermit.com can help with Tier 2 visas, Sponsorship Licences, Tier 1 visas and other visas
If you need help with a Tier 2 Sponsor Licence, Tier 1 visas such as the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa scheme workpermit.com can help. Call 0344 991 9222 for further details.
Workpermit.com has been in the visa business for thirty years, and has helped thousands of people to study, work, invest and live in the UK. We represent clients under Section 84 of the 1999 Immigration Act, and can advise and assist with your UK visa application.
