UK immigration rules changes effective October 2013
Today, Friday 6 September 2013, a written ministerial statement was laid in Parliament outlining key Immigration Rules changes October 2013. These updates, effective from 1 October 2013, provide greater flexibility for businesses, workers, and visitors.
Changes for businesses and workers
- Removing the English language requirement for intra-company transferees;
- Making it easier for graduate entrepreneurs to switch into Tier 2;
- Waiving share ownership restrictions for some senior staff;
- Allowing certain students to work as interns under the Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange scheme.
Updates for tourist and business visitors
- Permitting tourists and business visitors to study briefly when study is not the main purpose of their visit;
- Expanding the activities that business visitors can carry out in the UK;
- Removing the prospective student route.
Other key changes
- Strengthening checks to ensure work and student visa applicants are genuine and meet conditions of leave;
- Introducing powers to refuse Tier 4 extension applications if applicants cannot speak English;
- Allowing some locally engaged staff in Afghanistan to relocate to the UK;
- Setting new Youth Mobility Scheme quotas for 2014;
- Enabling exceptional talent in the arts to apply under Tier 1;
- Adjusting settlement applications for refugees who have committed crimes, including powers to curtail leave for persistent or serious offenders;
- Introducing temporary rules for participants and personnel coming to the UK for the 2014 Commonwealth Games;
- Minor clarifications to Immigration Rules, including family life provisions.
Changes to English language and life in the UK requirements
From 28 October, applicants for indefinite leave to remain must meet updated requirements to demonstrate knowledge of English and life in the UK. These changes aim to ensure applicants are prepared for life in the country.
Further information and guidance
For full details, see the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 628) and the explanatory memorandum. The written ministerial statement is available on GOV.UK.
If these updates affect your UK visa or immigration application, please book a consultation with one of our UK visa experts. We can advise how the rule changes may impact your application and guide you through the process.
