Changes To The Immigration Rules - April 2013

15 Mar 2013

The following changes would be effective for immigration from 6 April 2013:

The Tier 1 (Graduate entrepreneur) route, to include additional places for talented MBA graduates from UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This will also include the UK Trade and Investment's elite global graduate entrepreneur scheme.The Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) route, to split the application process so that applicants will no longer have to pay the full fee up front. This will also mean applicants will not have to submit their passport to us while their application for endorsement by a designated competent body is being considered.

Tier 2, to improve the flexibility for intra-company transferees and for employers carrying out the resident labour market test.

The shortage occupation list and the codes of practice for skilled workers.

Tier 4, to allow completing PhD students to stay in the UK for one year beyond the end of their course to find skilled work or to set up as an entrepreneur. 

Other changes include:

1. Detailed clarification of general visitor rules;
2. Updating the provisions in Tier 5 for temporary workers
3. Few modifications to long residence and on work-related settlement
4. Introduction of a new protection route recognising stateless persons.

Source: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/