On 4th March, the UK government published its Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules. The changes provide clarity to the Shortage Occupation List, EUSS, Global Talent visa and guidelines for the Graduate Route which opens on 1st July 2021 to international students graduating this summer.
Below is a summary of the changes. Please contact us if you would like further details or information.
| Graduate Route | This is a two-year permit (or three years for doctorates) which will allow successful applicants to live, work and study in the UK.
This visa route is open to all international students, who hold a valid Student or Tier 4 status, graduating from an eligible UK course and have studied here for at least 12 months at the end of this academic year. The application must be filed while in the UK. Graduate route holders will be able to switch to Skilled Worker status in-country provided they meet the eligibility requirements and are employed by a company holding a valid Sponsor Licence. |
| Shortage Occupation List | The government has revised the Shortage Occupation List following recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), now expanding it to include health and social care workers including directors, engineers, electricians and graphic designers, researchers and scientists.
There is now a lower minimum salary requirement and lower government fees. |
| Global Talent Visa | The government has removed the requirement of an endorsement from a registered endorsing body to applicants who have “reached the pinnacle of their careers” and received a prestigious award from the list of Prestigious Prizes published in the Home Office Appendix Global Talent guidance. This will make for a shorter and more efficient application process for eligible applicants. |
| EU Settled Scheme | The Home Office can now refuse applications where the applicant’s presence in the UK is not “conducive to the public good” because of conduct committed after 31st December 2020.
A family member applying to the EUSS on or after 1st July 2021 may do so on proving reasonable grounds for missing the deadline. This will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Home Office. An applicant for an EUSS family permit is now allowed to rely on alternative evidence of identity and nationality where the applicant is unable to obtain or produce the required document due to circumstances beyond their control or compelling practical or compassionate reasons. To avoid any issues, we strongly advise EU nationals to apply for the EUSS as soon as possible. |
