There are several minor but significant changes to UK immigration law in 2018 as follows:
UK Immigration Law – Electronic Entry Clearance
The UK has started to roll out an electronic entry clearance system, so visitors will only have to present their passport or identity document to gain entry to the UK.
Visitors’ visas accepted for transit
Visas issued by other countries to allow visits by those marrying or entering into a civil partnership will now be accepted by the UK for the purposes of transit through (but not entry into) the UK.
Clarification of restrictions on UK-issued visitors’ visas
Visitors are forbidden from studying at local authority educational institutions. Dependants of points-based system (PBS) visa-holders are subject to travel restrictions
PBS dependants also required to demonstrate the validity of a relationship
Applicants for a PBS dependant visa must be able to provide proof their relationship is both “subsisting” and “genuine”.
Redistribution of quotas for Youth Mobility Visas (Tier 5)
The number of visas offered to Australian nationals has gone down from 35,500 to 34,000, and there has been an increase in the number of visas for New Zealand (up from 13,000 to 14,000) and Canadian nationals (up from 5, to 6,000).
(General) Student (Tier 4) visas can now be issued for part-time study
Provided that the course meets academic requirements, Tier 4 visas can be issued to part-time students. Tier 4 part-time study visa-holders cannot extend their stay or switch to another visa without leaving the UK – and they cannot work or be joined by their dependants.
A seamless switch from Tier 4 to Tier 2 visas
Tier 4 visa holders can switch to General (Tier 2) visas when their courses end, no longer having to wait for exam results.
Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale
We take pride in serving our clients, combining our legal expertise and knowledge with impeccable customer service. If you need immigration solicitors Rochdale or immigration solicitors Oldham, call Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale and Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham today on 0161 660 6050.
