Changes to immigration rules published by UKBA

Posted: 29/03/2013

The UKBA has announced new changes to the immigration rules, which will come into force on 6 April 2013.

Key changes include:

Tier 2, skilled workers - salary rates will be split between ‘new entrants’ and ‘experienced workers’. Individuals will be considered as new entrants and will be able to take advantage of the lower salary levels if they satisfy one of the following:
UK graduates switching into Tier 2 (general) under post-study work provisions;
graduate recruits, where the employer has used a university “milkround” to satisfy the resident labour market test;
sponsored under Tier 2 (intra-company transfer) graduate trainee; or
aged 25 or under on the date of their initial Tier 2 application.
Tier 4, PhD students - students successfully completing a PhD at a UK Higher Education Institution (HEI) will be able to stay in the UK, sponsored by the HEI, on a Tier 4 visa for 12 months. This will give students gaining a PhD a longer period to find work with a Tier 2 employer, to set up as an entrepreneur, or to gain practical work experience in their field. Leave will be granted for 12 months from the expected course completion date specified by the HEI.