Immigration Update January 2020

1. Introduction of New Points-Based System

From 2021, the UK will be introducing a new Immigration Points-based system.

The Migration Advisory Committee has recently been commissioned to consider how a new Points-based system could strengthen the UK labour market. The Report considered the role of the new system and the appropriate salary threshold to be introduced after the end of the Brexit transition period, being 2021.

The Migration Advisory Committee have made recommendations for: –

1. A Skilled Worker Route with a job offer;
2. A Worker Route for entry without a job offer; and
3. Settlement

The Committee concluded its Report by recommending retaining the existing Tier 2 (General) framework; modifying the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Route; an immediate pause to the propose increase to the settlement threshold and a review of the requirements for settlement. Recommendations were also made for a change to relevant salary thresholds.

2. Re-branding of the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa

This visa category will be rebranded as the “Global Talent” route from 20 February 2020. The Home Office reports that “…this will include a new fast track scheme aimed at bringing the world’s best and brightest minds to the UK to work in top science and research projects…”

3. Increase in UK Visa Appointment Fees

The Home Office has recently increased its biometric enrolment appointment fees without any prior notice to the public.

The agency retained by the Home Office to manage the UK application process, Sopra Steria, was responsible for implementing the increase. A standard visa appointment fee has been increased from £60.00 to £69.99 whilst an outside of office and Saturday appointment now costs £135.00 instead of £125.00.

Manak Solicitors are experts in UK Immigration Law. If you require any clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.