Tier 1 Changes starting 06 April 2010

The UKBA has announced that it will be using the recommendations made by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) and applying some policy and rule changes to the Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the Points Based System in the United Kingdom.

Tier 1 General

The initial period on the Tier 1 visa will be reduced to 2 years and the extension applications will be approved provided sufficient evidence is submitted to verify the applicant is in Highly Skilled employment.

Transitional arrangements will be in place for individuals already n the UK or who have their visa approved before 6th April 2010

The Age section has been changed to allow applicants up to 39 years old to claim for points

Qualifications criteria have been changed to again allow for points for people with Bachelor Degrees (30 points) with reduced points for PhD Holders. (45 Points)

Previous Earnings section has an increase in the required earnings to allow for points for earnings of 25,000 GBP and above

An Additional salary band will be introduced with a threshold of 150,000 and above (75 points)

Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa (PSW)

Graduates of Medical Schools located in the UK, are now able to switch into Tier 1 Post Study within 12 months of completing their foundation programme

Visa Fees from 6 April 2010

From 6 April 2010 all those applying for visas for the UK will have to pay new immigration fees.

The new fees cover all types of visa study, work, visit or stay in the United Kingdom.

Also on the 6 April 2010 the UKBA will be revising a number of the application forms used with visa applications so I suggest paying close attention to the format of the form that you submit.

Ensure to double check that you are using the correct form and are paying the correct fee, if the wrong fee is sent the UKBA will not process the visa application and may adversely affect your application especially if you are required to show a certain level of funds in a certain time period porior to the application - MAINTENANCE.