Category: Immigration Updates

Calculation of five year period for settlement in the UK

Under changes to the Immigration Rules effective from 13 December 2012,  absences of up to 180 days in each of the 12 month calendar periods of the 5 year qualifying period for continuous residence will be permitted for Tier 1 (General), Tier 2 and pre-points based system work routes e.g. work permits. These absences must be for a reason that is consistent with the person’s employment e.g. business trips, conferences, research collaborations, periods of annual leave – or for serious or compelling reasons such as the serious illness of a close relative.

Biometric Residence Permit rollout

The UKBA has announced that, with effect from 29 February 2012, all applicants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) applying to stay in the UK for more than 6 months will have to register their biometric information (fingerprints and digital facial image). Successful applicants will be issued a Biometric Residence Permit as evidence of their immigration status and entitlements in the UK.

The following guidance may also be helpful:

 
From 31 May 2012, a new automated online checking service will be launched which will allow quick and easy checks on permits, the holder’s identity and their right to work.

Proposed changes to the Points Based System with effect from 6 April 2012

The government has announced that it intends to introduce a number of changes to the Points Based System with effect from 6 April 2012.

The following summarises the details available to date. As further information is made available we will provide further updates.

Biometric Residence Permit changes

The UKBA has announced that wef 1 February 2012 the telephone biometric appointment booking service for postal applicants and the telephone Biometric Residence Permit management and verification services will be replaced with online services.  

Please see UKBA latest news and updates – Biometric Residence Permits Changes for further details.

The following guidance may also be helpful:

Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route available from 9 August 2011

On 20 July 2011 the UKBA announced that the new Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category of the Points Based System will open on 9 August 2011.

Non EEA nationals who are active researchers in academic, industry or government research institutions can apply under the Exceptional Talent worker category if:

  • They are demonstrated to be world leaders in their field (exceptional talent); or
  • They have demonstrated the potential to become world leaders in their field (exceptional promise).

The following summarises the details available to date:

Please also view our archived news and updates