Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.
The UK Border Agency unveiled updated guidance notes for Tiers 1, 2 and 5 of its points-based immigration system. Significant changes include:
- The English language requirement has been eliminated for individuals switching in country from leave as a Business person to Tier 1 (Entrepreneur).
- "Representatives of overseas Businesses" has been added to the list of immigration routes from which it is possible to switch into Tier 2.
- The maximum 10% limit on share ownership no longer applies to Tier 2 (Intra-Company transfer) applications
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) applicants granted leave to enter for up to three months upon arrival in the UK will have their leave automatically lapse once they travel outside the Common Travel Area (UK, Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands), thereby prohibiting automatic re-entry to the UK on the basis of their original grant of leave.
Additionally, new versions of the following application forms took effect on October 1:
- Tier 1 (General)
- Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
- Tier 1 (Investor)
- Tier 1 (Post-Study Work)
- Tier 2
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker)