UK IMMIGRATION NEWS
Stricter rules for skilled and highly skilled migrant workersTuesday, 24 March 2009 Stricter Immigration Rules for skilled and highly skilled migrant workers will take effect on 31 March 2009, raising the academic and financial requirements of two categories in Tier 1 of the points-based system.
In addition, the resident labour market test required under the Sponsored Skilled Worker Tier 2 (General) will be tightened. Both changes are being introduced to raise the bar for foreign workers wishing to work in the UK. Changes to Tier 1 of the points-based system for highly skilled workers All Tier 1 (General) applicants must have at least a Master's degree for the qualification criteria and prove a minimum income of £20,000. The changes to the Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) category are that applicants will not be awarded points for Postgraduate Diplomas or Postgraduate Certificates other than Postgraduate Certificates in Education. Changes for the Tier 1 (General) and Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) categories will apply to all applications submitted on or after 31 March 2009. The Tier 1 (General) changes will apply to migrants who:
Anyone applying to extend their visa under Tier 1 (General) will not be affected by the changes. Changes to the resident labour market test The resident labour market test prevents employers from offering skilled jobs to migrant workers without first advertising them to UK resident workers. From 31 March 2009, an employer wishing to sponsor a migrant to do a job under Tier 2 (General) will not pass the test unless the job has been:
If you are interested in UK Visas, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to the UK. |
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