Uk visa news
Here are some recent updates on UK visa news:
New Immigration Rules
- The UK government has introduced new immigration rules, effective from January 1, 2021, which aim to attract high-skilled workers and reduce the number of low-skilled workers.
- The new rules introduce a points-based system, where applicants are awarded points based on their skills, qualifications, and experience.
- The system has three tiers: Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent), Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer), and Tier 5 (Temporary Worker).
Changes to Tier 2 Visa
- The UK government has announced changes to the Tier 2 visa, which will affect Indian nationals.
- From April 6, 2021, Indian nationals will no longer be able to apply for a Tier 2 visa under the "cooling-off period" rule, which allowed them to reapply for a visa after a certain period.
- The change is aimed at reducing the number of Indian nationals applying for Tier 2 visas.
New Visa Routes
- The UK government has introduced new visa routes for international students and researchers.
- The new routes, known as the "Graduate Route" and the "Researcher Route", will allow international students and researchers to stay in the UK for up to three years after completing their studies or research.
- The Graduate Route will be available to international students who have completed a bachelor's or master's degree in the UK, while the Researcher Route will be available to researchers who have been awarded a research fellowship or grant.
Brexit and Visa Implications
- The UK's departure from the European Union (Brexit) has led to changes in visa requirements for EU nationals.
- EU nationals will no longer have the automatic right to live and work in the UK, and will need to apply for a visa under the new points-based system.
- The UK government has also introduced a new "EU Settlement Scheme" for EU nationals who were living in the UK before December 31, 2020, to apply for settled or pre-settled status.
Visa Application Fees
- The UK government has increased visa application fees for some categories, including Tier 2 and Tier 5 visas.
- The new fees came into effect on January 1, 2021, and range from £610 to £1,408, depending on the category and duration of stay.
Other Updates
- The UK government has introduced a new "super priority" service for visa applications, which guarantees a decision within 24 hours for an additional fee.
- The government has also launched a new online visa application system, which allows applicants to submit their applications and supporting documents electronically.
These are just some of the recent updates on UK visa news. If you're planning to apply for a UK visa, it's essential to check the latest information and requirements to ensure a smooth application process.