The new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 1691 was released on 5th March, with some significant consequences for those affected. In this article, we highlight some of the key changes that are set to take place.
Written by Mahfuz Ahmed, Immigration Supervisor
Settlement – English language requirement to increase from B1 to B2
Changes will take effect from 26th March 2027. The Home Office has given a longer implementation date to allow people enough time to prepare. Please note this applies to long residence, family and business immigration routes.
Asylum Protection reduced from 5 years to 30 months
This will apply to all those who claim asylum after 2nd March 2026. Those who have obtained asylum on 1st March 2026 or prior will remain eligible for settlement after 5 years. Also unaccompanied children who have claimed asylum will still get 5 years leave.
Asylum seekers (temporary permission to work)
Previously those who have had the asylum claim pending for more than a year could work in roles in the immigration salary list. This has now been changes to roles included in Appendix Skilled Occupations and the RQF level 6 or above on the skilled worker route.
Deportation to now include those with suspended sentences
Previously those who had committed an offence and received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more were liable for deportation. This now includes those who have received suspended sentences of 12 months or more.
Expansion of Hong Kong British National (Overseas Route)
To now include adult children who were under 18 on 1st July 1997 eligible for the BNO route. Read our article all about this here.
Skilled worker – pay periods
Skilled workers are now required to be paid their salary in each pay period, so that UKVI do not need to wait a full year to assess when there are concerns about underpayment.
No student visa for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan
There is now a ban for those applying for student visas from the above country.
Should you have any queries about the above changes, then please contact us. We would be more than happy to help.
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