Other October changes – new statement of changes to the Immigration Rules

Some of the changes, the majority of which came into effect on 1 October 2013, are summarised below.

Points-Based System

Implementation of changes to Tier 2 - please see our detailed article on these changes, as well as the changes to the Tier 2 sponsor guidance elsewhere in this update.
Allowing Tier 4 graduates, who have completed their degrees in the UK, to switch into a 12-month supernumerary internship under the Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange Scheme, provided it directly relates to their degrees.
Expansion of the use of ‘genuineness’ tests in Tier 1, Tier 2 (Minister of Religion), Tier 4, and Tier 5 applications. Please see our article on the use of the genuineness test later on in this update.
Allowing migrants (with some exclusions) to switch from within the UK into PBS dependant status.
Adding Hong Kong to the list of participating countries and territories on the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme (from 1 January 2014).
Expansion of the Tier 1 (exceptional talent) category to make provision for artists of exceptional promise. Previously, this category only covered artists with established credentials.

General

From 28 October 2013, applicants for indefinite leave to remain will be required to demonstrate both that they have a knowledge of life in the UK and that they can communicate in English to a specified level (with some exemptions).
Minor changes and clarifications to the Immigration Rules, including those relating to family life.

Visitors

Expansion of the permissible activities a business visitor can undertake to include internal audits and corporate training where it is provided by a company outside the person’s employer’s corporate group.
Allowing tourists and business visitors to undertake certain, specified types of short-term study of no more than 30 days, where it is incidental to the main purpose of the visit.
Removal of the prospective student visitor route.