UK visa rule changes this month

The latest Statement of Changes in UK immigration rules was put before the government this week and these will be in effect from October 1 2009.

As of October, anyone wishing to apply for a UK visa could be affected by the changes. The changes include the following:

For anyone applying for a UK student Tier 4 visa of the points-based system, the launch of the electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) will now be valid.

The UK Border Agency say: “This will strengthen the sponsorship arrangements for Tier 4 and provide educational institutions with a fast and straightforward electronic system to sponsor students.” As this transition takes places, the current visa letters will continue as an alternative to CAS. This is only a short-term fix.

A further change affects people applying for the Sole Representatives category. This will now be replaced by a new Representatives of Overseas Business category. The new category introduces a requirement to speak English, which will ensure that business representatives are able to make an effective contribution while they are here. There will also be minor technical changes made to various categories of the UK visa points-based system.

A full explanation of all the changes will be available from September 30 and Global Visas can of course provide expert guidance and advice on any aspect of the changes.