Changes to settlement from 6 April 2011
07 April 2011
The rules for settlement in the UK changed on 6 April 2011.
We have tightened the former settlement criteria by introducing the following changes:
- A new criminality threshold. Applicants must now be clear of unspent convictions when they apply for settlement, as stated in the criminality requirement guidance.
- A new income requirement. Tier 1 (General) migrants must now meet the same income criteria that applied when they last extended their permission to stay in the UK. Migrants who have been in Tier 2 (General) or Tier 2 (Intra company transfer), or who have held work permits, must be being paid the appropriate rate as stated in our codes of practice.
- Reform of the English language requirement. Migrants in Tier 1, Tier 2 and their precursor routes must now pass the Life in the UK test rather than an ESOL with citizenship course. Transitional arrangements will apply.
- An accelerated route to settlement for Tier 1 (Investor) and Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) migrants who meet enhanced criteria.
Revised policy guidance for our staff came into effect on 6 April, and is published in our Policy and law section.
A statement of changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 863) contains full details of all the changes that came into effect on 6 April 2011.