The government have now announced the changes that will be implemented in April 2011 in their bid to decrease immigration into the UK:
- Tier 1: General will be closed to new applicants from April 2011. Anyone interested in applying should do so ASAP, as there is a monthly quota of 600 applications made outside the UK between now and April
- Tier 1: Post-Study Work may also be closed – there is currently a period of consultation on this issue (along with consideration of changes to the student visa route)
- Tier 1: Investor and Tier 1: Entrepreneur to remain, and to be made more attractive to applicants (no details released as yet)
- A new Tier 1 route will be introduced for those with international recognition, or the expectation of such, in scientific and cultural fields – this will be Tier 1: Persons of Exceptional Talent. Further details to be announced
- Tier 2: General will be subject to an annual quota of 20,700 for 2011/12 [this quota will not include those already in the UK, dependants of Tier 2 workers, those who will earn more than £150,000, Tier 2: Sportspersons, Tier 2: Minister of Religion and Tier 2: Intra-company transfer]
- Tier 2: General will be restricted to graduate-level vacancies
- The English language requirement for Tier 2: General will increase from basic to intermediate (B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference).