Sunday 29 September 2013

Changes to the Immigration Rules from 1st October 2013

Another Statement of Changes in the Immigration Rules was presented to Parliament on the 6th September 2013.

The changes to the rules will take effect from 1st October 2013 and affects Migrants and their dependents in the following area:


·         Business Visitors

·         Points Based System Application

·         Application for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Changes to “Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK” Requirements


The Home Office recently announced changes to Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK Test requirements which will come into effect from 28 October 2013.

All applicants applying for settlement or naturalisation as a British citizen, unless they are exempt, will need to meet the knowledge of language and life requirement by:

  1. Passing the life in the UK test; and
  2. Having a speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 CEFR or higher, or its equivalent.

For an application for citizenship to be considered under the pre 28 October requirements, the application will need to be received by UK Visas & Immigration by Friday 25 October 2013.