New Immigration Rules have been laid, the majority of which come into force in early November 2018.
The full Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (HC 1534) can be found here.
We will be covering those changes that are most relevant to our clients in detail over the coming week but the headline changes are:
- the Home Office is going digital with a new on-line process;
- applicants will be able to file copy documents rather than originals;
- Home Office caseworkers are to be given more discretion to refer back to applicants in cases where essential evidence is missing or they feel they need more evidence to determine a case;
- passports will be returned to the applicant whilst their application is being processed (although it will remain the case that an application will be deemed to have been withdrawn if the applicant leaves the UK whilst it is being processed);
- the EU Settlement Scheme, currently being piloted, is to enter phase two meaning that more applicants will be able to apply via the scheme;
- the list of subjects requiring an ATAS certificate will be updated.
Keep an eye on our website for further detailed information and analysis. If you require further information or advice on any of the above points, do contact us or you can make a quick enquiry here.
