UK immigration department recently brought changes in immigration laws. In last few years United Kingdom is facing a lot of pressures including COVID, inflation, Brexit, asylum seekers etc. The greatest among all of these is huge number of immigrants who entered UK during last two years. In year 2022, long-term immigration into the UK was an estimated 1.2 million. Similarly, this year 3,057,654 visas granted in the year ending March 2023, 90% higher (1,449,071) than the year ending March 2022.

Reasons behind this huge number of immigrants include Russia/ Ukraine war, Taliban Government in Afghanistan and also easy policies for student visas. These are the legal ones, the illegal border crossings are not part of this figure. Along with these legal immigrants, dependants are also attach. Average number of dependants with each applicant is 1.6.

Due to this rapid increase in population, prime minister of UK, Rishi Sunak presented different bills in assembly to bring necessary changes in immigration laws. Most of these changes are for tier 4 visa that is student visa. These changes include:

No more Dependents On Tier 4 Visa:

One of the major changes in UK immigration laws that are getting attention; specifically in Asia is that “students cannot bring dependants with them”. This law will get in to practice from January 2024. Hence September 2023 is the last study session during which an applicant applying for “tier 4” student visa can take their dependants (Spouse and children) with them. After that this facility will be over.

UK Immigration Department to Crackdown for Illegal and Over Stayed Immigrants:

UK immigration department has double their efforts to crackdown on illegal immigrants. Officials are conducting raids on small business holders. Including hotels, restaurants, car washes and delivery companies in search of illegal or over stayed immigrants.

Any person found illegal in the Kingdom will be immediately face deportation and will face a ban on entry for 10 years.

UK Immigration Department Restricted to Switch Visa Type from Tier 4 to Tier 2:

According to previous practices, students on Tier 4 visas are used to find a sponsor in UK and change their visa type from Tier 4 (Student Visa) to Tier  2 (Work Visa). But now immigration department has restricted students to do so. They will not be able to change their visa category into Tier 2 (Work Visa).

UK Immigration Law to change Post Study Work Period:

Another news that is creating pressure on international students is that PSW duration on Tier 4 visa is going to be reduced. Government is planning to change it into six months from two years. But this feared reduction has not come to pass. International students will still be able to stay for two years through the Graduate Route (three years for doctoral/PhD students).

Restrict Agents who Support International Students through Application Process:

UK immigration law changes include a cramp down on unregistered and unauthorized agents who process applications for international students.

Point Based Immigration:

UK like other countries (Canada, Australia, New Zealand) is now up for a point based immigration system. This will lead to have a better border control and controlled number of immigrants. This is to flex to the needs of the economy and labour market. It will also ensure we have the skills and talent needed by UK businesses and the NHS.

All these changes in UK immigration law will control number of immigrants to the country. This will help government to control population, create more jobs for locals, reduce inflation and grow economy.

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