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UNITED KINGDOM - Settlement Applications Closed to Tier 1 (General) Migrants after 5 April 2018

Overseas nationals in the UK under the Tier 1 (General) category will no longer be permitted to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 April 2018.

Background

Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system was a category aimed at ‘highly skilled migrants’ who wished to come to the UK to live and work, including self-employment, without requiring a sponsor.

The category was closed to new applicants in 2011, remaining open until April 2015 only to those making an extension application.

Eligibility for ILR

Currently, a Tier 1 General migrant may be eligible to apply for ILR if they have met all of the following criteria:

  • Lawfully resided in the UK for five continuous years.
  • Have not been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 month period during the five year qualifying period.
  • Passed the ‘Life in the UK’ test.
  • Scored a sufficient number of points in the points-based system in the areas of age, knowledge of the English language, education and earnings.

Holders of a Tier 1 (General) visa who wish to make an application for ILR must check that they meet the requirements and submit their application before the 5th April 2018 deadline.

Action Items

  • Holders of a Tier 1 (General) visa who wish to make an application for ILR must check that they meet the requirements and submit their application before the 5 April 2018 deadline.
  • Employers are advised to contact their immigration specialist for further information.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this immigration alert has been abridged from laws, court decisions, and administrative rulings and should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice. If you have specific questions regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Peregrine © 2017 Peregrine Immigration Management Ltd.