Changes to the Immigration Rules for Skilled Workers

Below is a summary of the latest statement to changes to the immigration rules issued by The Home Office on 17 July 2023.

1. New Restrictions for Students Switching to Skilled Worker Route

•    Effective from July 17, 2023

•    Restrictions apply to applications made after 3:00 pm on July 17, 2023

•    Previous applications are not affected by the new restrictions

2. Updated Section on Switching

   Expanded list of ineligible routes for switching to Skilled Worker route

Applicants cannot have permission or last granted permission on the following routes:

•     Visitor

•     Short-term student

•     Parent of a Child Student

•     Seasonal Worker

•     Domestic Worker in a Private Household

•    Permission outside the Immigration Rules is also not allowed
  

3. Completion of Study Requirements for Students Applying to Stay

   Applicants with permission as a Student must meet specific study completion criteria:

•    Completion of the assigned course of study or specific course under ST 27.3 of Appendix Student

•    Course completion before the start date on Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

•    PhD course completion of at least 24 months
  

4. Verification of Course Completion

•   Checking the end date on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

•   Considering additional information provided with the application (e.g., results transcript)

•   Reviewing notifications from the Student Sponsor

•   Opportunity to provide evidence of course completion before rejection
  

5. Changes to Student Route and Work Routes aims

•   Aimed at reducing net migration

•   Removal of dependant rights for international students (except for designated research programs)

•   Elimination of switching from student route to work routes before completing studies

•   Exemptions for dependants already in the UK, postgraduate students starting before January 1, 2024, and specific categories (government-sponsored students, dependent children born in the UK)
  

6. Departure from Convention and Implementation Dates

   - Deviation from the 21-day convention for implementing Immigration Rules changes

   - Justification based on prior announcement and wide reporting of the changes

   - Reduction of applications during the 21-day period

   - Implementation of other changes on various dates from August 7, 2023

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