United Kingdom – Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules Launches Second Pilot Phase of EU Settlement Scheme
The Home Office has published a new statement of changes to the Immigration Rules, due to take effect November 1, 2018.
The changes to the immigration rules include:
- Provision for a second beta test phase of the EU Settlement Scheme;
- A new form of immigration leave for children transferred to the UK during the Calais camp clearance in 2016/17;
- Support for the operation of the new online visa application service, to be operated by Sopra Steria beginning November 2018;
- Minor technical amendments for students under Tier 4 of the Points-Based System; and
- Clarification of the exemption on medical grounds from the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK requirement.
EU Settlement Scheme
Following the first pilot involving 12 NHS Trusts and three universities in the North West of England, the second beta testing phase will include staff in the higher education, health and social care sectors across the UK. The government anticipates further changes to the Immigration Rules in December 2018 (taking effect January 2019) and in March 2019 in order to implement the scheme fully by March 30, 2019.
Other changes have been made to align the basis on which the family members of British citizens who have returned to the UK, having exercised their free movement rights in the EU, will be eligible to apply for status under the scheme with that of family members of resident EU citizens.
Action Items
- Employers who may be affected are encouraged to contact their UK immigration specialist for specific advice.