Changes in Immigration Rules for Settlement.

13 June 2012

From 9 July 2012, the UK Government's programme of reform of the immigration routes has made changes for Settlement Migrants by introducing a new minimum income threshold of £18,600 for sponsoring the settlement in the UK of a spouse or partner, or fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner of non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationality, with a higher threshold for any children also sponsored; £22,400 for one child and an additional £2,400 for each further child;

and extending the minimum probationary period for settlement from 2 years to 5 years, to test the genuineness of the relationship.

New Immigration Rules for Family Visitors.

18 June 2012

From 9 July 2012, the UK government laid the Immigration Appeals (Family Visitor) Regulations 2012 in Parliament on 18 June 2012. These regulations will change the appeal rights of family visit visa applicants, for those applying to visit their uncle, aunt, nephew niece or first cousin, or a relative who does not have settled, refugee or humanitarian protection status in the UK. They will no longer have a full right of appeal if refused. A limited right of appeal will remain for these people on human rights and race discrimination grounds.