Statement of Changes – 18 October 2022

On 18 October 2022, the Immigration Rules were amended in a new Statement of Changes. The changes of particular note are:

Non-Visa National Status

Citizens of Colombia, Guyana and Peru have been added to the non-visa national list which means they no longer need to obtain a visit visa before travelling to the UK. A positive move which can help promote trade, diplomatic relations and tourism!

Hong Kong BN(O) Route

Children of BN(O) status holders can apply to the BN(O) route independently (i.e. without having to form part of their parents’ household or apply at the same time as them).

Requirements under the Global Talent Route

Stricter requirements will be imposed on digital technology applicants who are now required to provide letters of support from individuals who have knowledge of their work over a period of at least 12 months.

Creative Worker Route

Standard Visitors and those who are currently in the UK under the Permitted Paid Engagement routes will no longer be able to switch into the Temporary Work – Creative Worker route.  

Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier Sub-Route

Permanent residents of Australia and New Zealand can qualify under the Service Supplier sub-route where the services they provide are covered by the free trade agreements with those countries. In addition, Australian nationals and permanent residents of Australia providing services under the free trade agreement with Australia will be able to stay for up to 12 months at a time in the Service Supplier sub-route.

Seasonal Worker Route

This has been expanded to include roles in the poultry production sector for the period 18-31 October each year. There will be specific salary requirements for poultry workers so that for roles that would qualify under the Skilled worker route, wages for workers are not less than they would be required for that route.

Ukraine Extension Scheme

The eligibility period has been extended so that Ukrainian nationals who obtain permission to enter or stay in the UK between 18 March 2022 and 16 May 2023 may continue to apply to the Ukraine Extension Scheme and obtain 36 months’ permission to stay in the UK. This can help to regularise the stay of Ukrainian nationals who travelled to the UK without making an application to one of the Ukraine Schemes and were granted Leave Outside the Rules at the UK Border. There will also be a deadline of 16 November 2023 in which to make an application under the Ukraine Extension Scheme with the aim of discouraging people to allow their leave to lapse.

Other Changes in the Immigration Rules

Work routes will allow temporary reductions in pay for individual health reasons or a phased return to work. This will need to be supported by an occupational health assessment and any hourly rate requirements must continue to be met.

Police Registration Scheme

The Scheme was suspended for a few months but has now been abolished. The Home Office justifies the change by explaining that individuals are screened before they travel to the UK so there is little need for the police to repeat this once the person enters the UK.