Immigration law is a complex area of the British legal system with amendments and new legislations frequently added. New British Immigration Rules recently introduced will affect non-European Economic Area nationals who are applying to enter into the UK or remain in the UK under the family migration route. These new British immigration rules took effect from 9th July 2012 and came after a review and consultation by the Migration Advisory Committee and form part of the Government’s review and reform of immigration routes and procedure.
A number of changes and new British immigration rules have been introduced to define the basis on which a person can enter or remain in the UK. The changes to the family migration route for non-EEA nationals are intended to test the genuineness of relationships and cut down on sham marriages for the purpose of settlement in the UK. The new British immigration rules include a higher minimum income threshold for the sponsorship of a spouse or partner in the UK. The new minimum income is £18,600 and it has risen to £22,400 for the settlement of one child and an additional £2,400 for each further child. Immediate settlement for spouses who have been living as a couple overseas for at least 4 years has been abolished under the new UK Immigration Rules.
All applicants are now required to take a Life in the UK Test and provide evidence they have passed an English language speaking and listening qualification to at least B1 level.
