Just 119 Graduate Entrepreneur visas granted in 12 months

A visa scheme set up to mitigate the loss of the post-study work route for international students granted just 119 work permits in its first year.

The graduate entrepreneur visa for international students with “world-class and innovative” business ideas was launched in April 2012. It was brought in as the popular Tier 1 post-study work visa, which allowed non-European Union students to work for two years after graduation, was axed – a change that has been credited with causing a huge drop in demand for UK courses from students in some countries, especially India.

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New versions of application forms and guidance

UKBA on 14th December 2010 published new versions of application forms and policy guidance under the following categories of the points-based system:

• Tier 1 (General)
• Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
• Tier 1 (Investor)
• Tier 1 (Post-study work)
• Tier 2 - all categories (application form only - no change to policy guidance)
• Tier 5 (Temporary worker) - all sub-categories
• PBS Dependant

To access above documents click here

Now It is mandatory to enroll for Biometric resident permits - for Tiers 1 and 5 of the points-based system, To read the details click here

Annual limit for Tier 1 and Tier 2 visa applications

This is a new policy guidance, it is not still statutory, even my a alert from UKBA says it is a draft
It is a Good Read to read, Hopefully by next year April, it will be implemented without much change

The Home Secretary announced on 23 November 2010 a number of changes to immigration policy in respect of Tiers 1 and 2 of the points-based system, designed to deliver the government's commitment to place a limit on non-EU economic migration to the UK.

Click here to read further

24 November 2010

New requirement for Tier 1 and Tier 2 applicants submitting postgraduate certificates or diplomas

From 12 October 2010, the UK Border Agency has introduced a new requirement for applications to work in the UK under Tier 1 (General), Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) or any Tier 2 category of the points-based system.

If you are submitting a postgraduate certificate or diploma awarded by a UK listed body in order to score points for your qualifications or English language skills, you must include a letter of equivalency issued by UK NARIC with your application.

UKBA/15 October 2010

Clarification of changes to Tier 1 points

According to UKBA's latest news release it says - If you are in the UK in one of the following categories and are applying to extend your stay in Tier 1 (General), you will need to score 95 points:

• Tier 1 (General)
• Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
• Writers, Composers and Artists
• Self-Employed Lawyers

If you are in the UK in any other category, for example Tier 1 (Post-study work), then you will need to score 100 points when you apply to switch into Tier 1 (General).

If you are applying from outside the UK, you will need to score 100 points.

Source: UKBA