The Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC1919) released on 7 March 2019 make a wide-ranging set of changes to existing systems of migration, whilst also bringing further changes to the EU Settlement Scheme. Perhaps the most striking of the changes is the clear commitment expressed within the changes and the explanatory memorandum to ending the points-based system (‘PBS’). Indeed, Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) is to be updated and expanded to form the new Start-up category, and a new form of category (Innovator) is also being created. As stated above: “The new categories are set out in a new Appendix W to the Immigration Rules. They do not form part of the Points-Based System and do not include points-scoring tables.”
This paper looks at the changes to the economic migration system and the EU Settlement Scheme in turn.
It is additionally noted that while the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route will remain open for those reapplying until 5 April 2023, it will be closed to new applicants on 29 March 2019 – so new applicants will have to apply by 28 March 2019.
- Document Date
- 2019-03-08
- Issue Number
- 19.03.35204