On the 9 July 2012, the new changes will apply to new applicants.
The changes are part of the Government's programme of reform to the immigration routes, these changes include:
A new minimum income threshold of 18,600 for sponsoring the settlement in the UK of a spouse or partner, or fianc(e) or proposed civil partner of non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationality, higher threshold for any children also sponsored; 22,400 for one child and an additional 2,400 for each further child;
Extending the minimum probationary period for settlement for non-EEA spouses andpartners from two years to five years, to test the genuineness of the relationship;
Abolishing immediate settlement for the migrant spouses and partner where a couple have been living together overseas for at least 4 years, and requiring them to complete a 5 year probationary period;
From October 2013, requiring all applicants for settlement to pass the Life in the UK Test and present an English language speaking and listening qualification at B1 level or above of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages unless they are exempt;
Permiting adult and elderly dependents to settle in the UK only where they can demonstrate that, as a result of age, illness or disability, they require a level of long-term personal care that can only be provided by a relative in the UK, and requiring them to apply from overseas rather than switch in the UK from another category, for example as a visitor; and
Restricting family visit visa appeals, initially by narrowing the current definitions of family and sponsor for appeal purposes, and then, subject to the passage of the Crime and Courts Bill, which was published on 11 May 2012, removing the full right of appeal against refusal of a family visit visa.
Human Rights Lawyers are already working to find out the impact such changes will have on Human Rights.
The home secretary, Theresa May, did confirm that she will introduce a new minimum income requirement for a British "sponsor" without children of up to 25,700 a year, and a stringent English speaking test for foreign-born husbands, wives or partners of UK citizens applying to come to live in Britain on a family visa.
Immigration welfare campaigners say that the move will exclude two-thirds of British people - those who have a minimum gross income of under 25,700 a year - from living in the UK as a couple if they marry a non-EU national. They estimate that between 45% and 60% of the 53,000 family visas currently issued each year could fall foul of the new rules.
The changes are part of the Government's programme of reform to the immigration routes, these changes include:
A new minimum income threshold of 18,600 for sponsoring the settlement in the UK of a spouse or partner, or fianc(e) or proposed civil partner of non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationality, higher threshold for any children also sponsored; 22,400 for one child and an additional 2,400 for each further child;
Extending the minimum probationary period for settlement for non-EEA spouses andpartners from two years to five years, to test the genuineness of the relationship;
Abolishing immediate settlement for the migrant spouses and partner where a couple have been living together overseas for at least 4 years, and requiring them to complete a 5 year probationary period;
From October 2013, requiring all applicants for settlement to pass the Life in the UK Test and present an English language speaking and listening qualification at B1 level or above of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages unless they are exempt;
Permiting adult and elderly dependents to settle in the UK only where they can demonstrate that, as a result of age, illness or disability, they require a level of long-term personal care that can only be provided by a relative in the UK, and requiring them to apply from overseas rather than switch in the UK from another category, for example as a visitor; and
Restricting family visit visa appeals, initially by narrowing the current definitions of family and sponsor for appeal purposes, and then, subject to the passage of the Crime and Courts Bill, which was published on 11 May 2012, removing the full right of appeal against refusal of a family visit visa.
Human Rights Lawyers are already working to find out the impact such changes will have on Human Rights.
The home secretary, Theresa May, did confirm that she will introduce a new minimum income requirement for a British "sponsor" without children of up to 25,700 a year, and a stringent English speaking test for foreign-born husbands, wives or partners of UK citizens applying to come to live in Britain on a family visa.
Immigration welfare campaigners say that the move will exclude two-thirds of British people - those who have a minimum gross income of under 25,700 a year - from living in the UK as a couple if they marry a non-EU national. They estimate that between 45% and 60% of the 53,000 family visas currently issued each year could fall foul of the new rules.
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