- Tier 1 – Minor Changes to Several Categories Exceptional Talent visas will now be issued valid for a maximum of five (5) years rather than the traditional three (3) years. In addition, Exceptional Talent holders applying for an extension will no longer be required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency.
- Current Tier 1 (General) visa holders will potentially be permitted to accrue up to five (5) years on their status before it closes in order to be eligible for settlement in the UK. The UK Home Office will issue their final decision on this possible change in early 2015.
- Tier 2 – Genuine Vacancy Requirement and Resident Labour Market Test Beginning in November 2014, applications filed under the Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) and Tier 2 (General) categories will be subject to a new “genuineness” test to verify that a genuine vacancy exists at the company. Thus, Tier 2 applications that fail to meet the following criteria may be denied outright:
- The job described by the sponsor does not genuinely exist;
- The job has been specifically tailored to exclude UK applicants;
- The applicant is not qualified to perform the job; or
- The job has been exaggerated to meet certain minimum skill thresholds.
- Scientists and researchers will be permitted to share their knowledge and expertise on international projects that are being led by the UK; however, the individual cannot perform any work activities that require a work permit.
- Foreign attorneys employed by international law firms with offices in the UK may provide direct advice to UK clients regarding litigation or overseas transactions; however, the attorney must remain employed and on overseas payroll.
- Foreign nurses may sit for the Objective Structured Clinical Examination in the UK while holding a Business Visitor Visa before proceeding with their Tier 2 work visa application process.