UK Immigration News

As of 9 July 2012, a number of changes to the UK Immigration Rules came into effect. These changes affect all non-European Economic Area (non-EEA) nationals applying to enter or remain in the UK under the family migration route.The changes include:

The British High Commission has announced that the UK Border Agency (UKBA) visa centre in Manila in the Philippines will process Tier 4 visa applications for Malaysian applicants. Previously, Tier 4 applications from Malaysians were processed in the High Commission's visa outsource centre in Jalan Ampang, Malaysia.

With the London Olympics fast approaching, concerns are growing that Heathrow airport may not be prepared to handle the influx of tourists.

Two UK Lords, members of the House of Lords, have warned that the UK continues to look unattractive to foreign students applying for Tier 4 visas and that the government should exclude students from net migration figures. The House of Lords works with the UK House of Commons in making laws and in reviewing government decisions. Most members of the House of Lords are appointed.

From 1 October 2012 if you have overstayed your leave in the UK by more than 28 days any application for further leave will be refused. This change in the Immigration Rules will affect applicants applying for further leave under:

UK Immigration has announced from 2 July 2012, Tier 4 student applicants in Singapore will be eligible to use their priority visa service. The priority service is available for Tier 4 visa applicants who pay an additional fee to have their visa application processed more quickly. Under this program the UKBA aims to process all applications using the priority service within 3 - 4 working days of receipt.