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We have been working hard to update our website with the latest information on changes to immigration rules in the United Kingdom. From the front page of our website you may access several free tools to calculate points or assess yourself to determine your chances to qualify for certain visas.

The United States and the European Union continue to negotiate visa-free travel for all EU Member States. This week, Estonia and Latvia signed agreements for their citizens. Hungary, Lithuania, Greece and Slovakia are all expected to sign "memorandums" that may result in visa-free travel for their citizens this year.

There is some controversy about the U.S. negotiating individual agreements with countries. The European Commission would rather negotiate blanket arrangements for all EU members.

The British government recognizes that there are people making initial applications or applying for extensions under the HSMP scheme who will be required to finish the immigration process under the new Tier 1 rules. Transitional measures have been put in place to assist in these cases.

People applying with HSMP approval letters will be charged at a reduced rate from the Tier 1 (General Skilled Migration) fee; the 75 points awarded for attributes will be automatically awarded on these Tier 1 applications; and, the English language requirement on these applications will be waived.