[b]The U.K Government has announced changes to the Immigration Rules for non-European Economic Area (non-EEA) nationals applying to enter or remain in the UK on the family migration route. The new Immigration Rules will also unify consideration under the rules and Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, by defining the basis on which a person can enter or remain in the UK on the basis of their family or private life.

Most of these changes will apply to new applicants from 9 July 2012.

The changes are part of the Government's programme of reform of the immigration routes and follow wide consultation and expert advice from the Migration Advisory Committee. The changes include:
• Introducing a new minimum income threshold of £18,600 for sponsoring the settlement in the UK of a spouse or partner, or fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner of non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationality, with a 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 and partners 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;
• A new 10 years route is to be introduced for those who do not quality for the 5 year route
• 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;
• Allowing adult and elderly dependants 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
.

Life in the UK test and English Language requiement from october 2013:
• Unless exempt (please check the relevant immigration category) all applicants will be required to pass the Knowledge of Life in the UK test and present an English Language speaking and listening qualification at level B1 (intermediate) level or above.
• Note the level of English required for settlement as a foreign spouse is currently set at level A1 (basic)
Long Residence Rule from 09/07/12:
• The 14 years residence rule (whether lawful, unlawful or both) to be withdrawn. It will be replaced with a new rule requiring a minimum of 20 years residence.
Family Visitor Appeals:
• Restriction of appeal rights of family visit visa applicants for those;
- applying to visit their uncle, aunt,
nephew, niece or first cousin;
- proposing to visit a relative who does
not have permanent residence, is a
recognised refugee or has humanitarian
protection in the UK.
• Removal of the full right of appeal for all visitors by 2014.
Deportation:
• The new rules envisage the deportation of offenders who have served a short sentence but have caused “serious harm” or are persistent offenders unless;
- the offender has 20 years residence in the UK
or
- 15 years residence and; a partner who cannot
relocate to another country or a child/children
who have lived here at least 7 years and
cannot be expected to relocate abroad.
• Guidance will also be issued to judges to try and restrict successful appeals against deportation using Human Rights arguments.
Elderly Relatives :
• Stricter rules upon eligibility including sponsors having to meet a minimum gross annual income of £18,600.
• Elderly relatives to require long term personal care and cannot obtain the required level of care in their country of residence.
• No switch in theUKfrom another category e.g. from visitor
Discretionary Leave:
• No discretionary leave to remain in the UK on the basis of not satisfying Immigration Rules but satisfying Article 8 – right to family and Private life under the Human Rights Act.
Summary of rule changes:
• Objective is to remove net migration by curtailing family migration. It will take longer to obtain permanent residence and many persons will face continuing uncertainty of their precarious immigration status.
• Poorer Migrants are being prevented from coming to theUKwhilst encouraging richer migrants.
• Despite migrants already having to prove that they will not be a charge to public funds the minimum income levels have been set above public benefit levels.
• These new rules may exclude as much as two thirds of British people from living with their non EU family members in theUK.
• Despite poor decision making by UKBA staff in refusing family visitor cases where decisions are overturned by the immigration courts, rather than improving decision making the Government are taking away the right of persons living in theUK having their family members visit them here.
• Overstayers, illegal entrants and those under legacy will also be affected. Such individuals should seek urgent advice. In legacy matters UKBA are meant to consider all immigration rules/policiesupon which a person may have a claim to remain but they cannot be relied upon to do so.
• Deportation: the Government appears determined to deport foreign nationals with any criminal conviction.[/b]

Who cares with this leniency....
Its now dawning on them....Hmmm!
.
How I wish people were like me!

But family member of EU citizens are not affected with this new law I suppose?

ayobase: Who cares with this leniency....
Its now dawning on them....Hmmm!
.
How I wish people were like me!

this is not lenience but a plan to frustrate people more to exit uk
nawa for this country oooooooooo