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Economic Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
UK's special visa ballot for Indians to reopen on July 22. No job offer needed
The UK government will open the second and final ballot for the 2025 India Young Professionals Scheme visa at 1:30 PM IST on July 22, closing at the same time on July 24. The visa allows Indian citizens aged 18–30 to live and work in the UK for up to two years. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How to enter the ballot? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Name Date of birth Passport details A scan or photo of passport Phone number Email address plan to apply for the visa, which costs £319 meet all the eligibility requirements for the visa - such as having an eligible qualification and enough money to support yourself Number of slots The UK government has announced that the second ballot for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa for 2025 will open at 1.30 PM on July 22 and close at the same time on July 24. Interested candidates can enter the ballot at any time while it is Young Professionals Scheme visa allows Indian citizens between 18 and 30 years old to live and work in the UK for up to 2 enter the ballot, an applicant must be an Indian citizen who is eligible for the Young Professionals Scheme visa. Before entering, candidates should confirm their be eligible for the visa, you must hold a qualification at the bachelor's degree level or higher (equivalent to RQF levels 6, 7 or 8) and have at least £2,530 in savings to support yourself during your stay. Additionally, you must not have any children under 18 living with you or financially dependent on you. Before applying for the visa, you must enter and be selected in the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot. Individuals who have previously been in the UK under this scheme or the Youth Mobility Scheme visa are not eligible to ballot entries will be picked at random. You will be sent the results by email within 2 weeks of the ballot is free to enter the ballot. You should only enter if you:There are 3,000 places available for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa in 2025. Most places were made available in the February ballot. The remaining places will be made available in the second and final ballot in can only submit one entry per person for each ballot. Any further attempts to enter will not be counted.
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
There's still time to lodge visa applications under the old rules
Changes to the immigration regime take effect from 22 July, says Ashley Fleming Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The key changes include an increase to the minimum skill level: New applicants must be sponsored in roles assessed by the Home Office at Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) level 6 (degree level), up from the current RQF level 3 (A-level). Whilst roles must be degree level, applicants themselves do not need a degree level qualification. These changes apply only to new applicants. Skilled workers already in the UK and sponsored in roles below RQF level 6 can renew their visas, change employment and take supplementary employment at the same level. The Government has warned that these transitional arrangements will be reviewed in due course. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Further exceptions to the increased skilled level are provided through updates to the existing Immigration Salary List (ISL) and the introduction of a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL). The ISL includes roles identified by the Migration Advisory Committee ('MAC') as experiencing labour shortages and eligible for salary discounts. Although the ISL will be phased out by the end of 2026, interim measures will allow RQF level 3-5 roles to remain eligible for the Skilled Worker route if they appear on: Ashley Fleming is a partner, Harper Macleod The expanded ISL, which includes existing roles plus those at RQF levels 3-5 which the MAC identified as being in shortage in its 2023 and 2024 reviews; or the interim TSL, which includes RQF levels 3-5 roles deemed important for the UK's Modern Industrial Strategy by the Department for Business and Trade and His Majesty's Treasury. A total of 52 occupation codes are on the new TSL. These roles will not benefit from salary discounts, unlike those on the former Shortage Occupation List. Furthermore, main applicants will no longer be eligible to bring their dependants to the UK, which may deter them from coming. Another change is that salary thresholds are rising. From 22 July, the general threshold will increase from £38,700 to £41,700, and the new entrants threshold increases from £30,960 to £33,400. Transitional provisions apply to those sponsored before 4 April 2024, with their salary threshold increasing from £29,000 to £31,300 when extending or changing employer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The changes are significant for the care sector. From 22 July, sponsors won't be able to bring in care (SOC 6135) or senior care workers (SOC 6136) from overseas. In-country applications will be permitted until 22 July 2028, but the skilled worker must have been legally employed by the sponsor for at least three months at the time the CoS is assigned, or already hold a skilled worker visa as a care worker and be moving sponsor.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UK's Skilled Worker rules change after July 22: Why this deadline matters for Indian tech professionals, engineers, and healthcare workers
New UK Skilled Worker visa rules: Higher salaries, digital visas, and longer path to residency The United Kingdom will introduce new Skilled Worker visa rules beginning July 22, 2025, bringing significant changes to salary thresholds, skill level eligibility, settlement timelines, and visa processes. These updates are part of a broader overhaul aimed at reducing net migration and shifting towards a more digitally managed immigration system. The upcoming changes are particularly relevant to Indian nationals, who form the largest group of Skilled Worker visa holders in the UK. Professionals in IT, engineering, and healthcare must carefully evaluate the new requirements and timelines, especially those planning to apply or renew visas under the current system. Skill and salary thresholds to rise significantly One of the most impactful changes is the increase in the required skill level. From July 22, only roles classified at RQF Level 6—equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree—will be eligible under the Skilled Worker route. Previously, jobs at RQF Level 3 (A-level or equivalent) were also accepted. This change excludes more than 180 occupations from eligibility, particularly affecting supervisory and technical roles. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Providers are furious: Internet access without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Salary thresholds are also increasing. The new general salary minimum for Skilled Worker visa applicants is £41,700. Roles requiring a PhD will need a salary of at least £37,500, while those in STEM PhD roles or listed under the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) may qualify with a minimum salary of £33,400. Applicants who entered the UK before April 4, 2024, may still be eligible for a lower extension threshold of £31,300. For Indian IT professionals and engineers, who frequently apply under codes that previously fell under RQF Level 3–5, it is essential to verify if their role still qualifies under the updated skill classification. 10-year path to settlement begins From July 22, the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)—the UK's settlement status—will double from 5 to 10 years for Skilled Worker visa holders. While transitional protections may apply in certain cases, applicants should plan long-term immigration goals accordingly. To qualify for ILR under the new rules, individuals must also meet the new salary requirements and show continuous legal residence over the 10-year period. Why the July 22 deadline matters The last date to apply under the current Skilled Worker rules is July 21, 2025. After that, all applications will be assessed using the updated salary and skill criteria. Applicants and sponsoring employers are advised to secure a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and submit visa applications before the deadline to benefit from existing eligibility conditions. Employers must also adapt their recruitment strategies. Medium-skilled jobs, including some IT support and health technician roles, may no longer qualify for sponsorship under the new RQF Level 6 requirement. Additionally, stricter sponsor licence compliance checks will be introduced. Digital visa system to apply from July 15 From July 15, 2025, all visas, including Skilled Worker visas, will be issued as eVisas. These are digital records linked to the applicant's passport and replace traditional visa stickers. Visa holders must keep their personal and passport details updated in the UKVI system to maintain valid immigration status. Employers and landlords will verify right-to-work and right-to-rent status through the digital system. This transition marks a shift to fully online immigration compliance for all new applicants. Key steps for Indian professionals before July 22 • Confirm whether your job remains eligible under RQF Level 6 • Ensure salary meets the revised thresholds • Have your employer issue a CoS before July 22 • Apply before the deadline to benefit from transitional rules • Prepare for digital compliance under the new eVisa system For Indian professionals seeking to live and work in the UK, acting before July 22 may be the most straightforward path under current immigration rules. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Daily Record
02-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
What are the new UK immigration rules as major reforms to come into effect this month?
Immigration rule changes have been made in a bid to cut the number of foreign nationals coming to live in the UK Immigration is the word on everyone's lips at the moment. From the UK Government issuing a warning to citizens travelling to the US, to a recent crackdown on illegal working in Scotland, the issue is pertinent - and ever-changing. Now, in just a few short weeks, a suite of new immigration rules could be implemented in the UK. The proposals, unveiled on Tuesday, July 1, apparently aim to reduce the number of foreign nationals settling in Britain. Politicians have claimed that robust strategies are essential to train and hire UK workers, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper indicating that the government intends to totally revamp the existing immigration framework. "We are delivering a complete reset of our immigration system to restore proper control and order, after the previous government allowed net migration to quadruple in four years," Yvette Cooper stated. "These new rules mean stronger controls to bring migration down, to restore order to the immigration system and to ensure we focus on investing in skills and training here in the UK." So, what are the new UK immigration rules? The forthcoming measures will halt overseas recruitment for social care positions and increase salary thresholds for skilled foreign workers. The baseline minimum salary for obtaining a Skilled Worker visa is set to climb from £38,700 to £41,700. In addition, the minimum salary for those holding a relevant PhD will rise from £34,830 to £37,500. If sanctioned by MPs, the initial changes will take effect from Tuesday, July 22. As per the Standard's report, the government plans to roll out a new temporary jobs shortage list for sub-degree level roles that are crucial to key infrastructure projects, valid until the end of next year. These individuals will no longer benefit from salary and visa fee reductions. They will not have the privilege of bringing family members to the UK, either. "The key change is raising the threshold for Skilled Worker visas from occupations at Regulated Qualifications Framework level 3 and above, approximately A-level skills, to occupations at RQF level 6 and above, mainly graduate professions," Seema Malhotra, Migration Minister, said. "Salary requirements for work visas are being raised in line with the latest Office for National Statistics data, ahead of an upcoming thorough review of salary requirements (including discounts) by the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)." In the meantime, the government has warned it "will not hesitate" to restrict immigration access further "should there be clear signs of abuse and exploitation in sectors." Further changes to be implemented by the end of this year include raising the immigration skills charge, cracking down on people's level of English before entering the country, and setting out a new family framework. The government has also committed to abolishing the previous government's immigration salary list. The minimum salary is currently 80 per cent of the route's usual minimum rate to qualify for a Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa. The government will announce further measures on asylum and border security later this year, too. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Economic Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Graduate Route shortened, Caregiver visas curtailed: The fine print of UK's White Paper on immigration
On May 12, 2025, the UK Government published a White Paper describing intended changes to the UK's Immigration system, which would mainly impact students, workers, and caregivers, among other things. ADVERTISEMENT These reforms are part of the UK government's continuing attempts to reduce net migration, which we have seen over the last 18-24 months. The overarching goals for these changes are: Reduction in net migration; Linking local skills and training requirements in the UK to deter employers from relying solely on immigration to fill their skills shortages; Build a fair and effective system that is clear and does not result in perverse outcomes; Stricter compliance and enforcement with immigration, including a severe crackdown on illegal workers and deportation of foreign criminals; and Enhancing the need for rules to promote social integration including the need for language skills and benefits for foreign nationals' contributions to the UK. These proposals will require rule changes or entirely new legislation to take effect. Hence, it is unclear when these reforms will take effect, but they will most likely be implemented in stages. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) The proposed changes in the White Paper are broad and restrictive. Set out below are some of the key provisions. 1. Employment Based: Limit skilled worker sponsorship to graduate-level roles under the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) 6+). This is a significant jump from the current high-school level (RQF3 – A levels). Under the proposed changes, any roles below RQF6+ must be on a dynamic, sector-based Temporary Shortage Occupation List. The Temporary Shortage Occupation List would provide time-limited access to the Points-Based immigration system. For an occupation to be included on the list: there must have been long term shortages; the MAC must have advised it is justified; there must be a workforce strategy in place; and employers seeking to recruit from abroad must be committed to playing their part in increasing recruitment from the domestic workforce. 2. Care Givers: Discontinue Care Worker Visas for new overseas candidates. However, until 2028, visa extensions and changes would be permitted for affected foreign nationals already present in the United Kingdom. ADVERTISEMENT 3. Students: Reduce the validity period of employment under the 'Graduate Route' to 18 months (down from the current 24 months). This route, which allows graduates to remain in the United Kingdom after their studies, would also be linked to job criteria, unlike the current situation, where there is no job level condition under this route. The paper also proposes adding a 6% tuition levy to overseas tuition fees. 4. Longer Path to citizenship: Increasing the necessary period of residence to be eligible for long-term residence to 10 years, up from the current five years. The government is also considering establishing a fast-track route under a social and economic contribution-based model, but details are not yet confirmed. Citizenship reforms would also mirror these changes, with necessary residence periods increasing to 10 years, up from the current five years. However, individuals may be able to reduce the qualifying period to settlement and citizenship based on contributions to the UK economy and society. ADVERTISEMENT 5. Language requirement changes: Increasing threshold requirements for main applicants already subject to the language requirement, who would need to achieve a B2 level of English under the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) system. The language requirement would also be applied to adult dependents (who must reach at least A1). It is not clear whether this will apply to all routes of immigration. 6. Highly skilled routes: Doubling the number of eligible institutions from which applicants for the High Potential Individual (HPI) route could graduate to qualify and streamlining and scaling the Global Talent and Innovator Founder visas. ADVERTISEMENT In addition to the above, proposed changes will be introduced to create a system supporting integration and community cohesion, including new rules on the ability to speak English and people's contribution to the Government also intends to explore how to ensure that employers, using the immigration system, are incentivized to invest in boosting domestic talent, including options to restrict employers sponsoring skilled visas if they are not committed to increasing skills training. They also intend to ensure that the very highly skilled individuals have opportunities to come to the UK and access our targeted routes for the brightest and best global talent. Enhanced Enforcement ADVERTISEMENT The regulations will also be changed to introduce tighter controls, restrictions, and scrutiny to deal with apparent abuse and misuse of the immigration system, from a crackdown on illegal work to the deportation of foreign criminals. This includes using e-Visas and modern technology, building systems in the banking system to monitor compliance with tax laws, and continuing the roll-out of digital identities for all foreign nationals. We expect the Government to introduce more restrictive and specific reforms to ensure compliance with the laws, including streamlining and expediting removal again, we would like to remind readers that the proposed reforms will require either regulatory changes or new legislation to be implemented. Accordingly, the timeline for any potential changes remains uncertain. Disclaimer: This article is drafted based on publicly available information and some of the comments are the author's personal views.
