Points Based System

PBS update following the Immigration Rules changes on 15 March 2012.

Outstanding questions and concerns from the February 2012 statement of changes will be addressed.

An overall PBS discussion. In particular addressing the following:

o Alternative options for our clients after the end of Tier 1 Post Study including Van Der Elst visas;

o Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Requirements within the ImmigrationRules and the new guidance for this category;

o Tier 1 Entrepreneur New guidance;

o Tier 2 update including the Cap limits and current MAC proposals for 2012/2013;

o Tier 5 requirements in particular the Government Authorised Exchange route to the UK;

o Tier 4 changes, considering the length of time students can now remain in the UK according the course of study and the new maintenance requirements;

o Work placements under Tier 4;

o English Language rules and the end of the current concession;

o Tier 4 Sponsor changes including the number of CAS allocated until December 2012;

o Highly Trusted Status and Inspections;

o The Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill and how to advise our clients regarding any criminal convictions;

o Paragraph 395C replaced by 395B and the implications for our clients