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The United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) announced full details of the changes to UK Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas on 18 March 2010. UKBA reminds people that the changes will take place on 6 April 2010. It should also be noted that 2 and 5 April 2010 are public holidays in the UK which may mean that the last day for applications under the current immigration rules may be 1 April 2010.
The new immigration rules mean that you will need a higher salary under Tier 1 visa criteria to gain points. If you come under the Tier 2 intra company transfer category this will from 6 April 2010 no longer lead to indefinite leave to remain (permanent residence).
If you wish to come under the current immigration rules, you should seriously consider applying now. All Tier 2 sponsors will need to meet the new Certificate of Sponsorship criteria from 6 April 2010. If you wish to come under Tier 1 or have been sponsored for a Tier 2 visa and will be adversely affected by the immigration changes you should apply by 5 April 2010. In some cases you will have to apply earlier as some UK Consulates will be closed in early April. For example in South India British Consulates will be closed from 31 March to 5 April 2010.
