The government published a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules on 14 May. Most of the changes come into force on 4 June 2020.
The key changes include the following:
- The requirements of the Representative of an Overseas Business category are being tightened and will include more subjective assessments and a genuineness test.
- An innovator applicant's business may be already trading, providing they were one of its founders. Applicants can change business venture, providing their endorsing body is satisfied that the new venture meets all the criteria for endorsement without having to provide a fresh endorsement or make a fresh application.
- Higher education providers can be endorsing bodies for Innovator visas.
- Access to the EU Settlement Scheme is being extended for victims of domestic violence or abuse.
- Eligible family members of the people of Northern Ireland will be able to submit applications under the EU Settlement Scheme for UK settled or pre-settled immigration status on the same terms as family members of Irish citizens. This change will take effect on 24 August 2020.
