Details of immigration changes listed here...

I found details of the immigration changes for UK on the following link

http://www.vital-consulting.co.uk

Policy is getting more strict and it would be hard to qualify for prospective applicants.

Wish you luck...

The bullets from the website are:

----------Quote--------------

As per UK Prime Minister, we will:
* introduce English language tests for everyone who wants to stay permanent in the UK
* Lengthening the period before settlement
Skilled workers will need to have been present, in employment and contributing to the Exchequer for five years (rather than four as now) before becoming entitled to apply for settlement. This brings our practice more into line with the European norm.
* new points based system will be introduced for students

---------UnQuote -------

Well, I am kinda pleased to say that except for waiting 1 more yr to become permanent resident, the changes are not MAJOR.

Also, the following from section 3 which sounds reassuring as well as promising for us folks applying for HSMP.

---------Quote-------

* only allow skilled workers to settle long-term in the UK

---------UnQuote------

Well my confusion is that everybody considers himself skilled so what will be HO's criteria to assess that?

Will it be the same point system?

Will it be chaged to more restricted one?

When they will start asking for english test? They might start asking for at EC stage as they ask for student visa?

Any idea?

It is not clear when the new rules for HSMP or WPs actually kick in.

English tests? For students they need to provide proof that where they hope to study will accept them. For example, many universities in the UK require a non-originally-English-speaking applicant to have an IELTS score of 6.5 or sometimes 7.0.

However, for a Tier 1 applicant under the new arrangements an IELTS score of 8.0 will be required! Ouch!