New rules for skilled and highly skilled migrant workers.

The Immigration Rules covering highly skilled migrant workers will change on 31 March 2009, raising the academic and financial requirements of two categories in Tier 1 of the points-based system. At the same time, the resident labour market test will be strengthened to ensure that skilled jobs are advertised within the United Kingdom before they can be offered to migrant workers.

Both changes are in line with the Home Secretary's announcement on 22 February of new measures to "raise the bar" for foreign workers wishing to work in the United Kingdom.

Changes to Tier 1 of the points-based system for highly skilled workers
Changes for the T1 (General) and T1 (Post-Study Work) categories will come into effect for all applications submitted on or after 31 March 2009.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... hlyskilled