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| info@breytenbachs.com | ||
| Fri, 4/7/2008 | ||
Question:
I heard rumours that the two-year working holiday is going to be replaced by a new scheme. Is this true? I am a South African citizen and was planning to go to the UK on the working holiday visa at the end of 2008. Can you please tell me more about the new scheme?
Answer:
Yes, it is indeed true. According to a Statement of Intent that was released by the UK Government, the new Youth Mobility Scheme will replace the current Working Holiday Visa, when it is implemented in the autumn of 2008.
The Youth Mobility Scheme will operate on the principle of balances. Nationals from participating countries will be allowed to come and experience the UK for two years, provided young UK nationals may enjoy similar opportunities in participating countries. Each year, the UK Home Office will publish a list of countries that qualify for the Scheme, together with the number of places on the Scheme that are allocated to each country.
To qualify for the new Youth Mobility Scheme a person has to 50 points to qualify for this scheme;
It remains to be seen as to whether sufficient arrangements are being put in place between the UK and South Africa for the Youth Mobility scheme to apply to South African citizens. However at present it appears unlikely that South Africa will be part of the new scheme at the onset, and you should accelerate your plans as a matter of urgency.
Please contact our offices to apply for your working holiday visa.
Question:
My sister wants to apply for a highly skilled visa to the UK towards the end of this year. She has been told that the new Tier 1, which is replacing the current HSMP permit will in all probability then be in place. Are there any provisions/requirements she should take note of in preparing her documentation?
Answer:
Yes, there is an important maintenance requirement under the new Tier 1.
In order to apply for entry clearance under the new Tier 1, she will be required to provide evidence that she has maintained personal savings of at least £2,800 in her bank account for the last three months at the time of applying for entry clearance, i.e. that the balance of your account was never less than £2,800 during the entire three month period.
There is an additional maintenance requirement of £1,600 for the first dependant, and £800 for each dependant thereafter.
Please contact our
offices for more information.
Question:
I am currently in the UK on a work permit, with leave to stay until January 2009. My plan was to extend my current work permit for another two years, to take me up to the qualifying period for permanent residence in the UK. However, I believe from rumours that the new Tier 2 of the points based immigration system is replacing the current working permit scheme. How will this affect my situation?
Answer:
The current work permit scheme is indeed being replaced by Tier 2 of the new points based immigration system. According to the Government’s Statement of Intent on the issue, Tier 2 will begin to be implemented in the autumn of 2008.
Transitional provisions will be put in place for persons whose leave to stay under the current work permit scheme expires after the Skilled Migrant Tier (Tier 2) comes into force, and these provisions have not yet been finalised.
However, your employer will need to obtain a licence from the Border & Immigration Agency to continue to employ you.
Work Permit employers can already apply for a licence at the Border and Immigration Agency, so it would be a good idea for your employer to start the process.
Please contact our offices for more information on the issue.
Question:
I have recently arrived in the UK on a working holiday visa. I am now extremely concerned as I have heard that the working holiday visa is being abolished and replaced by a new scheme. Is this true, and if so, how will this affect me?
Answer:
Yes, it is indeed true.
According to a Statement of Intent that was released by the UK Government, the new Youth Mobility Scheme will replace the current Working Holiday Visa, when it is implemented in the autumn of 2008.
Persons with leave in the Working Holiday Visa category will be able to stay in the UK until their visa expires.
The implementation of the new Youth Mobility Scheme will thus not affect current Working Holiday Makers and persons will be able to apply under the Working Holiday Visa Scheme until the new Youth Mobility Scheme is introduced in the autumn of 2008.
| Ask the Expert |
| 'I heard rumours that the two-year
working holiday is going to be replaced by a new scheme
and that South Africans will no longer be eligible to
apply for the new scheme. Is this true?' Read all the answers on the latest questions asked by our clients. |
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| What our clients have to say |
| I CANNOT thank you enough for all the trouble and hard work you all put into my case - it really means a lot to me and is GREATLY APPRECIATED! Thank you very much! I know it is your job and you get paid to do it, but you have just given me my future and a great deal of happiness! Kim Joubert Do you want to know whether you qualify for a UK work permit or visa? Click here! |
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