• Insights

Immigration Rules Changes Announced

March 5, 2021

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

The UK government has published a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules. Key changes include, among others:

  • The opening of a New Graduate Route on July 1, 2021;
  • An expanded shortage occupation list for Skilled Workers; and
  • Streamlined Global Talent visa access for winners of specified awards.

The situation

The UK government has published a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules which builds upon the new immigration system, which was opened on December 1, 2020.

A closer look

Effective July 1, 2021, the Graduate route will become available. Key details of the route include the following:

CHANGE DETAILS IMPACT

New Graduate Route 

  • Eligibility requirements. Foreign nationals must hold a Student or Tier 4 status and must graduate from an eligible UK course to be eligible. Applicants must have studied in the United Kingdom for at least 12 months, or for the full course duration for courses lasting 12 months or less.
  • Permit details. Successful applicants will receive a two-year permit (or three years for doctorates) which allows the holder to live, work and study in the United Kingdom.
  • Application process. The application must be filed from the United Kingdom. Those completing distance learning due to the pandemic may still be eligible.
  • Streamlined change to Skilled Worker status. Graduate route permit holders will be able to switch to Skilled Worker status in-country under the lower salary requirement available for ‘new entrants’, provided they apply within two years of holding Student status.

Previously, no separate graduate permit route existed. The new permit opens a streamlined route to retain talented graduates in the United Kingdom, where eligible applicants previously had to meet restrictive eligibility requirements under standard immigration options.  

 

The following changes will take effect April 1, 2021:

CHANGE DETAILS IMPACT

Expanded Shortage Occupation List for Skilled Workers

The UK government will revise the Shortage Occupation List in line with the MAC recommendations, adding approximately 20 occupations including roles related to senior health and social care, electricians and graphic designers, among others.

Employers will benefit from lower government fees and, in some cases, lower minimum salary levels for newly identified shortage roles.

Streamlined Global Talent Visa access for award winners

Applicants who have reached the ‘pinnacle of their careers’ and received a prestigious award no longer require endorsement from one of the six endorsing bodies to apply for a Global Talent Visa. Eligible awards are listed in the Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes. This is in line with one of the changes announced in the Budget Report.

Accomplished individuals will benefit from streamlined access to the United Kingdom.

Reinstatement of certain measures

  • Intra-company workers who have been on the route since before April 6, 2011 are permitted to continue to extend their visas.
  • Dependent family members will not have their absences from the UK during periods of leave granted before January 11, 2018, counted against them when they apply for permanent residence.

These updates reinstate previous rules and clarify the position of affected applicants. 

 

Background

The introduction of the Graduate route was first announced September 2019, and is intended to increase the attractiveness of the United Kingdom as an international study destination, which is experiencing a significant downturn in demand from international students as a result of Brexit.  The new route means that international students can now spend significantly longer after the end of their degrees looking for sponsored work in the United Kingdom, and can during this time be employed without employers facing the significant compliance and government fee costs associated with formal work sponsorship.

Looking ahead

The UK government will release detailed guidance on the above and other rules before April 1, 2020. Fragomen will report on relevant developments

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact your Fragomen immigration professional or send an email to [email protected].  

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Irish Examiner: Updates to Non-EU Work Permits Will Help Firms Fill Critical Roles

Practice Leader Colm Collins explains how Ireland's employment permit updates can help employers address workforce shortages while strengthening the country's ability to attract global talent.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding EU-Turkey Association Rights for Workers and Families in Germany

Senior Associate Arta Djahanschiri and Associate Iris Barthel discuss how EU-Turkey Association Law, including Association Council Decision No. 1/80, can provide Turkish employees and their family members in Germany with residence and labor market rights that may extend beyond protections available under the German Residence Act.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Internationale Rekrutierung ist eine Compliancefrage

Partner Marius Tollenaere and Associate Jamela Sharrock examine how employers in Germany can strengthen immigration compliance by embedding it into every stage of the employment lifecycle.

Learn more

Podcast

EB5: What Prospective Applicants Need to Know NOW!

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Partner Chad Blocker, Senior Counsel Mitchell Wexler and Associate Alex Kim discuss what prospective EB-5 applicants should know now, including source-of-funds documentation, project selection, concurrent filing, retrogression and upcoming program deadlines.

Learn more

Blog post

New EU Social Security Coordination Rules: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Partner Jo Antoons and Senior Manager Marina Ocariz discuss the EU’s provisional agreement on revised social security coordination rules and what employers should know about the expected changes to A1 certificate requirements, posted worker rules and short-term cross-border work compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Approaching EB-5 Grandfathering Deadline: What Investors Need to Know Before September 30, 2026

In this blog, Partner Rahul Soni explains the EB-5 grandfathering provisions under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and why prospective investors should consider filing before the September 30, 2026 deadline to help preserve statutory protections and reduce exposure to future program uncertainty.

Learn more

Video

Do You Need a Visa for Thailand? Tourist Visa Rules Explained

In this video, Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat explains the key requirements, documents, fees and processing time for a Thailand tourist visa, as well as stay duration and extension options for short-term travel. 

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Named Co-Chairs of Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries announce that they will jointly serve as co-chairs of the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility for a two-year term beginning in June 2026.

Learn more

Blog post

From Barnsley to the North: AI Growth and the UK's Immigration Challenge

In this blog, Manager Gillian Gibbons and Immigration Consultants Gemma Oliver and Larna Kate Hadfield examine how Barnsley’s designation as the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town reflects wider AI and digital growth across the North of England, and why immigration strategy will be critical for employers seeking to access the global talent needed to support regional innovation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Hong Kong Business Magazine: Employers Seek Broader Immigration Reforms

In this Hong Kong Business article, Managing Director Magdalene Tennant discusses Hong Kong’s recent decision to allow employment and dependent visa renewal applications to be filed up to three months before expiry, a change intended to reduce the risk of work disruptions and provide employers with greater flexibility in managing foreign talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Professional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System

In this article published by Professional Engineering, Senior Manager Nadine Barnole examines how UK engineering employers can continue to access international talent amid growing skills shortages and a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Brasil CNBC: How Technology is Reshaping Identity Verification Systems

In this Times Brasil CNBC Real Tech interview, Partner Diana Quintas discusses Brazil’s recent visa exemption for Chinese nationals, what it signals for Brazil-China mobility and how technology is helping support more efficient cross-border movement.

Learn more

Media mentions

Irish Examiner: Updates to Non-EU Work Permits Will Help Firms Fill Critical Roles

Practice Leader Colm Collins explains how Ireland's employment permit updates can help employers address workforce shortages while strengthening the country's ability to attract global talent.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding EU-Turkey Association Rights for Workers and Families in Germany

Senior Associate Arta Djahanschiri and Associate Iris Barthel discuss how EU-Turkey Association Law, including Association Council Decision No. 1/80, can provide Turkish employees and their family members in Germany with residence and labor market rights that may extend beyond protections available under the German Residence Act.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Internationale Rekrutierung ist eine Compliancefrage

Partner Marius Tollenaere and Associate Jamela Sharrock examine how employers in Germany can strengthen immigration compliance by embedding it into every stage of the employment lifecycle.

Learn more

Podcast

EB5: What Prospective Applicants Need to Know NOW!

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Partner Chad Blocker, Senior Counsel Mitchell Wexler and Associate Alex Kim discuss what prospective EB-5 applicants should know now, including source-of-funds documentation, project selection, concurrent filing, retrogression and upcoming program deadlines.

Learn more

Blog post

New EU Social Security Coordination Rules: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Partner Jo Antoons and Senior Manager Marina Ocariz discuss the EU’s provisional agreement on revised social security coordination rules and what employers should know about the expected changes to A1 certificate requirements, posted worker rules and short-term cross-border work compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Approaching EB-5 Grandfathering Deadline: What Investors Need to Know Before September 30, 2026

In this blog, Partner Rahul Soni explains the EB-5 grandfathering provisions under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and why prospective investors should consider filing before the September 30, 2026 deadline to help preserve statutory protections and reduce exposure to future program uncertainty.

Learn more

Video

Do You Need a Visa for Thailand? Tourist Visa Rules Explained

In this video, Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat explains the key requirements, documents, fees and processing time for a Thailand tourist visa, as well as stay duration and extension options for short-term travel. 

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Named Co-Chairs of Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries announce that they will jointly serve as co-chairs of the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility for a two-year term beginning in June 2026.

Learn more

Blog post

From Barnsley to the North: AI Growth and the UK's Immigration Challenge

In this blog, Manager Gillian Gibbons and Immigration Consultants Gemma Oliver and Larna Kate Hadfield examine how Barnsley’s designation as the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town reflects wider AI and digital growth across the North of England, and why immigration strategy will be critical for employers seeking to access the global talent needed to support regional innovation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Hong Kong Business Magazine: Employers Seek Broader Immigration Reforms

In this Hong Kong Business article, Managing Director Magdalene Tennant discusses Hong Kong’s recent decision to allow employment and dependent visa renewal applications to be filed up to three months before expiry, a change intended to reduce the risk of work disruptions and provide employers with greater flexibility in managing foreign talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Professional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System

In this article published by Professional Engineering, Senior Manager Nadine Barnole examines how UK engineering employers can continue to access international talent amid growing skills shortages and a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Brasil CNBC: How Technology is Reshaping Identity Verification Systems

In this Times Brasil CNBC Real Tech interview, Partner Diana Quintas discusses Brazil’s recent visa exemption for Chinese nationals, what it signals for Brazil-China mobility and how technology is helping support more efficient cross-border movement.

Learn more
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastNavigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Important Updates
Important Updates
June 26, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide: Temporary Ebola-Related Entry Restrictions Introduced
June 26, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Redesign; Phase 1 Launches Workforce Priority Stream
June 26, 2026 | IrelandIrish Examiner: Updates to Non-EU Work Permits Will Help Firms Fill Critical Roles
June 26, 2026 | KuwaitKuwait: Relaxed Employer Transfer Rules in Limited Circumstances
June 26, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
June 26, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide: Temporary Ebola-Related Entry Restrictions Introduced
June 26, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Redesign; Phase 1 Launches Workforce Priority Stream
June 26, 2026 | IrelandIrish Examiner: Updates to Non-EU Work Permits Will Help Firms Fill Critical Roles
June 26, 2026 | KuwaitKuwait: Relaxed Employer Transfer Rules in Limited Circumstances
June 26, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
June 26, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide: Temporary Ebola-Related Entry Restrictions Introduced
Subscribe

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Twitter

© 2026 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.