United Kingdom: New Statement of Changes Expands Youth Mobility Scheme, Offers New Guidance on ETA and EUSS
September 7, 2023
At a Glance
Among other updates, the new Statement of Changes:
- Expands the Youth Mobility Scheme in both the age range and duration of programs with Australia and Canada, and adds Andorra as a participant country;
- Eliminates health service debt as a ground for refusal for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and defines the required documentation needed for certain individuals with legal residence in Ireland to be exempt from the ETA;
- Under the EU Settlement Scheme, removes the right of administrative review and eliminates some evidence requirements for dependent parents or children who have already been granted limited leave;
- Expands the list of benefits considered to be public funds;
- Allows for indefinite bans following deportation; and
- Expands the list of circumstances when presence in the United Kingdom will not count as “lawful residence” for purposes of long residence.
The situation
The UK government has published a Statement of Changes (SOC) updating its immigration rules in relation to Youth Mobility Schemes, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), public benefits and deportation (amongst other technical changes).
A closer look
Key changes published in the SOC include the below:
CHANGE | DETAILS |
IMPACT |
Expanded Youth Mobility Scheme |
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Guidance on ETA |
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EUSS Changes |
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Public funds |
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Entry ban |
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Definition of “lawful residence” for purposes of Long Residence Rules |
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Background
UK immigration rules are often changed several times a year, via Statement of Changes, which lists the amendments that will be incorporated into updated Immigration Rules on the specified implementation dates. The last Statement of Changes was issued in July 2023 and included announcements on restrictive rules for student visas, the implementation of a High Court decision stating that individuals with pre-settled status under the EUSS did not lose their residence rights if they did not submit an application, and closed two routes to new applicants under the EUSS, among other changes.
Looking ahead
As reflected in these changes, the UK government is likely to continue to limit immigration to only those individuals seen as desirable for the country; to promote free trade agreements and cooperation with certain countries; and to align immigration rules with realistic capabilities of newly implemented systems, such as the ETA.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].