Changes were made to the immigration rules with effect from 17 July 2023. The government published a statement of changes on that date. The changes mean that:
- From September 2023, the holders of pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme will automatically have their leave extended by 2 years without any need to apply for an extension. The Home Office will attempt to grant settled status automatically after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK, if it can ascertain from available records that the requirements have been met.
- International students on courses beginning on or after 1 January 2024 are not permitted to bring their dependents to the UK unless they are on post-graduate courses which are designated as research programmes.
- International students cannot switch out of the student route into work routes and start work before completing their studies.
- Certain jobs in the construction and fishing industries are added to the shortage occupation list.
