There are set to be some key positive changes in the immigration world in 2022, particularly on the technology front. We take a look at what to expect in the coming year.

Self-employed worker routes

The Home Office has committed to introducing the following new visa categories for self-employed individuals in 2022. A key advantage of these routes for businesses is that migrants will not need to be sponsored, which removes the administrative process and costs associated with sponsorship. The Home Office has also promised to update the Innovator category this year. 

Scale-up

For individuals who have a job offer from a "qualifying scale-up" business. Their salary must be £33,000 per annum or higher. The business would need to: (i) demonstrate average annual revenue or an employment growth rate of at least 20% over a three-year period; and (ii) have at least ten employees.

High Potential Individual

Individuals who have been to a "top global university" will be able to come to the UK without a job offer. This route may also lead to settlement in the UK. The aim of this new visa category is to attract top international talent to the UK who can share their talents and make a positive contribution to the UK economy.  Very little information on the eligibility criteria has been published so far and there is clearly a big question over the definition of a "top global university". Further details about the new High Potential Individual visa are expected to be announced early in 2022.

Global Business Mobility

This is a new route within the existing sponsorship system. Overseas businesses will be able to transfer talent to the UK or establish a presence in the UK. The category combines the current business mobility routes e.g. intra-company transfer and sole representative routes into a single route and it envisages five different categories of workers, differentiated by the nature of their UK assignment. The Home Office has announced that the new Global Business Mobility Route will launch in Spring 2022.

Sponsorship transformation measures and technology changes

• "Sponsorship transformation" measures – the Home Office is seeking to streamline and update the sponsorship process and online platform used.
• UKVCAS will be improving visa appointments in the UK – all service points will now offer free appointments and a greater number of free appointments will be available.
• The UK ID App can now be used more widely, in particular by in country applicants. 

If you would like more information on these forthcoming developments or would like to discuss the implications for your organisation, please contact Isobel Pickard or any other member of the Immigration Team.