Key Points
- The UK government has released its 2021 Budget Report with immigration reforms
- Upcoming plans include Global Talent Visa and Innovator Visa reforms
- A new Global Mobility Business Visa will be launched in 2022
- The Budget Report also proposes visa processing assistance for small businesses
- The 2021 Budget Report aims to attract foreign talent and promote economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic
- Additional details will be provided as available
Overview
The Government of the UK has released a 2021 Budget Report with changes to the country’s immigration regime, including more support for small businesses, adding a new visa, and modifying several existing visa categories.
What are the Changes?
The 2021 Budget Plan unveils several proposed plans.
Visa Reforms
The UK government has announced changes to several visa categories, including:
- Global Talent Visa
- Innovator Visa
Eligibility for the Global Talent Visa will now expand for certain applicants. Individuals with international prizes, scholarship recipients, or applicants in leadership programs now automatically qualify for the Global Talent Visa. The changes will give accomplished applicants a simpler pathway to immigrate to the UK.
The proposed changes will also make it easier to obtain an Innovator Visa for those who want to create an innovative business in the UK and have qualifying skills and requisite experience. The existing requirement to have an endorsement from a registered organization may be eliminated with the 2021 Budget Proposal, although additional details have yet to be announced.
New Global Mobility Business Visa
The Government of the UK has also unveiled plans to create a new visa called the Global Mobility Business Visa. The visa, which is expected to launch in 2022, will allow foreign companies to establish a presence in the UK or transfer their employees to the country.
Small Business Support
The government’s 2021 Budget Plan also includes more support to facilitate visa processing for small businesses. However, the government will provide further details at a later date.
What Should Employers and Applicants Know?
Through the 2021 Budget Plan, the Government of the UK aims to attract more highly skilled talent and facilitate the country’s economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking Ahead
Modifications in the 2021 Budget Report are designed to reduce administrative burdens for applicants and employers. Additional details are expected to be released for each proposal.
