The UK Home Office officially released the draft amendment to the UK Immigration Law on March 13, 2014. The policy changes outlined in the draft will take effect on April 6, 2014. The restriction on the graduation date for applicants under the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) category has been removed, and the requirements for specific institutions providing quotas have been relaxed.
According to this newer immigration policy amendment proposal, the much-speculated recommendation in the UK Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) report to raise the threshold for Tier 1 Investor to £2 million has not been reflected in this amendment. However, this does not mean that it will not be raised to £2 million. Another positive news is that the draft amendment has relaxed the requirement to complete the investment within three months of entry (exceptions have been added to allow for exceeding three months, but investment immigrants should still be cautious and aim to complete the investment within three months; only in special circumstances where timely completion is impossible may this be accepted).
As Canada gradually tightens its immigration policies, the UK is showing a more tolerant attitude. The Home Office has not made significant changes to the current immigration policies; the slight modifications make the immigration policies more flexible, continuing to welcome talents from all over the world to invest in the UK. This policy adjustment is not only good news for those intending to immigrate to the UK but also signals the UK government's hope to increase support for business development and stimulate economic growth.