New versions of application forms and guidance for points-based system applicants

On 30 July 2010, the UK Border Agency published new versions of the following application forms under the points-based system:

• Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
• Tier 1 (Investor)
• Tier 1 (Post-study work)
• Tier 2 (all categories)
• Tier 4 (Child)
• Tier 5 (Temporary worker)
• dependants of points-based system applicants
• Change of circumstances

These forms, which refer to biometric residence permits instead of identity cards for foreign nationals, are for use from 31 July 2010.

You should use the new forms from now on. However, in line with paragraph 34(I) of the Immigration Rules, we will continue to accept applications made on the previous version of each form up to and including 21 August 2010. We will consider any application submitted up to 21 August under the new Immigration Rules, regardless of which version of the application form you send.

In addition the following instruction as been added to the 'Charging' section of the application forms listed above:

Please note that when making large or multiple payments using your credit card, the anti-fraud measures that banks operate sometimes stop the full payment being taken. This is because either the maximum limit on a single transaction, or the number of transactions allowed in a given period of time, has been exceeded. To prevent this, you must ensure that you inform your bank of your intention to make large or multiple payments in advance so that your bank allows the full payment to be taken when you submit your application.

Also on 30 July 2010, we published new versions of our policy guidance in the following categories of the points-based system:

• Tier 2
• Tier 5 (Temporary Worker)
• dependants of points-based system applicants

These documents, which refer to biometric residence permits instead of identity cards for foreign nationals, are for applications made on or after 31 July 2010.