Identity cards for foreign nationals to extend to further immigration categories
Regulations laid before Parliament on 9 February mean that even more successful applicants for leave to remain from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) are expected to receive identity cards.
Subject to Parliamentary approval of the regulations, those applying for further leave to remain in the United Kingdom in the following categories will be required to provide their biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) as part of their application from 31 March 2009:
Immigration category Additional information
Postgraduate doctors and dentists These applicants are not currently required to enrol their biometrics, but from 31 March they will be treated as students and required to apply for leave under Tier 4 of the points-based system. They will also have to apply for an identity card for foreign nationals if entending after this date.
Academic visitors granted leave for a period exceeding six months The total stay in the United Kingdom is more than six months, up to a maximum period of 12 months.
Visitors for private medical treatment
Where the applicant is required to extend their stay in the United Kingdom so that they are able to complete private medical treatment.
Domestic workers in a private household
Applies to overseas domestic workers who have accompanied a person entitled to live in the United Kingdom and are applying to extend their permission to stay in the country based upon their employment as domestic workers.
United Kingdom ancestry
Covers people who are Commonwealth citizens, have a British grandparent and can demonstrate a link with the United Kingdom.
Retired persons of independent means, and their partners and children
This category is no longer open to new applicants, but where a person is already in the United Kingdom under this category they may extend their leave on the same basis. It applies to persons aged over 60 with substantial means to support themselves.
Sole representatives These are overseas employees recruited by an overseas company to act as their sole representative in the United Kingdom.
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