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The latest Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules was laid before Parliament recently.

The changes include:

'The Immigration Rules are being amended to make provision for the launch of the electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for Tier 4 of the points-based system. This will strengthen the sponsorship arrangements for Tier 4 and provide educational institutions with a fast and straightforward electronic system to sponsor students. As a transitional arrangement the current visa letters will continue as an alternative to CAS in the short term.

'A new Representatives of Overseas Business category which replaces the old Sole Representatives category. The new category introduces a requirement to speak English, which will ensure business representatives are able to make an effective contribution while they are here. It makes provision for representatives of overseas media organisations under the Immigration Rules.

'The arrangements for migrants covered by the judgment of 6 April 2009 in the judicial review brought by the HSMP Forum Ltd are being brought within the Immigration Rules.

'Minor technical changes are being made to various categories of the points-based system.

This Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules will be incorporated into a consolidated version of the Immigration Rules which can be found under the 'Policy and Law' section of this website. You can also find copies of all the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules issued since May 2003 in this section.

The changes will come into effect on 1 October 2009. Updated guidance for sponsors and applicants will be available on this website from 30 September 2009.