The UK government is implementing significant changes to its immigration rules throughout 2024. These changes will impact various visa categories, including Skilled Worker, Spouse, and Student visas, as well as the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) and rules for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain, or ILR). Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key updates:
1. Skilled Worker Visa Changes
- Salary Requirements: From 4 April 2024, the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa will increase from £26,200 to £38,700 annually. For healthcare workers (including doctors, nurses, and care workers), the salary requirement will rise to £29,000.
- New Entrants: Those classified as “new entrants” will still benefit from a 30% discount on the salary requirement, needing at least £30,960 annually (70% of the standard £38,700).
- Extensions and Changes: Workers holding a Skilled Worker visa before 4 April 2024 and applying for an extension or changing employers will be subject to a lower salary threshold of £29,000 or the updated going rate for their occupation.
- Immigration Salary List (ISL): The existing Shortage Occupation List (SOL) will be replaced by the ISL in April 2024. The ISL will feature fewer occupations and will remove the 20% salary discount previously applied to shortage occupations.
2. Spouse/Partner Visa Changes
- Minimum Income Requirement: Starting 11 April 2024, the minimum income for sponsoring a spouse/partner visa will increase to £29,000. Further increases to £34,500 and £38,700 are expected later in 2024 and early 2025.
- Savings Requirement: The cash savings requirement will increase from £62,500 to £88,500 for those relying solely on savings.
- Extensions: Existing spouse visa holders on the five-year route to ILR will not be subject to the new income threshold.
3. Healthcare and Care Worker Visa Restrictions
- Dependants: From 11 March 2024, care workers and senior care workers will no longer be allowed to bring their dependants (partners and children) to the UK.
4. Student Visa Changes
- Dependants: From 1 January 2024, only international students studying for a PhD or other research-based higher degrees (RQF level 8) will be allowed to bring dependents to the UK.
5. Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
- Increase: The IHS has increased to £1,035 per year, adding to the cost burden for visa applicants.
6. Visitor Visa Changes
- Expanded Permitted Activities: Visitors will have an expanded range of activities they can undertake, including working remotely (as long as it is incidental to the visit), giving legal advice, and being paid for speaking at conferences.
- Engagements and Paid Work: Visitors can now engage in paid work if it was arranged before their arrival and occurs within 30 days of entering the UK.
7. Long Residence ILR Rules
- Updated Absence Rules: From 11 April 2024, the rules for absences from the UK will tighten, aligning with broader ILR requirements. Applicants must not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.
8. Graduate Visa Review
- The Graduate visa, allowing overseas graduates to work in the UK for two years without sponsorship, is under review. The outcome of this review is expected later in 2024, with a focus on preventing abuse and maintaining the quality of UK higher education.
These changes reflect the government’s efforts to manage immigration more tightly, with a focus on reducing dependency visas and increasing the financial thresholds for various visa categories. Individuals and businesses affected by these changes should stay informed and consider seeking professional advice to navigate the new regulations.
