Overview of Changes to UK Visa Requirements: Key Points
The UK government has recently introduced a set of measures aimed at reducing the influx of individuals to the country. Home Secretary James Cleverly stated that these changes, scheduled to be implemented from the spring, represent the most significant cut in net migration to date.
1. Skilled Worker Visa Minimum Salary Increase:
- Currently, individuals applying for a skilled worker visa need a job offer meeting a minimum salary requirement, which is the highest among £26,200 per year, £10.75 per hour, or the job’s “going rate.”
- Starting from next spring, the minimum salary for eligibility will rise to £38,700 per year.
- Notably, health and care workers, constituting nearly half of work visa holders, and those on national pay scales, such as teachers, will be exempt from this increase.
- Middle-skilled jobs, like butchers or chefs, where pay typically falls below £30,000, are expected to be most impacted.
2. Minimum Income Requirement for Family Visas:
- The minimum income necessary for UK citizens bringing a foreign family member or partner will increase from £18,600 to £38,700 annually.
- Around 70,000 people arrived in the UK on family visas in the year ending June 2023.
- This change will disproportionately affect lower-income groups, including women, younger individuals, and those residing outside London and the south-east of England.
3. Ban on Care Workers Bringing Family Dependents:
- Overseas care workers will no longer be permitted to bring their partners or children to the UK.
- Health and care workers are more likely to be joined by family members compared to individuals on other work visas.
- In the year to September, over 101,000 visas were issued to care workers, with an estimated 120,000 granted to associated dependants.
- Concerns have been raised about potential recruitment challenges and staff shortages in the care sector due to this ban.
4. Removal of Salary Discount for Shortage Occupation List:
- Jobs on the shortage occupation list currently qualify for a skilled worker visa with an 80% salary discount.
- The government aims to eliminate this discount to prevent immigration from undercutting British workers.
- The shortage occupation list covers various sectors, including health, education, care work, and construction.
5. Increase in Healthcare Surcharge:
- The immigration health surcharge, the annual fee for visa holders accessing the NHS, will rise from £624 to £1,035.
- Certain exemptions exist, with health and care workers exempted from this charge, and reduced rates for students and under-18s.
6. Review of Graduate Visa and Family Member Rights:
- A review of the graduate visa system has been initiated to address perceived “abuse” of the system.
- Changes have been announced to limit the number of students bringing family members to the UK, effective from January.
- Students will no longer be allowed to switch to work visas before completing their studies.
These changes mark a significant shift in the UK’s immigration landscape, impacting various visa categories and aiming to strike a balance between economic considerations and workforce needs. Stay informed as these changes come into effect to navigate the evolving visa requirements.
For more in-depth guidance on UK visa applications or immigration appeals, contact our immigration solicitors at 0800 970 2727 or fill out our enquiry form. Stay informed and ensure a smooth immigration process with our expert advice.
