UK Home Office Announces Exciting Changes for Visas in 2023
UK Home Office has released its latest Statement of Changes for 2023, and it includes some exciting news for those seeking visas to the UK. From electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to expansion worker visas, there are plenty of updates to take note of.
Here are some of the most important changes announced on this occasion:
ETA: Electronic Travel Authorisation
Starting on 25 October 2023, Qatari nationals who plan to travel to the UK on or after 15 November 2023 will be required to apply for an ETA. This is a significant change and will help to streamline the visa application process for those from Qatar.
On 1 February 2024, the application process will open for nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, The UAE, and Saudi Arabia. This is for individuals who intend to travel after 22 February 2024.
Innovator Founder Visa / Start-Up Visa
UK Home Office is introducing the Innovator Founder visa to replace the Innovator and Start-Up routes. This new visa route removes the requirement of having funds of a minimum of £50,000 to be eligible for its predecessor, the Innovator visa.
From 13 April 2023, the Start-Up route will close to new applicants, except for those who received endorsements before the same date.
Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility: Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
The minimum annual salary threshold for the Skilled Worker visa has been increased to £26,200. The Global Business Mobility: Senior or Specialist Worker minimum annual salary threshold has been increased to £45,800. These new salary thresholds will be in effect from 12 April 2023.
It’s important to note that the minimum salary thresholds and occupation code “going rates” will now be based on 37.5-hour weeks.
Expansion Worker Visa
Australian nationals and permanent residents will no longer be required to demonstrate at least 12 months of employment with their overseas employer as part of a U.K. Expansion Worker application. This is great news for Australians looking to work in the UK.
Youth Mobility Visa
The Youth Mobility Scheme has also undergone some changes. Australia has been allotted 5,000 extra places for the Youth Mobility Scheme, while Canada has been allotted 2,000 extra places. The maximum allocation of places available under the Youth Mobility Scheme are now:
- Australia – 35,000 places
- Canada – 8,000 places
- Hong Kong – 1,000 places
- Iceland – 1,000 places
- India – 3,000 places
- Japan – 1,500 places
- Monaco – 1,000 places
- New Zealand – 13,000 places
- Republic of Korea – 1,000 places
- San Marino – 1,000 places
- Taiwan – 1,000 places
In addition, New Zealand nationals aged between 18-35 will now be eligible to apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme. This is a considerable increase to the previous maximum age limit of 30. The maximum length of stay permissible for New Zealand nationals granted a visa under this scheme has been increased from two-to-three years. This is in response to an enhanced bilateral agreement between the U.K. and New Zealand.
Conclusion
These changes to the UK’s visa system are exciting news for those seeking visas to the country. The new visa routes and changes to existing ones will help streamline the application process, making it easier for individuals to obtain the visas they need.
It’s important to note that the information provided in this summary is not intended to act as legal advice. We recommend that individuals seek legal counsel if they
