UK Government Clarifies Changes Set for April 2024

The UK Home Office is set to enhance requirements for various immigration routes, including Skilled Workers (including Health and Care migrants) and Partners/Parents/Children of British Citizens or settled residents in the UK. Notable changes include:

Skilled Worker/Health and Care Changes:

- Starting next spring, the government plans to raise the earning threshold for overseas workers by almost 50%, increasing from £26,200 to £38,700.

- Exemptions to the salary increase will be granted to Health and Care workers and Education workers on national pay scales.

- Health and Care workers will be prohibited from bringing dependents to the UK, and care firms must be registered with the Care Quality Commission to sponsor visas.

- The Shortage Occupation List will undergo reform, and the existing 20% going rate salary discount for shortage occupations will be eliminated.

- Changes will be applicable to first-time applicants, and the new salary threshold won't affect existing sponsored workers on the Skilled Worker route during changes, extensions, or settlements.

Partner/Parent/Child Changes:

- The government plans to raise the minimum income required for British citizens and settled residents seeking family members to join them.

- The minimum income for family visas will increase to £29,000 from £18,600 starting April 2024, impacting those relying on both income and savings. Further increments to £38,700 are planned by 2025, aligning with the Skilled Worker threshold.

- Changes apply to first-time applicants, and transitional arrangements are confirmed for those with visas on the five-year route to settlement under Appendix FM.

Increase in Immigration Health Surcharge:

- The government intends to substantially increase the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) on or shortly after January 16, 2024.

- The fee for adult applicants will rise from £624 to £1,035 per year, and for child applicants (under 18) as well as students, youth mobility workers, and their dependants, it will increase from £470 to £776 per year.

Contacts

If you require assistance in relation to the above and/or would like to discuss anything further, please do not hesitate to contact info@act.london or your usual A.C.T. contact.