In a bid to curtail immigration, the UK government, led by Home Secretary James Cleverly, unveiled a "five-point plan" with significant adjustments to visa rules. Below, we explore answers to some commonly asked questions regarding these changes.
The Five Changes
Dependent Restrictions for Social Care Workers: Effective March 11, 2024, social care workers will no longer be allowed to bring dependents (partners and children) on their visa.
Skilled Worker Visa Salary Increase: Starting April 4, 2024, the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa will rise from £26,200 to £38,700, excluding health and care workers and education professionals on national pay scales.
Shortage Occupation List Adjustments: Changes to the shortage occupation list, aimed at limiting jobs eligible for a Skilled Worker visa with less than the standard minimum salary, are anticipated in April 2024.
Spouse/Partner Visa Minimum Income Increase: The minimum income required to sponsor a spouse/partner visa will incrementally rise, reaching around £38,700 by early 2025.
Graduate Visa Review: A review of the Graduate visa, a two-year unsponsored work permit for overseas graduates, is underway, with the report expected in late 2024.
Implementation Timeline
March 11, 2024: Dependent restrictions for social care workers come into effect.
April 4, 2024: Skilled Worker visa salary increase and initial changes to the shortage occupation list.
April 11, 2024: Minimum income for spouse/partner visas increases to £29,000.
Late 2024: Anticipated review report on the Graduate visa.
Early 2025: Minimum income for spouse/partner visas expected to reach around £38,700.
Parliamentary Approval
Unlike traditional legislative processes, changes to immigration regulations are handled through statements of changes to the Immigration Rules. Two statements are set to be laid before Parliament, with automatic implementation unless actively annulled by either the House of Commons or House of Lords within 40 days.
Rationale Behind Changes
The government cites the need to control immigration levels, pointing to a provisional estimate of 745,000 net migrations in 2022. Key contributors include international students, social care workers, and humanitarian visa schemes.
Clarifications for Visa Applicants
Spouse/Partner Visa Extensions: The increased minimum income threshold applies only to first-time applicants.
Income Counting: Initial visa applications consider only the sponsor's income; both incomes count for extensions and permanent residence.
Armed Forces Members: The minimum income increase applies to foreign members of the armed forces sponsoring a spouse/partner visa.
International Comparisons
While many countries impose minimum income requirements for spouse visas, the UK's threshold of £38,700 is notably higher than those in comparable nations. The Migration Observatory highlights the UK's stricter rules on income source eligibility.
Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold
Workers already in the Skilled Worker route, and applications made before the rule change, are exempt from the £38,700 salary threshold. Going rates for specific jobs are expected to increase, impacting minimum salary requirements.
In summary, the UK's recent immigration changes, set to unfold in stages, carry significant implications for various visa categories. Stay informed and plan accordingly, especially if you are involved in social care, skilled work, or seeking a spouse/partner visa. For more information on immigration changes and related services, visit Black and Proud or COMMONSLIBRARY.PARLIAMENT.UK.
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