Understanding the 2024 Changes to UK’s Legal Migration Rules for Family and Work Visas
In an effort to streamline and control immigration, the UK government has announced significant changes to its legal migration rules for family and work visas, slated to roll out in 2024. These changes reflect the government’s commitment to reducing immigration numbers and addressing concerns over public resources and employment.
The Five Key Changes
- Social Care Workers’ Visa Restrictions: From March 11, 2024, social care workers will no longer be permitted to bring dependants on their visas.
- Increased Salary Threshold for Skilled Worker Visas: Effective April 4, 2024, the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa will rise from £26,200 to £38,700, excluding Health and Care Worker visas and education workers on national pay scales.
- Adjustments to the Shortage Occupation List: In April 2024, changes to this list will reduce the number of jobs eligible for sponsorship below the usual minimum salary.
- Rising Minimum Income for Spouse/Partner Visas: The income requirement will increase in stages, starting at £29,000 on April 11, 2024, and eventually reaching around £38,700 by early 2025.
- Review of the Graduate Visa: The Migration Advisory Committee is tasked with reviewing the two-year unsponsored work permit for overseas graduates of British universities, with findings expected in late 2024.
Implementation Timeline
- March 11, 2024: Ban on dependants for newly arriving care workers.
- April 4, 2024: Salary increase for Skilled Worker visas and initial changes to the Shortage Occupation List.
- April 11, 2024: First increase in minimum income for spouse/partner visas.
Who Will Be Affected by These Changes?
The changes primarily impact new applicants. Those already holding visas or applying before the new thresholds are implemented will be assessed against the current requirements. This includes individuals seeking to extend their spouse/partner visas or applying for permanent residence.
Income and Savings Requirements
For initial spouse/partner visas from outside the UK, only the sponsor’s income is considered. For extensions and permanent residence, both the applicant’s and the sponsor’s incomes are counted. The rules around savings as an alternative to income are expected to change in line with the income threshold increases, although specific details are still under discussion.
Comparative Analysis with Other Countries
Many countries have minimum income requirements for spouse visas, but few set thresholds as high as the UK’s proposed £38,700. The UK’s policy is often cited in international rankings like the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) for its strictness in family reunion criteria.
Impact and Rationale
These changes are part of the government’s strategy to reduce net migration, which was estimated at 745,000 for the year ending December 31, 2022. The government cites the need to manage public resources effectively and protect local employment as key reasons for these reforms.
Stay Informed and Prepared
As the UK navigates these changes, it’s crucial for those affected to stay informed and prepare accordingly. For the latest updates and expert guidance on navigating the UK’s legal migration system, subscribe to our newsletter.
