Navigating the upcoming UK immigration changes

The UK government recently declared pivotal alterations to the immigration system, set to be implemented in Spring 2024

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on NHS Employers

Skilled worker route adjustments

• Salary threshold increase: Increasing the salary threshold by 50 per cent from £26,200 to £38,700. This will also apply to the minimum income required for British citizens and those settled in the UK who want their family members to join them.
• Exemption for existing skilled workers: Those already in the Skilled Worker route before the Immigration Rules changes should be exempt from the new median salary levels when they change sponsor, extend, or settle.  The Home Office would, however, expect their pay to progress at the same rate as resident workers; therefore, they would be subject to the updated 25th percentiles using the latest pay data when they next make an application to change employment, extend their stay, or settle. This is in line with normal practice.
• Immigration health surcharge increase: Increasing the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) from £624 to £1035.
• Introduction of immigration salary list: Replacing the Shortage Occupation List with a new Immigration Salary List, which will retain a general salary discount. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has been asked to review and reduce the number of occupations on the list.
• MAC review of graduate visa route: The MAC has also been asked to review the Graduate Visa route.
• Refinements to health and care visa: Tightening the Health and Care Visa to prevent overseas care workers (SOC 6145 and SOC 6146) bringing dependants to the UK. Health and Care Visa holders will continue to be exempt from the higher salary threshold increase and the IHS.
• Care providers in England will now only be able to sponsor migrant workers if they are undertaking activities regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

While the proposed changes are impending, the existing Immigration Rules, thresholds, and policies remain applicable. You can read more about this here.

Until the official amendments are enacted, the current immigration framework will persist. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving scenario.