New work-based immigration rules

What are the new work-based immigration rules coming into effect this year?

There are a series of upcoming changes to immigration regulations for first-time visa applicants.

See below a brief timeline of upcoming changes:

• From the 11th of March 2024, health and care workers will no longer be able to bring dependents (i.e. partners and children) into the UK. Additionally, care homes that wish to sponsor migrants under this route must be CQC-registered.
• From the 14th of March 2024, there will be a new Statement of Changes to replace the previous Shortage Occupation List (SOL).
• From the 4th of April 2024, the minimum salary threshold for those on a Skilled Worker visa will increase from £26,200 to £38,700 per annum.
• From the 6th of April 2024, the requirements to renew Sponsor Licences will be removed.
• From the 11th of April 2024, the minimum income threshold for a Family visa will increase from £18,600 to £29,000 and is then later scheduled to increase to £38,700 per annum in early 2025.

Other upcoming changes include plans to review the Graduate visa route, which is a two-year unsponsored work permit for overseas graduates attending a British university.

It is expected that the Migration Advisory Committee will report on this in late 2024.

You can find further details of all the above via the GOV.UK factsheet (published February 2024) and corresponding news story released on the GOV.UK website – Home Secretary underlines commitment to cut net migration.