Changes to UK visa processing – application centres

September 27, 2024

There have been a lot of changes to UK immigration recently. In just the last few months alone we have seen the BRP and eVisa update as well as increases to the salary threshold for those applying for a UK visa.

But in this blog I’m going to cover changes that are just coming in regarding the actual application centres where your UK visa is processed. So, if you are looking to apply for a UK visa, or have already applied for one, it’s important you stay up to date on these changes.

Essentially the process works like this. The UK Visas and Immigration service (UKVI) outsources visa processing to a supplier (or company). In some parts of the world, the company that will process UK visas is changing, which is why it’s important to stay alert – and I’ll discuss in this blog what you need to look out for.

The changes will take place between September 2024 and January 2025, although this won’t affect everyone. With that in mind, it’s worth keeping an eye on this UK government webpage as they will post updates.

So here is what we know so far:

Changes to UK visa application centres – what it means if you are outside the UK

The company that until recently was in charge of processing visas for many parts of the world (including parts of Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia) was called TLScontact. Starting in September 2024 and continuing until January 2025 these duties will be moving under a new company, VFS Global, which will take over application processing duties in specific areas.

This is not a worldwide change, but if you are living in an affected region, you should look out for an email notification from both TLScontact and VFS Global.

I really want to stress that it’s important to carefully read these emails as they will include important information about your application process. So, I would suggest you check both your junk or spam folders regularly. It’s also important to confirm that the emails you’re receiving are authentic, so double check that they come from email addresses that end:

@tlscontact.com
@vfsglobal.com

Changes to UK visa application centres – what it means if you are already in the UK

We have talked about the changes that will affect those living in some regions outside the UK. For those applying from within the UK, the company responsible for processing visa applications will change from Sopra Steria to TLScontact on 15 October 2024. This change will not affect your application decisions, processing times, or appointment availability. No action is required on your part.

Application centre – Belgium

We do have one specific update which is regarding Belgium. In that country, the visa application centre switched from TLScontact to VFS Global on 3 September 2024. Applicants in Belgium must now schedule biometrics appointments through VFS Global, but if you already booked with TLScontact, you can still attend your appointment as scheduled. However, if you have not yet uploaded your supporting documents, you will need to use the assisted scanning service during your appointment. It’s always good practice to double check the location details in your appointment confirmation.

Conclusion

The advice here is to keep a close eye on updates coming from the UK government. The webpage link at the start of this article is a great starting place. I should say, though, that while these adjustments might seem major, they are simply intended to boost the efficiency of the visa application process.

Have you thought about working with an immigration expert? Working with an immigration lawyer has many benefits , including increased speed of application approval, a personal service tailored to your needs, advice and guidance after the initial application, as well as help with appeals and litigation. In short, it gives you the peace of mind that your application is in the best possible hands. With an unrivalled success rate, YI Solutions works with both individuals and businesses to ensure you are able to complete your immigration applications successfully. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Written by:

Steph Revelle

Director

Hi everyone, and welcome. I’m the Founder and Director of Your Immigration Solutions. Whether you’re an individual or a corporate company, I’m here to help you with your entire visa application process.

BRP and eVisa update – what you need to know and why you need to act now

August 30, 2024

The UK has recently introduced significant changes to the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and electronic visa (eVisa) systems, reflecting a broader push towards streamlined processes and enhanced security measures. It’s a central part of the transformation and digitisation of the UK’s border and immigration system.

But there have been some issues with this latest development which have many people very concerned about what this means for their immigration status. So in this article I’m going to discuss what this move from BRP to eVisa means for you, when and why you need to act, what to do if you haven’t received an email invitation from the Home Office, and what to do if you were granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) before 2008.

So let’s get started.

What should I do if my BRP expires on 31st December 2024?

In short, if you have a BRP that expires at the end of this year (31/12/2024), you need to convert this to an eVisa. You do this by setting up a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) digital account. You can do that here.

But why do I need an eVisa?

Because the government is moving to an online system to prove immigration status, rather than a physical card which can be potentially lost or stolen. If you do not obtain an eVisa by 31/12/24, there may be complications when you try to enter the UK because BRPs will no longer be accepted as a proof of immigration status and residency rights from 1/1/25.

Will I be sent an invitation to set up a UKVI account?

This was one of the areas where there were problems. Initially, you could expect an email from donotreply.evisadirectmail@notifications.service.gov.uk with the subject line: ‘Important information about your BRP and changes to the UK immigration system’.

However, the government realised it did not have all the necessary contact details so has now changed this policy. To that end, you can create a UKVI account to access your eVisa even if you haven’t received an invitation.

What happens when I log onto my UKVI account to access my eVisa?

You should log on to your eVisa account before your BRP expires. To log on, you don’t need your BRP card (you can use your passport or your visa application reference number). So you should only request a replacement BRP if it has been lost or stolen and you don’t have another form of identity document to create the UKVI account.

Once in your UKVI account you should be able to view your eVisa. However, if you cannot see your eVisa details you do not need to take any action. You will be contacted by email once your eVisa is available to view. In these cases, you can still use your BRP to prove your immigration status until your eVisa details are available to view.

What about eVisa accounts for children and dependents?

You will need to create individual accounts for children and dependents.

Controversy around eVisa rollout

The end of year deadline has been widely criticised, leaving over four million UK residents in a race against time to avoid becoming undocumented. Initially, the plan was for people to be able to apply starting in June this year – a timeframe that many felt was too tight. This then got delayed and the date was moved to 6/8/24 making the deadline even shorter.

With a new government in the UK following the recent general election, the Home Secretary is under pressure to ensure that millions of people legally in the UK don’t end up undocumented.

eVisas for people granted ILR before 2008

One area of particular concern are those who were granted ILR before 2008 – ie, before BRPs were introduced. They use the old system of an ink stamp in their passport to prove their residency rights. The government is asking that this group, many of whom have lived in the UK for several decades, to provide proof of residency – which basically means showing all their travel in and out of the UK.

In many cases, people won’t have these kinds of pre-electronic records stretching across what might be several decades and critics are suggesting the onus is in fact on the Home Office to keep this kind of information. If the Home Office has failed to do so, the argument goes, then the burden should not be put upon the individual.

To make things even more complicated, those who fall into this group will first need to apply for a BRP before they can get an eVisa.

Conclusion

This is a situation that is changing rapidly. I strongly recommend keeping an eye on updates on the government website. You can access eVisa updates here. And if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. Having a professional immigration advisor – particularly one with a legal background – can be invaluable in helping you navigate and interpret these complex regulations. With an unrivalled success rate, YI Solutions works with both individuals and businesses to ensure you are able to complete your immigration applications successfully. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Written by:

Steph Revelle

Director

Your complete guide to British Citizenship by Naturalisation [2024]

July 31, 2024

Acquiring British Citizenship by Naturalisation is a significant step for many living in the UK who wish to become fully integrated into British society. This process allows individuals who meet specific criteria to gain citizenship and enjoy the rights and responsibilities of being a British national. It’s an exciting and final step in your immigration journey, but there is a lot to consider.

So in this up-to-date 2024 guide I’m going to break down everything you need to know about the process. Let’s get started:

Can I apply for British citizenship?

If you are 18 years old or above and hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or permanent residence in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation. To be naturalised, you must satisfy specific criteria related to your immigration status, length of UK residency, future intentions, knowledge of British life and the English language, and also demonstrate good character.

There are specific routes for those who are married to a British national and those who are not. We will look at this in more detail later in the article. Meanwhile, for EEA nationals and their family members it’s possible to apply for UK citizenship if they hold Settled Status or had a right of permanent residence for 12 months prior to application. They can also apply if they have held ILR for 12 months, are exempt due to diplomatic status, or are Irish nationals.

In addition, British Overseas Territories Citizens, British Nationals (Overseas), British Overseas citizens, British subjects, and British protected persons are not British citizens but may have alternative routes to citizenship through registration. For full details of every potential route, you can visit the dedicated page on the Home Office website.)

What happens if I’m married to a British citizen?

If you’re married to a British citizen, the Home Office requires confirmation that:
You were physically present in the UK three years prior to your application date.
You have not been outside the UK for more than 270 days in the past three years.
You have adhered to UK immigration laws during this period.
You have not been outside the UK for more than 90 days in the 12 months before your application.
You are not subject to any time restrictions on your stay in the UK at the time of application.
You possess good character (defined here by the Home Office).
You have adequate proficiency in English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic.
You have passed the Life in the UK test.

What happens if I’m not married to a British citizen?

If you are not married to a British citizen or choose not to use your marriage for your application, the Home Office must be satisfied that:
You were present in the UK exactly five years before your application date.
You have not been outside the UK for more than 450 days in the past five years.
You have not violated UK immigration laws during those five years.
You have not been outside the UK for more than 90 days in the 12 months before your application.
You are not subject to any restrictions on the length of your stay in the UK and have not been under such restrictions in the 12 months before applying.
You possess good character (defined here by the Home Office).
You have adequate proficiency in English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic.
You have passed the Life in the UK test.
You intend to make the UK your home or principal residence if your application is approved.

When can I apply for British citizenship?

If you are married to a British citizen, you can apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation as soon as you receive ILR. If you are not married to a British citizen, you can apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation 12 months after being granted ILR.

How much does it cost to apply for British citizenship?

As of July 2024, applying for adult citizenship costs £1,630 (this includes £130 for the naturalisation ceremony), while the fee for children is £1,214. Additionally, adults must pay £50 for the Life in the UK Test and around £150 for an English test (if required). Most fees are non-refundable if your application is denied due to ineligibility or incorrect documentation. For detailed breakdowns of the fees, you can visit the dedicated Home Office page.

How long does it take to receive British citizenship?

Naturalisation applications can take up to 6 months to process. However, decisions are sometimes processed faster.

Can I travel while my application for British citizenship is being processed?

You can travel abroad while your British citizenship application is being processed. It’s important to ensure you can receive emails or other notifications regarding your application during your time away. If your application is approved, you must attend a citizenship ceremony within 90 days.

What if I don’t meet the criteria for British Citizenship by Naturalisation?

There are some measures in place which do allow for mitigating circumstances. In this case, it’s vital to speak to an immigration lawyer to understand where you stand and whether you can still be eligible. Read more about the benefits of working with an immigration expert.

Who should I use for a referee?

Two referees are required: One should be a person of any nationality with professional standing (professions include civil servant, accountant, solicitor, minister of religion, etc, but they must not be someone involved in your application). The other referee must usually be a British citizen passport holder and either a professional person or over the age of 25.

What happens once I have applied for Naturalisation as a British Citizen?

If your Naturalisation application is successful, you will need to attend a citizenship ceremony. At the ceremony, you will receive your certificate of Naturalisation as a British citizen. You can then apply for a British passport.

Why work with Your Immigration Solutions

It is important to work with a professional immigration advisor who can help you navigate and interpret the ever-changing regulations to ensure your application has the highest chance of success. With an unrivalled success rate, YI Solutions works with both individuals and businesses to ensure they are able to complete their immigration applications successfully. Contact us for a free consultation and let us assist you on your British Citizenship by Naturalisation journey.

Written by:

Steph Revelle

Director

Do I need to use an immigration lawyer?

June 28, 2024

You will see it all over social media. People telling you that you don’t need to get an immigration advisor and in fact watching a couple of videos will be enough. The question I would ask is this: Would you be okay with your doctor having skipped med school but watched a couple of videos? Or how about the pilot of the plane you’re about to get onto…

In other words, if you’re doing something very important, don’t you want an expert at the controls?

Immigration to the UK can feel daunting. It’s a world that is complex and ever-changing, with the Home Office issuing regular updates that need careful legal interpretation. And a mistake can be costly. Not long ago I worked with a professional couple who found this out the hard way. The husband thought it was a ‘straightforward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application’ having ‘taken’ immigration advice from videos on YouTube. It was a ILR application but the wrong set of ILR forms were submitted for his wife and child resulting in a loss of £5,770 in UKVI fees and an astronomical £11,540 total ILR fees.

This is the financial cost, but what about the emotional cost? When you’re talking about a family being together, bringing loved ones together, it’s too much of a risk to go it alone. The same goes for businesses who want to employ a skilled worker from abroad. So for both individuals and organisations, the answer to the question, ‘Should I use an immigration lawyer?’ is a resounding ‘Yes.’

Where do I find an immigration lawyer?

It’s one thing to know that you need one, but where do you find a good one? The first thing to say is that not all immigration experts are equal. A quick search will pull up a number of immigration advisors, immigration consultants, and immigration lawyers.

Step one is to ensure the expert you select is a registered member of the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). This means they are recognised by the Home Office as a qualified advisor. The next step is to find out whether they’re an advisor or an actual lawyer? Where an immigration lawyer (also called an immigration solicitor) stands out is that they have a legal background. This brings an extra level of expertise to your application and greater peace of mind for the applicant.

So look around, speak to them, learn about their application approval rate, get a sense of not only their professional qualifications but also their soft skills. Are they personable? Have they been through the immigration process themselves (this often leads to greater empathy), are they based in the UK, and what languages do they speak?

Check out Your Immigration Solutions on Trustpilot to see our ratings and reviews.

Top reasons to work with an immigration lawyer

Navigating the complexities of immigration law can be daunting, and having a knowledgeable immigration lawyer by your side can make a significant difference when it comes to developing a comprehensive strategy for your visa application process – identifying potential challenges and creating a plan to address them ahead of time.

Let’s look at some other key reasons why working with an immigration lawyer is so beneficial:

1. Increased speed of application approval: Immigration lawyers possess a deep understanding of the system and are well-versed in the specific requirements and procedures. They ensure that all necessary documents are accurately completed and submitted to the UK Home Office on time, minimising the risk of delays or rejections due to errors or omissions. By avoiding common pitfalls, an immigration lawyer can significantly expedite the approval of your application. Overall, working with an immigration lawyer can increase your chances of getting your UK visa application accepted the first time, saving you time and money, while giving you peace of mind that the information submitted is correct.

2. A service tailored to your needs: Every immigration case is unique, with its own set of circumstances and challenges. Immigration lawyers conduct thorough assessments to understand your needs and develop a strategic plan that maximises your chances of success. Whether you are seeking family sponsorship, a work visa or a Sponsor’s License, an immigration lawyer will customise their approach to address your individual goals and circumstances. This bespoke service ensures that you receive the most relevant advice and support throughout the entire process. An immigration lawyer can guide you in collecting and presenting the necessary evidence to strengthen your case, increasing your chances of approval.

3. Advice and guidance after the initial application: The role of an immigration lawyer extends far beyond merely assisting with the initial application. They offer ongoing support and guidance throughout your immigration journey. This includes advising on potential changes in immigration laws and policies from the UK government that may affect your status, assisting with renewals or extensions of visas, and helping to resolve any legal issues that may arise. Their continued involvement ensures that you remain compliant with all immigration requirements and helps you navigate any challenges that may arise long after your initial application has been submitted.

4. Appeals and litigation: In the event that the application is denied, an immigration lawyer can help you begin the appeal process and can even represent you in court, if needed. Additionally, if you are dealing with another legal matter that may be impacting your application situation, such as legal matters, family law, employment law, etc, an immigration lawyer may have connections who can assist their client or they may have additional experience in those areas themselves, to provide support to their clients and to keep the application process moving. They can communicate with immigration authorities, address any issues, and provide you with peace of mind.

Why work with Your Immigration Solutions

As we have discussed, dealing with the UK immigration system can be difficult, whether we’re talking about personal immigration for individuals and families or business immigration for those organisations wishing to bring in top talent from abroad. With an unrivalled success rate, YI Solutions works with both individuals and businesses to ensure they are able to complete their immigration applications successfully. Contact us for a free consultation and let us assist you on your visa application journey.

Written by:

Steph Revelle

Director

Sponsorship Licence and Skilled Worker visas – what your business needs to know

May 31, 2024

Understanding UK immigration rules and regulations for skilled workers can be a challenge for businesses seeking to bolster their workforce. From acquiring a Sponsorship Licence to ensuring you meet the obligations for Skilled Worker Visas, compliance is critical for organisations aiming to recruit and retain skilled professionals.

The good news is that the UK’s immigration system is designed to attract skilled workers from around the world. Central to this system is the Sponsorship Licence (SPL), which employers must have in order to hire non-UK workers. So this article delves into the process of obtaining a Sponsorship Licence, specifically for skilled workers, and the subsequent steps for securing a Skilled Worker Visa.

Stage 1: Acquiring the Sponsorship Licence

Obtaining a Sponsorship Licence is a crucial first step for any UK employer wishing to recruit skilled workers from abroad. The first step involves being approved by the UK Home Office. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

General eligibility check: Before applying, an employer must ensure they meet certain general requirements:
The business must be legitimate and operating or trading lawfully in the UK.
There must be no history of unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or certain other crimes, such as fraud or money laundering.
The business must have appropriate systems in place to monitor sponsored employees.

Specific eligibility check: When applying specifically for a Sponsor Licence for skilled workers, you will need to ensure you cover the following:

You can provide a job that aligns with the skill level criteria of the Skilled Worker route.
You can offer a position that satisfies the salary threshold required for the Skilled Worker route.
The role (or roles) you intend to sponsor are legitimate.
There is a direct employment relationship between you (the sponsor) and the worker, and you are not sponsoring a position that involves supplying the worker to a third party for regular or ongoing tasks.

A note on eligibility: When dealing with both the general eligibility checks and those specific to skilled workers, it is highly recommended you work with an immigration lawyer who can support you through the entire process of satisfying the Home Office’s requirements. You can read more about the supporting documents for sponsor applications on the UK Home Office website here.

Key personnel: Before applying for a Sponsor Licence, you must designate an Authorising Officer to oversee your sponsorship licence, a Key Contact to serve as the primary liaison between your business and the Home Office, and appoint at least one Level 1 User to handle daily sponsorship tasks.

Application preparation: Employers need to gather the necessary documents to prove their eligibility and readiness to sponsor overseas workers. These documents may include:

Proof of registration with HMRC.
Recent bank statements and audited accounts.
Evidence of business premises such as a lease agreement.

Application Submission: The application for a Sponsorship Licence is submitted online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. The fee you will incur varies depending on the size and type of the organisation:

Small or charitable sponsors: £536.
Medium or large sponsors: £1,476.

A note on supporting documents: After submitting the online form, employers must send the necessary supporting documents to UKVI within five working days. Failing to do so may result in the application being rejected.

Compliance check: The Home Office may visit your organisation during this process (and/or once you are approved) to look at your HR systems and speak to the Authorising Officer. UKVI’s visits are to ensure compliance with sponsorship duties including keeping accurate records of sponsored employees, reporting significant changes, and ensuring that workers comply with their visa conditions.

Decision: If UKVI is satisfied with the application and compliance check, the employer will be granted a Sponsorship Licence. The Home Office generally takes up to 8 weeks to process sponsor licence applications. For a faster decision, a priority service is available for £500, which will provide a response within 10 working days. If your Sponsor Licence application is approved, the licence will be valid for 10 years. To continue sponsoring workers beyond this period, you must apply to renew your Sponsor Licence before it expires.

Stage 2: Skilled worker visa application

Once the Sponsorship Licence is granted, the next stage involves the actual recruitment of skilled workers and their visa application. Let’s break down these steps:

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship to the prospective employee. This electronic document contains a unique reference number that the worker will need for their visa application.

Types of CoS: CoS can either be ‘Defined’ (for applicants applying from outside the UK) or ‘Undefined’ (for those applying from within the UK). Employers must apply for defined and Undefined CoS through their Sponsor Management System. The Home Office will require you to estimate and give reasons for the number of Undefined CoS that you want to assign in your first year of being a licensed sponsor.

Job requirements: The job must meet the skill level and salary thresholds specified by UKVI. For a Skilled Worker Visa, the job usually needs to be at RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) or above.

Usually the salary must meet the general salary threshold of £38,700. You can read more on our blog about recent changes to salary thresholds and how ‘going rates’ are calculated.

Visa application: The worker applies for their visa online, providing the CoS reference number, proof of their knowledge of English, and supporting documents such as a valid passport and evidence of financial support (unless the employer has certified maintenance on the CoS). The application fee and healthcare surcharge must be paid. Fees vary depending on the length of the visa and whether the job is on the shortage occupation list.

Decision and arrival: If the visa application is approved, the worker can travel to the UK and start their employment. They will be issued a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) upon arrival, which they must collect from a designated location.

Conclusion

Navigating the UK immigration system can be complex, but understanding the Sponsorship Licence and Skilled Worker Visa processes is essential for both employers and prospective employees. By following these steps, UK businesses can benefit from a diverse and skilled workforce, while workers can embark on new career opportunities in the UK.

Putting together a Sponsor Licence application and subsequent Skilled Worker Visa application can be a difficult process, requiring a strategic approach to ensure your business does not waste time or money. With this in mind, it’s important to get the advice of an immigration expert throughout the process. With an unrivalled success rate, YI Solutions works with businesses of all sizes to ensure they are able to efficiently bring in the necessary global talent to make their organisation thrive. Contact us for a free consultation and let us assist you on your visa application journey.

Written by:

Steph Revelle

Director

Updated rules for UK Unmarried Partners Visa – Home Office update 2024

May 24, 2024

Updated rules for UK Unmarried Partners Visa – Home Office update 2024

For a long time, it’s been very difficult to sponsor an Unmarried Partner to live in the UK when you haven’t been living together for two years. On top of that, even if you have been living together for the required time, it can still be difficult to prove it with the correct documentation.

This was particularly disappointing if you were living apart for legitimate reasons such as religious beliefs, work or study commitments or family concerns. It was also challenging if you were living together but in a country where it was difficult to get hold of official evidence of an address that the Home Office would accept.

Well, thankfully a rule update in this route has allowed some form of leniency. So, let’s look at this new rule update and what it means for people who want to pursue the Unmarried Partners’ route.

‘Cohabitation’ no longer a must requirement for sponsoring an Unmarried Partner (though preferable)

In short, the Home Office is prepared to consider the non-cohabitation aspect. The couple in question now only need to have been in a ‘relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership’ for a period of two years plus other requirements below.

Therefore, the current qualifications are as follows:

The couple must have met in person;
The relationship must have resembled a marriage or civil partnership for at least two years, indicating its authenticity and longevity;
The relationship must still be genuine and subsisting at the time of application;
The couple must demonstrate an intention to permanently reside together in the UK, along with fulfilling financial, accommodation, and other necessary requirements;
Any previous relationship must have broken down permanently.

There is one important thing to note. While a two-year cohabitation period is no longer mandatory, it does remain a significant factor in convincing the Home Office of the authenticity and longevity of the relationship when applying for a visa.

If the couple is not living together, they will need to prove that they have an ongoing commitment to each other by providing the following evidence:

Regular communication with each other;
Financial support for each other;
Support and care for any children involved together;
Time spent together as a couple such as going on holidays, events, weekly or monthly meetings.

The removal of this stipulation is going to make life easier for many, especially in a time when we are seeing an overall tightening of UK immigration laws. Lastly and most importantly, it is worth noting that the UK Unmarried Partner Visa can lead to indefinite leave to remain or settlement after a period of 5 years.

Putting together an Unmarried Partner visa application is a long process, requiring a strategic approach to documenting each aspect of the relationship and proving your eligibility for a visa. With this in mind, it’s never been more important to get the advice of an expert when you’re starting out on your immigration journey. With an unrivalled success rate, YI Solutions will be by your side throughout the entire process. Contact us for a free consultation and let us assist you on your visa application journey.

Written by:

Steph Revelle

Director

New UK Immigration rules effective April 2024 – increases to salary thresholds and ‘going rates’

April 30, 2024

It’s not easy keeping up with the changes coming down the pipeline from the UK Home Office. And in the month of April, we saw some major amendments to existing rules, from an increased general salary threshold requirement and an increase in ‘going rates’. As outlined in an explanatory memorandum from the government, they are both amendments to the Immigration Rules, ‘made under the provisions of section 1(4) and section 3(2) in the Immigration Act 1971, that are used to regulate people’s entry to, and stay in, the United Kingdom.’

In this article I’ll take you through the key points that you need to keep in mind from April 2024 onwards. Broadly speaking there are two sets of changes – those affecting skilled workers which will come into force from 4th April 2024, and those affecting family visas which will be effective from 11th April 2024. There are also changes in how the median salary or ‘going rate’ for specific occupations will be calculated – changing from the 25th percentile to the median. We will cover all that as well.

As always, it’s best to speak to a qualified immigration consultant to get the very latest interpretation of any new regulations.

So, in this article, we will cover:

Increased salary thresholds for Skilled Worker & Global Business Mobility visas
New salary requirements for Partner and Child visas
Exemptions to the threshold and median salary increases (‘going rates’)
Increased salary thresholds for key visa categories: Skilled Worker & Global Business Mobility

These are the visa types which will see a change in the salary threshold:

Skilled Worker: There will be an increase in the minimum general salary threshold for skilled workers. The minimum salary requirement will move from £26,200 to £38,700 per year for any new migrant applying for the Skilled Worker visa.
Global Business Mobility: Salary thresholds for a number of sub-categories within Global Business Mobility will also be amended as follows:
- Senior or Specialist Workers: £48,500
- Graduate Trainees: £25,410
- Scale-up: £36,300
- Poultry Workers in Seasonal Worker Route: Their pay now aligns with the Skilled Worker rate, requiring a minimum of £38,700 annually or £15.88 per hour.

New salary requirements for Partner and Child Visas

Let’s now look at how Partner and Child visas will be affected.

Partner and/or Child visa: The minimum income requirement needed to sponsor a partner and/or child for a 5-year visa increases to £29,000. However, the separate minimum income requirement for a child is eliminated.

Exemptions to the threshold and median salary increases
Certain groups are exempt from the new general thresholds and increased median salary requirements (‘going rates’).

Health and Care Workers: Applicants in this category requiring Health and Social Care visas are exempt from the new median salary requirements but will have to be paid a minimum salary of £29,000.
Existing Skilled Worker Applicants: Those who applied before 4th April 2024 and are seeking extensions, employer changes, or settlement before 4th April 2030, are exempt from the general threshold but will need to be paid at least £29,000.
Occupations with National Pay Scales: In these cases, the salary is determined using the latest ONS data.

Conclusion

It can be a little challenging for both individuals and organisations to figure out what does and doesn’t apply when it comes to any new visa changes from the UK Home Office. If you have any questions about this, please do get in contact. As an immigration consultant, I understand how daunting new government policies can be, and I’m committed to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you. Contact us at YI Solutions for a free consultation and let us assist you throughout your entire visa application journey.

Written by:

Steph Revelle

Director