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.
