The UK’s immigration landscape is undergoing significant changes in 2024, with new considerations for those seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Below are comprehensive overview of the key changes, their impact on applicants, new requirements, and the government’s rationale behind these modifications.
Key Changes to UK ILR in 2024
The UK government has announced several key measures to bring down net migration, resulting in around 300,000 fewer people coming to the UK in future years. Some of the critical updates include:
- Increased salary threshold for Skilled Workers: The minimum basic annual salary to apply for a Skilled Worker visa will increase from £26,200 to £38,700 from 4 April 2024. This change will apply to all visa applications submitted online on or after this date
- Removal of the Skills Shortage Occupation List: The government will abolish the Shortage Occupation List and remove the 20% going rate discount for occupations. A new Immigration Salary List will be introduced and reviewed by the Migration Advisory Committee
- Changes to family visas: The minimum income threshold for family members applying as dependants of settled workers will increase from £18,600 for a single dependant to £29,000 from 11 April 2024. The threshold will further increase to £34,500 and then to £38,700 by early 2025
- Health and care visa route changes: Providers in England will only be able to sponsor migrant workers if they are undertaking activities regulated by the Care Quality Commission. Care worker and senior care worker main applicants will no longer be able to bring dependants.
Impact on Applicants
These changes will have a tangible impact on net migration and affect various groups of people seeking to live and work in the UK.
Skilled Workers
The increased salary threshold will make it more challenging for some skilled workers to obtain a visa. However, transitional arrangements will be in place for existing Skilled Workers who extend or switch employers or apply for settlement.
Family Members
The staggered increase in the minimum income threshold for family members applying as dependants of settled workers will undoubtedly impact many families hoping to repatriate or bring dependants to live in the UK.
Health and Care Workers
The changes to the health and care visa route may lead to shortages of care workers. However, the UK government maintains that their offer to care workers remains extremely competitive internationally.
New Requirements for UK ILR
In addition to the changes mentioned above, the following new requirements will affect those seeking ILR:
- Immigration Health Surcharge: The Immigration Health Surcharge is being increased to £1035 per adult per year
- Right to bring dependants: From 2024, the right for international students to bring dependants will be removed unless they are on postgraduate courses designated as research programmes.
- Sponsored Skilled Workers on health and care worker visas: Sponsored Skilled Workers on health and care worker visas will not be able to bring their family members as dependents to the UK.
Government’s Rationale
The UK government’s primary objective behind these changes is to reduce net migration and protect the integrity and quality of UK higher education, ensuring it works in the best interests of the UK.
The government is also concerned about the number of applicants and whether the visa is in the UK’s best interests.
In conclusion, the changes to the UK ILR in 2024 will significantly impact various groups of people seeking to live and work in the UK. It is crucial for potential applicants to stay informed about these updates and plan accordingly. For more information on immigration services for individuals and businesses, please see Bindmans LLP and Taylor Wessing.
Also Read:
Good News for Health and Social Care Workers: New Visa Route Allows Dependents in 2024
New UK Immigration Rules 2024: What Healthcare Workers and Employers Need to Know
Biggest Visa Boost for Social Care as Health and Care Visa Scheme Expanded
Care Worker Visa for Care Assistants and Nurses: New Visa Launched for Care Assistants
