UK Government's 5 Points Plan Of Changes To UK Immigration
Laws From Spring 2024
In a significant announcement on December 4, 2023, Home Secretary James Cleverly
outlined a comprehensive five-point plan set to be implemented in Spring 2024,
introducing key changes to the UK's immigration policies. Here's a brief overview of
the proposed changes:
1. New Minimum Salary Threshold for Skilled Workers:
The minimum salary requirement for foreign skilled workers will see a
substantial increase, rising from £26,200 to £38,700. Notably, the health
and care sector will be exempt from this adjustment.
2. New Income Requirement for Spouse Visa UK:
The minimum income necessary to sponsor someone for a
spouse/partner visa will undergo a staged increment. Starting from
£18,600, it will rise to £29,000 initially, followed by a further increase to
£34,500 later in 2024, culminating in an anticipated level of around
£38,700 by 2025.
3. No Dependants for Care Workers:
Care workers will face restrictions, with a ban on bringing dependents
to the UK. Additionally, care firms seeking to sponsor visas will be
required to register with the Care Quality Commission.
4. Changes to the Shortage Occupations List:
The Shortage Occupation List is set to undergo reform, accompanied
by the discontinuation of the 20% salary discount previously applicable
to shortage occupations.
5. Tightening of Rules for Students:
Stricter regulations will be implemented for students, particularly
concerning the eligibility of family members to accompany them to the
UK. The Migration Advisory Committee will conduct a thorough review
of the graduate visa route.
This comprehensive plan represents a significant shift in the UK's approach to
immigration, impacting skilled workers, sponsors of spouse visas, care workers,
shortage occupations, and students. For more detailed information, the House of
Commons Library research is recommended to gain a deeper understanding of the
legal immigration rule changes anticipated in 2024.
Restrictions to student visa
Restrictions to student visa routes came into effect from 1st of January 2024, as the
government continues to slash migration and curb abuse of the immigration system.
International students starting courses this month will no longer be able to bring
family members on all but postgraduate research courses and courses with
government-funded scholarships. The changes, first announced last May, have also
seen people banned from using the student visa as a backdoor route to work in the
UK and will see an estimated 140,000 fewer people come to the UK.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimated that net migration was 672,000
from June 2022 to June 2023. In the year ending September 2023, 152,980 visas
were issued to dependants of students, a more than 930% rise from the 14,839 in
the year ending September 2019.
The changes to student dependant rules are part of a wider package of measures to
come into force that will drastically bring down the high numbers of migrants coming
to the UK to sustainable levels and crack down on those who take advantage of the
flexibility of the UK’s immigration system.
Home Secretary James Cleverly said:
This government is delivering on its commitment to the British public to cut migration.
We have set out a tough plan to rapidly bring numbers down, control our borders and
prevent people from manipulating our immigration system, which will come into force
throughout this year.
On 1st January 2024, a major part of that plan came into effect, ending the
unreasonable practice of overseas students bringing their family members to the UK.
This will see migration falling rapidly by the tens of thousands and contribute to our
overall strategy to prevent 300,000 people from coming to the UK.
Information on eVisas and why you need one.
Introduction to the UKVI Digital Immigration System and eVisa
Welcome to the future of hassle-free immigration with the UK Visas and
Immigration (UKVI) digital system. We are excited to announce the
development of an innovative digital immigration platform that replaces
traditional physical documents with an online record known as the eVisa.
What is an eVisa? An eVisa is a secure online record of your immigration
status and the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. This
digital format aims to enhance security, eliminate the risk of loss or theft,
and streamline the immigration process for millions of individuals.
Documents Being Replaced: The following physical documents will be
replaced by the eVisa:
Biometric Residence Permits (BRP)
Biometric Residence Cards (BRC)
Passport endorsements (e.g., indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps)
Vignette stickers in passports (e.g., entry clearance or visa vignettes)
Benefits of eVisas:
Security: The eVisa is secure and tamper-proof, minimizing the risk
of loss or theft.
Efficiency: No more waiting for or collecting physical documents;
access your eVisa online.
Convenience: Quicker and easier to prove your status at the UK
border.
Why You Need a UKVI Account: To fully utilize the eVisa system, you
need to register for a UKVI account. This account enables you to view and
share information about your immigration status securely with third parties
such as employers or landlords. Additionally, you can update personal
details, such as passport information, through your UKVI account.
Using Your UKVI Account: Your UKVI account details grant you access to
the view and prove service, allowing you to see your eVisa. You can
generate a share code to provide time-limited access to your immigration
status information to third parties. Relevant information about your
immigration status will be automatically shared with some government
departments and public authorities.
How to Get an eVisa and a UKVI Account:
If you currently have permission to stay in the UK and possess
physical documents, no immediate action is required. Updates on
when to register for a UKVI account will be provided throughout
2024.
If you're making a new application for permission to stay, follow the
usual application process. Guidance on creating a UKVI account will
be provided during the application process.
Stay tuned for updates throughout 2024 as Home Office continue to
improve and streamline your immigration experience. The UKVI digital
system is here to make your journey smoother and more secure.
