5 Key Changes to UK Immigration Systems
Understand the impact of these changes on skilled workers, graduates, and care workers, and what they mean for businesses and individuals seeking immigration opportunities in the UK.
The UK government has announced five key changes to its immigration system, which will come into effect from Spring 2024. These changes are intended to reduce net migration and make the system fairer for UK citizens.
- Increase the minimum salary threshold for skilled worker visas from £26,200 to £38,700: The government says that this will help to ensure that only skilled workers who are genuinely needed by the UK economy are able to come to the country.
- Ban health and care workers bringing family dependants to the UK: The government says that it is taking this step to ensure that the benefits of immigration are shared more widely across the UK.
- End companies being able to pay workers 20% less than the going rate for jobs on a shortage occupation list: The government says that this will help to ensure that employers treat all workers fairly.
- Raise the minimum income for family visas to £38,700, from £18,600: The government says that this will help to ensure that only those with secure incomes are able to support their dependents.
- Review the Graduate visa route: The review will consider whether this route is effective in attracting and retaining high-skilled workers.
| Key Change | Description | Impact |
| Increase minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa to £38,700 | Aims to attract higher-skilled workers and reduce the number of low-paid migrants | Affects businesses and individuals seeking skilled workers |
| Remove 20% discount for skilled workers in shortage occupations | Eliminates the incentive to hire foreign workers at lower wages | May impact the recruitment and retention of care workers |
| Review and potentially abolish Graduate visa | This could affect international students seeking work opportunities after graduation | Evaluate the effectiveness of the visa and consider its future |
| Prohibit care workers from sponsoring dependents | Restricts family reunification for care workers | Increase the minimum income requirement for family sponsorship |
| Increase the minimum income requirement for a family sponsorship visa to £38700 | Elevates the financial threshold for sponsoring family members | Limits the eligibility of individuals to bring dependents to the UK |
These changes are likely to have a significant impact on people who are considering coming to the UK to work or study. It is important to check the latest immigration rules before making any plans.
