Implementation dates for a number of upcoming immigration changes in the UK have now been formally confirmed in a statement made by Tom Pursglove, the Minister of State for Legal Migration and the Border. These follow previous announcements, notably in relation to the government’s new 5-point immigration plan.
The key dates are as follows:
- IHS fee increase will apply to applications made on and after 6 February 2024.
- Ban on care worker dependants will apply from 11 March 2024.
- Recommendations from the MAC’s rapid review of the Shortage Occupation List (Immigration Salary List) will come into force in April 2024, including removal of the 20% going rate discount for shortage occupations and temporarily adding any occupations as recommended by the MAC.
- Skilled Worker visa minimum salary increase will apply from 4 April 2024. This will not apply to the Health & Care Worker route.
- First stage increase in spouse/partner visa minimum salary to £29,000 will apply from 11 April 2024. Later in 2024, this will increase again to £34,500 (this figure may change), and in early 2025, there will be a further uplift, which is expected to be around £38,700.
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Applicants are advised where possible to complete and submit applications before the relevant changes take effect. Employers may also wish to notify affected employees or applicants of the relevant upcoming changes.
For advice on specific circumstances or applications, contact us.
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
