DATES FOR IMMIGRATION CHANGES ANNOUNCED
Through a Home Office statement we have now been given more information on the timeframe for implementation of some key immigration changes.
On 11 April 2024 the minimum income requirement for Family visas will be increasing from £18,600 to £29,000. This will be effective for all new applications submitted from that date. Those who already have a Family visa (i.e. spouse, partner, fiancé) will not be subject to the increase. Instead, such applicants will continue to be assessed on the previous £18,600 level and that will remain in place for future extensions and when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
The Home Office have indicated that the £29,000 figure will be increased incrementally to £34,500 and then to £38,700 (by early 2025). Unfortunately, no specific dates for these further changes have yet been announced.
For Skilled Worker visas, the minimum earnings threshold will be increasing on 4 April 2024 from £26,200 to £38,700. All new applications from that date will need to meet that minimum salary level or the “going rate” for the specific occupation, whichever is higher.
Those in the UK currently on Skilled Worker visas will not be subject to the new higher level. Furthermore, those on the Health and Social Care Visa route will be exempt from the new salary threshold.