Immigration changes for Skilled Worker and Family Visas
On 4 December 2023, the Home Secretary announced sweeping changes to Skilled Worker and Family visas.
The main points include;
• Implementing a minimum salary level of £38,700 (up from £26,200) for Skilled Worker visas.
• The Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) for family visas will also be raised. This will be a very significant increase from £18,600 to £38,700. This includes those applying as spouse and partners of British citizens.
• The Shortage Occupation List will be amended with several occupation to be removed. Also the 20% going rate salary discount for occupations on the list will be removed.
• The Graduate visa route will be reviewed by the Migration Advisory Committee.
The effective date for such changes has not been announced other than a very vague indication of “Spring 2024”.
It has not been clarified if those in the UK on current visas will be subject to the new financial requirements when applying for Further Leave to Remain (FLR) or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
We will update in due course once we have further information.
In the meantime if you do qualify at this point for a Skilled Worker or Family visa then it may be worthwhile applying before the new changes become effective.