UK Visa Updates: New Rules for Skilled Workers and Students
January 5, 2024
By Immigration Advisor
The UK government has introduced significant changes to its immigration system in 2024, affecting skilled worker visas, student visas, and family visa applications. These updates reflect the UK's evolving immigration priorities and economic needs.
Skilled Worker Visa Changes
Major updates to the UK Skilled Worker visa program include:
- Salary Threshold Updates: Increased minimum salary requirements for skilled worker visas, with different thresholds based on occupation codes and experience levels. The general threshold has been raised to reflect current market conditions.
- Shortage Occupation List: Updated shortage occupation list with new professions added and some removed, affecting visa application requirements and processing priorities.
- Sponsor License Requirements: Enhanced requirements for employers sponsoring skilled workers, including updated compliance obligations and reporting requirements.
- Processing Times: Standard processing time of 3 weeks for most applications, with priority and super-priority services available for faster processing.
Student Visa Updates
Important changes affecting international students:
- Updated financial requirements with increased maintenance fund amounts
- Changes to work rights for student visa holders, including restrictions on dependents' work rights
- Enhanced English language requirements for certain courses
- Updated requirements for switching from student visa to work visa
- Changes to post-study work visa (Graduate Route) eligibility
Family Visa Changes
Updates to family visa applications including spouse, partner, and dependent visas:
The minimum income requirement for family visas has been updated, affecting applications for bringing family members to the UK. There are also changes to the relationship evidence requirements and processing procedures.
Our immigration advisors can help you understand how these changes affect your specific situation and guide you through the updated application process.
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