2024 UK Immigration Updates
Hello everyone,
I want to explain recent and upcoming UK immigration updates that can impact international students. There is a lot of information online, and it is difficult to understand how these changes might affect you. So, I will simplify it for you as much as possible!
NOTE: This is not immigration advice or official legal guidance; this is my opinion on immigration changes. I am not an immigration lawyer; I am a career consultant.
Changes already happened and are happening in early 2024:
1️⃣ From January 1, 2024, students on a Student Visa can no longer bring dependents to the UK unless they study for a PhD, another doctorate, or a research-based higher degree. You can also bring dependents if you are a government-sponsored student starting a course that lasts longer than 6 months.
🤔What does it mean for international students?
If you start your course after 1st January 2024, check whether you can bring dependents to the UK. Most courses, especially at the bachelor’s or master’s level, will not permit you to bring dependents.
If you already have dependents in the UK, they will not be sent home, so do not worry. The new rules apply only to new Student Visa applications. Your current dependents can come to you on a Graduate Visa if they were your dependents on a Student Visa.
🔎 Source & more info:
https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/family-members
https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa/your-partner-and-children
2️⃣ From February 6, 2024, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) will increase by 66%. It is increasing from £624 a year to £1,035 a year.
The Immigration Health Surcharge, or IHS, is a charge to ensure migrants contribute to the cost of healthcare the NHS provides.
You pay this fee when applying for visas in the UK, which is charged per year.
For example, if you apply for a three-year Skilled Worker Visa, your IHS will be £1,035 x 3 = £3,105. (Due at the time of application for the visa). Note that some companies cover these costs for you.
Note that IHS is less for Student Visas. It will be £776 per year for students and their dependents.
🤔What does it mean for international students?
It will cost employers or you more to cover the costs of a Skilled Worker Visa.
It will basically cost more for all the visas in the UK that have IHS, no matter who pays the costs.
It will probably impact you if you are applying for a new visa in the UK (student, graduate visa, etc).
🔎 Source & more info:
https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/how-much-pay
3️⃣ On 4th April 2024, The minimum salary threshold for a Skilled Worker visa will rise from £26,200 to £38,700 per annum.
When will we know more?
On 14th March 2024, a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules will be laid before Parliament so we can see what the policy will look like.
ONLY for the spouse/partner visa minimum income will first increase to £29,000 on 11 April 2024. The £29,000 does not apply to Skilled Worker Visa rules.
‼️BUT! We had a quote from the government: “Salary discounts for those towards the start of their careers will still exist.”
🤔What does it mean for international students?
We hope the New Entrant rule will stay the same or manageable for international students. This means they won’t have to meet the high salary level required for skilled worker visas, and the salary level required for them will be discounted. Some people say that the new Entrant rule will not change, but some lawyers told me that they think it will change and will discount the salary threshold to around £30,000 (from £38,700).
🔎 Source & more info:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fact-sheet-on-net-migration-measures-further-detail
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
What is the New Entrant rule?
👉 At the moment, to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, the minimum salary requirement is £26,200.
But if your most recent visa was either a Student or Graduate visa, you fall under the ’new entrant’ rule, and you have a reduced salary requirement:
- Minimum yearly salary of £20,960
- 70% of the occupation’s going-rate
🤔 So, how can international students qualify as ‘new entrants’?
1) Be less than 26 years old when applying for a Skilled Worker Visa.
OR (not AND!)
2) Your most recent visa was a Student Visa.
The visa must either be current or have expired less than 2 years before the date of application. You studied a bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, PGCE, or PGDE course on that student visa. You have completed the course (or are applying no more than 3 months before you are expected to complete it). If you did a PhD, you don’t have to complete the whole course; it’s only 12 months.
OR (not AND!)
3) Your most recent visa was the Graduate route/visa (some people call it PSW)
The permission must be either current or expired less than 2 years before the date of application.
‼️IMPORTANT‼️
Applicants can be new entrants for a maximum of 4 years.
So either 4 years on a Skilled Worker Visa or 2 years on a Graduate Route + 2 years on a Skilled Worker Visa
So, you need to discuss this with your immigration lawyer/employer so they know how long they can sponsor you for the new entrant criteria. After 4 years, you will need to meet the general salary requirement.
🙏 Let’s hope the new entrant rule will remain in 2024 or at least help reduce the new salary requirement of £38,700.
We should know more on the 14th of March, and I will keep you posted!
🔎 Source & more info:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/when-you-can-be-paid-less
https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information–Advice/Working/Skilled-Worker-visa
What are your questions? Comments? Opinions?
Note: I am not an immigration advisor; please consult immigration professionals if you are looking for immigration advice.
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