The United Kingdom is witnessing a notable influx of migrants, prompting the government to enact updates to its visa policies and requirements, as reported by the BBC.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed concern over the record-high influx of 745,000 individuals to the country in 2022, deeming it “far too high.” In response, the government has implemented a 50% increase in the minimum salary requirement for visa applicants.
Effective April 11th, the new minimum salary requirement for visa applicants stands at £38,700, a significant jump from the previous threshold of £26,200. Consequently, individuals seeking employment in the UK will now need a job offer with a higher salary to meet the revised criteria under the points-based system (PBS).
It’s important to note exceptions to this threshold, particularly in critical sectors such as health and social care, and for teachers on national pay scales. However, overseas care workers are not permitted to bring family dependents with them under these new regulations.
Moreover, adjustments have been made to the requirements for UK family visas. These visas are necessary for individuals seeking to reside with relatives who have lawful UK residency exceeding six months. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English and meet the increased minimum income threshold, which now stands at £29,000, up from £18,600.
Sunak anticipates further increases in this income threshold in early 2025.
Notably, the Home Office has confirmed that existing family visa holders renewing their visas will not be subjected to the heightened earnings threshold.
The government has introduced a “shortage occupation list” to aid employers in filling crucial sector vacancies, offering lower salary thresholds for visa applicants in designated occupations. This list includes roles such as health and care workers, pharmacists, graphic designers, construction workers, and veterinarians. Notably, the rule allowing employers to pay foreign workers 80% of the standard “going rate” for certain positions has been abolished, and the number of occupations on the list is being reduced.
In terms of UK student visas, the government granted 486,107 study visas from September 2022 to September 2023, with half of those issued to nationals from India, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the US. Postgraduate students could previously apply for visas for qualifying dependents, including spouses, partners, and children under 18. However, since January 2024, international postgraduate students are restricted from bringing dependents unless enrolled in designated research programs.
Furthermore, graduates can remain in the UK for two years after completing their degree, or three years for those with doctoral degrees, under a graduate visa scheme to work.
