New UK Visa Rules: Who Can Go To England For Work Now And Who Can Take Family Along? Know Minimum Salary Limits

New UK Visa Rules

The UK has long been an attractive destination for people seeking opportunities to live, work, or study. However, recent changes in immigration policies, particularly the implementation of the points-based system (PBS), have significantly affected the process for individuals aspiring to work or settle in the UK.

A latest report by the BBC stated that as of April 11, 2024, individuals aiming to work in the UK are required to navigate through a revamped visa application process under the PBS.

Know the minimum salary limits

One of the most notable changes is the imposition of a higher salary threshold for obtaining a work visa. Previously set at £26,200, the minimum salary requirement has been increased by nearly 50 per cent to £38,700. This adjustment aims to ensure that incoming workers meet a certain income level deemed necessary for contributing positively to the UK economy.

Work visa

It’s important to note that certain professions, such as those in health and social care, as well as teachers on national pay scales, are exempt from this elevated salary threshold. Nevertheless, even within these exempted categories, challenges persist, as demonstrated by the restriction on overseas care workers from bringing family dependents with them. Such limitations have drawn criticism from various groups, including the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Royal College of Nursing, who argue that these measures fail to address the pressing issue of labour shortages within the UK.

Family visa

Amid these changes, the rules governing family visas have also undergone revisions. Individuals seeking to join family members in the UK now face stringent income requirements and must demonstrate proficiency in English. Initially slated to rise to £38,700, the income threshold was eventually scaled back to £29,000 following concerns over the potential separation of families. Nonetheless, plans remain in place for gradual increases, with the threshold set to reach £34,500 and eventually £38,700 by early 2025.

Check with whom you can live in the UK:

• Spouse or partner
• Fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner
• Child
• Parent
• Relative who will provide long-term care for you

Note, you have to demonstrate a good command over English and meet the minimum income threshold.

What is PBS?

The PBS operates on a points-based system, wherein applicants must accumulate a minimum of 70 points to qualify for a skilled worker visa. These points are allocated based on various factors, including possessing a job offer above a certain skill level, proficiency in English, and meeting specific salary criteria. Additionally, applicants can earn points for working in sectors facing shortages or holding a relevant PhD. However, obtaining a visa under this system comes at a cost, with fees ranging from £719 to £1,500 for a skilled visa, alongside a healthcare surcharge of £1,035 per year starting from April 2024.

Addressing labour shortage

To address labour shortages in key sectors, the UK government maintains a “shortage occupation list,” which facilitates the recruitment of foreign workers for specific roles. Jobs listed here are subject to lower salary thresholds, making it easier for applicants to meet visa requirements. However, recent reforms have seen a reduction in the number of occupations on this list, signaling a shift in immigration priorities.

These jobs have a lower salary threshold, making it easier for applicants to gain enough points to get a visa. The list includes:

• Health and care workers
• Pharmacists
• Graphic designers
• Construction workers
• Vets

How many migrants come to the UK?

In the year ended June 2023, a total of 1,180,000 people came to the UK and an estimated 508,000 departed. That means net migration, the difference between the number of people arriving and leaving, stood at 672,000. Across the 2022 calendar year, net migration reached a record 745,000. The vast majority of the 1,180,000 – 968,000, came from outside the EU. Of those, 39 per cent came to study, 33 per cent to work, and 9 per cent for humanitarian reasons, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Here are the top 5 non-EU nationalities

• Indian – 253,000
• Nigerian – 141,000
• Chinese – 89,000
• Pakistani – 55,000
• Ukrainian – 35,000

Impact of Brexit

Brexit has also had a profound impact on immigration dynamics in the UK. With the end of freedom of movement between the UK and the EU in January 2021, EU nationals are now subject to the same immigration rules as non-EU citizens. Consequently, the UK has witnessed a significant decline in net EU migration, with more EU nationals leaving the country than arriving. Meanwhile, migration trends among non-EU nationals and British nationals have also evolved, reflecting the broader changes in the immigration landscape post-Brexit.

Student visa

In addition to changes in work-related visas, the UK’s student visa policies have undergone modifications, affecting international students and their dependents. While the number of study visas issued remains substantial, recent adjustments restrict the eligibility of dependents for postgraduate students unless enrolled in designated research programs. However, graduates can now benefit from extended visa durations to pursue employment opportunities in the UK following the completion of their studies.

Seasonal worker visas

Seasonal worker visas cater to temporary labour needs, particularly in industries such as agriculture. Despite efforts to streamline the visa process and ensure fair wages for workers, challenges persist in recruiting seasonal labourers, as highlighted by anecdotal evidence from agricultural sectors.

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