The UK government introduced significant immigration changes in 2024, impacting skilled workers, family visa applicants, and students. The Home Office announced these changes to curb net migration while ensuring businesses and families can still meet essential workforce and personal needs. As an immigration lawyer, it is vital to understand these updates and guide clients accordingly (Home Office, 2024).
One of the most significant changes is the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold increase from £26,200 to £38,700 (effective April 2024). This change impacts many applicants, particularly those in lower-paid roles. However, shortage occupation list exemptions and alternative salary criteria for health and care workers still apply (UK Government, 2024). Employers must reassess sponsorship budgets, and workers earning below £38,700 must explore alternative visa options. Health and care workers remain unaffected by the new threshold.
Family visas under the Spouse or Partner route now require a minimum financial threshold of £29,000, with further increases expected in 2025 to £34,500 and £38,700 in 2026. This means many British citizens and settled residents seeking to bring family members to the UK must meet stricter financial criteria (Migration Advisory Committee, 2024). More families may struggle to meet financial requirements, and couples must provide clear documentary evidence of income sources. Alternative routes such as the Private Life application may be considered.
From March 11, 2024, dependents of skilled workers in the Health & Care sector can no longer apply for visas. This change has led to concerns about workforce retention and family
separation (BBC News, 2024). Care worker dependents now have limited visa options, and skilled workers already in the UK with dependents may apply for extensions under old rules. Employers may face recruitment difficulties due to reduced worker mobility.
Following a government crackdown on student migration, international students (excluding PhD and research students) are no longer allowed to bring dependents. This aims to reduce visa abuse but has raised concerns about the impact on UK universities’ attractiveness to international talent (Universities UK, 2024). More students may defer studies or seek alternative countries, and UK universities may experience a decline in international enrollments. High-skilled students may opt for Skilled Worker or Graduate visas instead.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) has increased from £624 to £1,035 per year per adult, and £776 per child. This change significantly impacts long-term migrants, increasing the overall cost of moving to and staying in the UK (Home Office, 2024). Family visa and work visa applicants must budget for higher costs, and fee waiver applications may increase due to financial hardship claims. Visa extensions and ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) applications may be timed strategically to reduce IHS burden.
UK employers sponsoring foreign workers face stricter compliance checks, with greater scrutiny on HR processes, payroll records, and job genuineness (CIPD, 2024). Increased Home Office audits for compliance verification mean employers must ensure accurate record keeping to avoid licence revocation. Small businesses face challenges in adjusting to compliance requirements.
The UK is moving towards a fully digital immigration system, eliminating physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) by 2025. Migrants will now receive a digital status linked to their passport (UK Visas and Immigration, 2024). Visa holders must keep passport details updated to avoid travel issues, and employers and landlords must use online verification tools. Digital status reduces the risk of fraudulent BRP use.
These UK immigration policy changes in 2024 require careful planning for individuals and businesses. As an immigration law firm, we advise clients to assess eligibility criteria before applying, ensure financial and salary thresholds are met, seek alternative visa routes if restrictions impact, stay compliant with sponsorship duties, and prepare for increased visa costs and digitalisation.
If you need expert legal assistance to navigate these changes, contact our immigration lawyers today for a consultation.
References
BBC News, 2024. UK immigration changes 2024: What you need to know. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-immigration
CIPD, 2024. Employer guidance on sponsorship compliance checks. [online] Available at: https://www.cipd.co.uk/news-views
Home Office, 2024. UK Immigration Rules: Statement of Changes. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications
Migration Advisory Committee, 2024. Family visa financial thresholds report. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/migration-advisory-committee
UK Government, 2024. Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold Update. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker
UK Visas and Immigration, 2024. Digital Immigration Status Rollout. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa
Universities UK, 2024. Impact of Student Dependent Ban on UK Higher Education. [online] Available at: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk
