The UK government has updated its Immigration Rules in 2024. These changes affect various visa categories, including those for visitors, students, workers, and families. These reforms aim to streamline the immigration process and reduce net migration.
To ensure a smooth journey to the UK, it’s crucial to understand the new regulations. This guide provides insights into the key changes to the UK entry requirements, their implications for travelers, and how to prepare for your trip to the UK.
Ban on Care Worker Dependents
Before March 11, 2024, all Health and Care Worker Visa holders were allowed to be accompanied by their dependent family members. The government has now banned senior care workers (SOC 6136) and care workers (SOC 6135) from bringing dependants to the country.
Note that this rule applies solely to new care worker applicants and does not impact other workers (new or existing) on the Health and Care route.
Additionally, care workers already in the country before March 11 can bring their dependants, provided they meet certain conditions.
Restriction on Student Dependents
Since January 1, 2024, individuals seeking to study in the UK can no longer bring their dependants unless they are on postgraduate research programmes lasting longer than nine months or are government-sponsored students on a course longer than six months.
This new policy does not apply to students who commenced their studies in the UK before January 1.
Increased Minimum Income Requirement for Partner Visa
On April 11, 2024, the UK raised the minimum income requirement for the Spouse or Partner Visa by 55% from £18,600 to £29,000.
Under the new rules, couples with dependent children are no longer required to demonstrate additional income. The income requirement remains at £29,000, regardless of the number of children included in the application.
Those already on the Partner Visa route before 11 April 2024 will not be affected by these new requirements when applying for an extension. They will need to meet the previous income threshold of £18,600.
However, they must show they are applying to remain with the same partner for whom their initial permission was granted; otherwise, the new, higher income threshold will apply.
Skilled Worker Minimum Salary Threshold Increment
On April 4, 2024, the minimum salary requirement for the Skilled Worker Visa rose from £26,000 to £38,700.
However, the threshold for healthcare and education workers is determined based on nationally agreed-upon pay scales.
For instance, the minimum income requirement for healthcare workers on national pay scales is £23,200 annually and £29,000 for those outside the national pay scales.
The going rates for the occupation codes also increased and are now set at the 50th percentile salary in line with the ASHE data from 2023.
Anyone applying for a visa as a skilled worker from April 4 must earn the minimum required income or the going rates for their role, whichever is higher.
Increase in Immigration Health Surcharge
On February 6, 2024, the Home Office increased the fee for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which allowed immigrants to contribute to the NHS and other public health services.
For students and their dependents, applicants under the Youth Mobility Scheme, and children under 18, the IHS rate increased from £470 to £776 annually. All other categories of applicants aged 18 and over will now pay £1,035 annually instead of the old rate of £634.
Changes to the Visit Visa Rules
On January 31, 2024, the UK government updated the visitor visa appendices of the Immigration Rules, revising Appendix V: Visitor, Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities, and Appendix Visitor: Visa national list.
Here’s a breakdown of the new entry requirements for UK visa applicants:
Expansion of Visitor Permission
On January 31 2024, the government expanded the list of permitted activities on the Standard Visitor Visa to make it easier for visitors to conduct work-related activities while in the country.
Business Visitor Visa holders entering the UK for intra-corporate activities were initially prohibited from working directly with their organisation’s clients. That condition has now been removed, allowing them to interface with clients as long as it is related to their overseas role and it is not the sole purpose of their visit to the UK.
The new UK immigration rules also now permit business visitors to work remotely from within the country. The remote activity must be related to their employment overseas, provided it is not the primary reason for their visit.
Additionally, the requirement for visitors entering the country as academics to first be on sabbatical leave has been modified. Only those applying for a 12-month visitor visa now need to meet that requirement.
Furthermore, scientists, researchers, and academics were previously permitted to gather facts related to their employment overseas or conduct independent research. Under the new rules, they can conduct research beyond gathering facts.
Merge of Permitted Paid Engagement Visa into Visitor Visa
Also, on January 31, 2024, the Permitted Paid Engagement Visitor route was integrated into the Standard Visitor Visa route.
With this change, UK visitors no longer require a special visa to participate in permitted paid engagements.
However, they must specify their intention to participate in such engagements when applying for the Visit Visa. They’ll also only have the first 30 days of entry to complete such activities, and they can spend the remaining period on their visa on other activities.
Widespread Rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme
In September, the UK government announced dates for worldwide implementation of the ETA scheme, an automated online system designed to enhance security and fully digitise UK borders by 2025.
Under this scheme, all non-British or non-Irish citizens who were previously visa-exempt will need permission to enter the UK.
Qatari visitors were the first to be able to apply for an ETA in October 2023. Bahrain, Oman, UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan followed in February 2024. The UK subsequently revoked ETA for Jordanians in September after recording multiple cases of “misuse.”
By September 2024, the ETA had expanded to over 80 countries. The Home Office has announced that all nationals except Europeans can apply from November 27, 2024, and will be required to present it from January 8, 2025.
Eligible Europeans can apply for the scheme from March 5, 2025, as they will need it for UK entry from April 2.
How to Prepare in Light of the Changes to the UK Foreign Entry Rules in 2024
If you’re planning to visit, work, or study in the United Kingdom, it’s essential to be aware of the new entry requirements, especially as they affect you. Review updates about qualifications, income requirements, and permitted activities to understand their implications for your application.
Additionally, take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth application process. This includes preparing all supporting documents that prove you are eligible for the visa, completing the online application form accurately, and paying the appropriate visa fees.
Consider seeking the services of an expert immigration lawyer if you find the visa application process overwhelming.
A professional will offer personalised guidance to help you prevent errors in your visa application and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
