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Year on year, the Home Office, a UK Government body, has introduced new UK immigration updates. This affects both citizens and businesses across the UK, as well as those who wish to move here to work and live here. In 2023 and 2024 the government made the rules more stringent in an effort to decrease net migration.
Here is a useful timeline of all the UK immigration updates 2024 that have been announced so far. We will be sure to update the page once more information is released.
1 January
The first of the 2024 UK immigration updates, students starting their undergraduate or postgraduate course on or after 1 January 2024 can no longer bring their dependants.
This does not apply to those doing a PhD or long-term research.
Anyone who started before this date can still bring their dependants.
31 January
The Visitor Visa now allows for other activities such as remote work, legal services and paid engagments.6 February
The Immigration Health Surcharge Fee is increased to:
- £1,035 per adult per year
- £776 per year for under 18s, Student Visas and Youth Mobilty Scheme.
13 February
Any business found to be employing illegal workers will now be fined:
- £45,000 per worker
- £60,000 for repeat offences
19 February
Medical Sponsor Licence holders must be registered with the ‘Care Quality Commission’ in England only.
22 February
The following countries can now enter the UK with the new ETA:
Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
This is a travel permit, not a visa.
11 March
Those on a Health and Care Worker Visa will no longer be able to bring dependants
4 April
The salary threshold will increase.
Skilled Worker Visa applicants will now need to earn
- £38,700 per year
Also, the Immigration Salary List will replace the Shortage Occupation List.
11 April
Companies with a Sponsor Licence will now only need to renew their application once every 10 years.
This will be free of charge.
Those wishing to bring their partner to the UK with a Spouse Visa will now need to earn at least:
- £29,000 per year
31 December
Most biometric cards will expire in favour of all information being online.
Proof of right to be in the UK will no longer be proven by the card.
For now, this is the last of the UK immigration updates for 2024.
To be confirmed UK immigration updates
There is one policy we will know will be introduced this year as part of UK 2024 immigration updates, but the date is yet to be confirmed.
This change is related to the Shortage Occupation List, which will be replaced by the ‘Immigration Salary List’. Jobs that used to be on this list will no longer get reduced salary rates.Â
PLEASE NOTE: the Immigration Salary List will now be officially introduced on 4 April 2024.
Additionally, the salary threshold for the Spouse Visa will be increasing even more at some point later in the year, with the final increase to £38,700 coming in 2025.
This blog will be updated as more information is announced by the UK Government.
How we can help
Our expert immigration law team can help you with your visa, Sponsor Licence, Indefinite Leave to Remain, and naturalisation applications.
You can arrange a 10-minute free consultation to discuss your needs with a team member, who will act as your point of contact if you decide to go ahead with using our services.
After you have had your free consultation, you can arrange a longer paid consultation that lasts either 30 minutes, or an hour. During this consultation, we will provide you with guidance related to your issue.
Get in touch today if you need any help, and remember to visit us to keep up to date with any future UK immigration updates.
Ready for assistance?
If you have any questions, or want to book an appointment with one of our legal experts, contact Woodcock Law today. Call us on +44 (0)20 7712 1705 or email info@woodcocklaw.co.uk.
