In brief

Changes to the UK immigration system implementing the UK government’s plan to cut migration levels and curb abuse of the immigration system (explained in our earlier bulletin on the Home Secretary’s announcement in December 2023) will come into effect between March and April 2024.

Key changes

The following changes will come into effect on the respective dates indicated:

The earning threshold will be increased for overseas workers under the Skilled Worker visa route from GBP 26,200 to GBP 38,700. This will take effect from 4 April 2024.
The number of occupations on the Shortage Occupation List will be reviewed and reduced. The Migration Advisory Committee is working on the new list, but this is expected to be released in April 2024.
The graduate visa route is still to be reviewed by the Migration Advisory Committee to ensure it works in the best interests of the UK and that steps are being taken to prevent abuse. The report from the Migration Advisory Committee is expected in late 2024.
Overseas care workers will no longer be able to bring any dependants to the UK. This will take effect from 11 April 2024.
The minimum income required for British citizens and those settled in the UK who want their family members to join them will rise in stages: to GBP 29,000 on 11 April 2024, to GBP 34,500 later in 2024 (the date has not been specified yet), and to GBP 38,700 by early 2025.

As previously announced, the government has increased the annual Immigration Health Surcharge from 6 February 2024.