The UK government has recently announced changes to its immigration policy, affecting those who wish to come to the country for work or study in 2024. The new visa rules aim to attract highly skilled workers and students while reducing illegal immigration. Here is a detailed breakdown of the changes:
Points-Based System for Work Visas
The UK government has introduced changes to the current points-based work visa system, effective in the spring of 2024. Under this system, applicants must meet certain criteria to be eligible for a visa. The requirements include having a job offer from an approved employer in the UK, completing a minimum salary threshold of £38,700 per year, having a certain level of English language proficiency, and meeting other criteria such as having enough money to support themselves in the UK and not having a criminal record. The current system aims to attract highly skilled workers to the UK and to ensure that those who come to the UK contribute to the economy.
1. Job Offer from an Approved Employer: Applicants will need a job offer from an approved employer in the UK. The employer must be registered with the Home Office and have a valid sponsor licence.
2. Minimum Salary Threshold: Applicants must meet a minimum salary threshold, which will be set at £25,600 per year(current rule). However, some exceptions will be for those in certain occupations, such as healthcare and education.
3. English Language Proficiency: Applicants must have a certain English language proficiency level. This can be demonstrated by passing an approved English language test or having a degree taught in English.
4. Other Criteria: Applicants must also meet other criteria, such as having enough money to support themselves in the UK and not having a criminal record.
Changes to the Student Visa System
The UK government has also announced changes to the student visa system, making it easier for international students to study in the UK. Under the rules, students can stay in the UK for up to two years after completing their studies, giving them more time to find work and contribute to the UK economy.
However, from January 2024, the government will remove the right for international students to bring dependants unless they are on postgraduate courses designated as research programmes. This means that international students can only get their family members to the UK if they are on a postgraduate research programme.
Students who have already completed their degrees can stay in the UK for two years (three years for those with a doctoral degree) to work under a graduate visa. This will give international students more time to find work and contribute to the UK economy after completing their studies.
The changes to the student visa system aim to make it easier for international students to come to the UK to study and contribute to the UK economy. The UK government has removed the right for international students to bring dependants with them. The aim of this decision is to reduce the burden on public services and ensure that those who come to the UK do so solely for the purpose of studying.
Family Visas:
The UK government is also making changes to the family visa system. The government is raising the minimum income for those bringing family members to the UK on a visa to £38,700 in spring 2024. The minimum income currently required is £18,600. An estimated 70,000 people came to the UK on family visas in the year ending June 2023. The changes to the family visa system aim to ensure that those who come to the UK on a family visa can support themselves and their family members without relying on public services.
The changes to the family visa system will make it more difficult for some people to bring their family members to the UK. However, the government has stated that the changes are necessary to ensure that those who come to the UK do so for family reunification and can support themselves and their family members without relying on public services.
UK Immigration Policy Overhaul
The UK government’s recent changes to its immigration policy aim to attract highly skilled workers and students while reducing illegal immigration. The changes include a new points-based system for work visas, changes to the student visa system, and changes to the family visa system. The UK has designed these changes to ensure that individuals who come to the country contribute to the economy and can support themselves and their family members without relying on public services. Overall, the changes represent a significant shift in the UK’s approach to immigration and are likely to have a considerable impact on those who wish to come to the country for work or study.
