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Radical Changes to UK Immigration Rules Coming at a Cost to Skilled Workers
In April 2024 significant changes to immigration rules took place, particularly for skilled workers. The minimum salary level for skilled workers increased by 48% to £38,700, with salary increases for other sponsored work routes as well.
Our table below illustrates the differences between the current and new rules, for existing visa holders and new visa applicants.
| Minimum salary from 4 April 2024 for existing Skilled Worker visa holders, submitting a new application | Minimum salary from 4 April 2024 for new Skilled Worker visa applicants | |
| General Threshold | £29,000 and the occupation going rate | £38,700 and the occupation going rate |
| Applicants who hold a PhD in a subject relevant to the job | £26,100 and 90% of the occupation’s going rate | £34,830 per annum and 90% of the occupation’s going rate |
| Applicants who hold a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job | £23,200 and 80% of the occupation’s going rate | £30,960 per annum and 80% of the occupation’s going rate |
| Applicants being sponsored for a job on the Immigration Salary List | £23,200 and the occupation’s going rate | £30,960 per annum and the occupation’s going rate |
| Applicants who are “new entrants” at the start of their career | £23,200 and 70% the occupation’s going rate | £30,960 per annum and 70% of the occupation’s going rate |
| Applicants being sponsored for a job in a listed health or education occupation | £23,200 and the occupation’s going rate | £23,200 and the occupation’s going rate |
According to the new immigration rules, sponsors are required to pay a higher amount between the minimum salary figure and the occupation's going rate. However, with the recent changes, migrants are no longer mandated to receive a minimum of £10.75 per hour. This is because even the lowest salary threshold under the new rules will surpass the national living wage of £11.44 (effective from 1 April 2024).
Employers must understand these changes and how they will impact businesses and employees before they take effect. The changes also include the replacement of the Shortage Occupation List with a new "Immigration Salary List" and adjustments to the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes.
If you have any questions about the changes to immigration rules and/or would like assistance with submitting an immigration application, please contact us on 01403 801801 or email [email protected]
Laura, is a Level 1 IAA acccredited adviser with over 20 years experience of working within the Home Office and the UK Immigration Service. She brings a unique advantage to our team. Her expertise in Immigration law and writing skills are an asset.
