The following is a summary of the key developments in UK immigration in 2024:
Increase in Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), a mandatory fee for visas longer than six months, increased in February 2024. The new rate is £1,035 per year for most applicants, while students and children benefit from a reduced rate of £776 annually. This fee grants visa holders access to the UK’s healthcare system.
Changes to Family Visa Salary Thresholds
The minimum income requirement for UK Family visas, including the Spouse visa, rose from £18,600 to £29,000 on 11 April 2024. Further increases to £38,700 are anticipated in 2025. Applicants must provide comprehensive financial documentation but are no longer required to show additional funds for dependent children.
Dependants on Student and Health & Care Visas
From 1 January 2024, students can only bring dependants if they are pursuing a PhD, a research-based postgraduate degree, or a full-time course of at least six months funded by a national government scholarship. If the scholarship does not cover dependants' living costs, further financial evidence is required.
Dependants already in the UK may stay if the student started a qualifying course before 1 January 2024 and meets specific criteria, such as transitioning to another eligible course. Undergraduate and short-course students cannot bring dependants unless they are government-sponsored or enrolled in postgraduate courses lasting nine months or more.
From 11 March 2024, care workers and senior care workers under the Health and Care visa are no longer permitted to include dependants in new applications. Existing visa holders may continue living with their dependants. This change does not affect other eligible roles under this visa route.
Updates to the Skilled Worker Visa
Effective 4 April 2024, the minimum salary threshold for new Skilled Worker visa applicants increased to £38,700. Exceptions apply to PhD holders, NHS staff, and education workers, who adhere to specific pay scales. Social care workers remain eligible with a reduced threshold of £23,200. Transitional arrangements allow those who applied before 4 April 2024 to meet lower salary thresholds for settlement if their visa remains valid until 3 April 2030.
Replacement of the Shortage Occupation List
The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) was replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL) in 2024 for certain sponsorship visa applications. The ISL establishes salary thresholds for eligible roles, requiring applicants to meet the higher of £30,960 or the occupation-specific threshold.
Updates to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
New rules for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the long residence route took effect on 11 April 2024. Applicants must hold valid permission under their current visa for at least 12 months and limit their absences from the UK to no more than 180 days in any 12-month period. More lenient absence limits apply to periods of residence before this date. The updated requirements are outlined in the new "Appendix Long Residence."
Changes to IELTS for UKVI
From 29 August 2024, IELTS for UKVI Test Report Forms include individual CEFR levels for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. A performance summary section has been added, and the UKVI reference number is now displayed more prominently.
From 2 November 2024, IELTS for UKVI will be available exclusively as a computer-based test in the UK, with results delivered within 1–5 days. The updated test includes tasks engaging with digital texts, a greater emphasis on critical thinking in writing, and enhanced spontaneity in speaking assessments. IELTS for UKVI is required for certain UK visas, ILR, and British citizenship applications to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme
The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme was expanded in November 2024 to include all non-visa nationals, with Europeans set to join by April 2025. Applicants must hold a valid national passport and meet specific criteria.
New Visa Requirement for Jordanian Nationals
In September 2024, Jordan was removed from the list of non-visa nationals. Visitors and transit passengers from Jordan now require a visa to enter the UK. A visa-free transition period applied to those with an ETA issued before 10 September 2024, allowing travel by 8 October 2024. This change facilitates more robust pre-travel checks to reduce system misuse.
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