In July 2023, the UK Home Office announced some important changes to the immigration rules, which have significant impacts on various visa categories. These changes are outlined in the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 1496) and (HC 1715). Key areas that have been impacted include the Student Visa route, Skilled Worker Visa route, visitor visa route, EU settlement, switching to skilled worker visas, and updates to the shortage occupation lists. These alterations mark important milestones in the UK's immigration landscape, influencing various aspects of the visa application process.
Changes in Student Visa switching:
From 17th July 2023,
- Student visa holders are no longer allowed to switch to Worker Visas* without completing their course of study.
- Student visa holders are no longer allowed to switch to Worker Dependent Visas without completing their course of study.
- PhD students must have completed at least 24 months of their course before switching to Worker Visas.
*Work visa routes include the Skilled Worker route, Global mobility route, Scale-up route, temporary worker visa route, Innovator Founder route and International Sportsperson route.
Changes in Student Dependent Visa
From 1st January 2024, Students are no longer allowed to bring dependents unless they're pursuing a PhD or other doctorate (RQF level 8) course, or a research-based higher degree.
However, students who have already started their courses before this date will not face any impact or restriction due to the recent changes.
Changes in the Skilled Worker Visa Route
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is making updates to the Skilled Worker Shortage Occupation List, occupations from the construction and fishing industries will be added to the list. These changes are scheduled to take effect on August 7, 2023.
For occupations listed on the Shortage Occupation List, there are reduced salary requirements for the Skilled Worker visa. These benefits are applicable to jobs recognized as experiencing a shortage and where immigration plays a practical role in addressing this scarcity.
Construction jobs added in the shortage occupation list are as below:
- 5312 Bricklayers and masons
- 5313 Roofers, roof tilers and slaters
- 5315 Carpenters and joiners
- 5319 Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified
- 5321 Plasterers
Extended Immigration Permission for GPs in Speciality Training
GPs undergoing speciality training will now receive immigration permission that lasts for four months after their Certificate of Sponsorship's expiration date. This extension grants them sufficient time to secure additional immigration permission as a GP with a licensed sponsor.
Changes in the EU Settlement Scheme
From September 2023, people with pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) will automatically have their status extended by 2 years before it expires if they have not obtained settled status.
This extension provides a crucial window of opportunity for individuals to continue residing and working in the UK while working towards achieving settled status. With the automatic two-year extension, individuals can benefit from an extended period to meet the requirements for settled status.
Changes in the Visitor Visa Route
From 19 July 2023, five countries have been added to the "visa national list."
Travellers from these countries will now be required to apply for entry clearance before entering the UK, and they can no longer enter as visitors solely using their passports for a period of six months.
The countries added to the visa national list are as follows:
- Dominica
- Honduras
- Namibia
- TimorLeste
- Vanuatu
Changes in Immigration fees
On 13th July 2023, the UK government announced massive changes in immigration fees to support pay rises in its public sectors, including the NHS. Notably, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is set to rise from £624 to £1035 per year for skilled worker routes. For students, children, and youth mobility visa routes, the IHS will increase from £470 to £776 per year.
Additionally, visa applications and nationality services will also experience a fee increase. Work and visit visa application fees will see a 15% raise, while student visas, certificates of sponsorship, settlement, citizenship, entry clearance, and leave to remain applications will undergo an increment of at least 20%.
The good news is that the £19.20 biometric enrolment fee will be removed and the Home Office aims to enhance its digital processes to streamline the immigration system for a more efficient experience.
Need professional assistance?
The recent changes in UK immigration rules present both opportunities and challenges for individuals, businesses, and international students. As these changes take effect, it is essential for all stakeholders to remain informed and seek professional guidance to navigate the evolving landscape of UK immigration.
At WorkPermitCloud, we stay on top of immigration updates and provide expert advice to individuals and businesses to smooth immigration processes.
Contact us today to streamline your immigration process.
