UK New Visa Rules for Skilled Workers

February 16, 2024
The minimum earnings for new candidates under the "Skilled Worker route" have been revealed by the UK government. The general wage threshold will rise as of April 4, 2024, in accordance with the new rule. The general income requirement for new candidates under the Skilled Worker route will rise from £26,200 to £38,700 per year as of 4 April 2024, according to the notice. Those who are now covered by the skilled worker route, however, will not be impacted by this projected raise if they settle, change sponsors, or extend their visas. It is anticipated, therefore, that their minimum pay will rise in accordance with the standard occupation code's minimum salary criterion. Apart from this, for spouse/partner visa, the minimum income will first increase to £29,000 on 11 April 2024; to around £34,500 at an unspecified time later in 2024; and finally, to approximately £38,700. Additionally, minimum income increase also applies to foreign members of the armed forces who are sponsoring a spouse/partner visa. Furthermore, those who already have a family visa within a five-year partner route, or those applicants who apply before the minimum wage threshold is raised, will continue to have their applications reviewed against the current income requirement. Such applicants will not be required to meet the increased threshold. The UK government also specified that the initial changes to the shortage occupation list will likely happen in April 2024. Also, the country will not allow newly arriving care workers to bring immediate family from March 11, 2024.