What immigration changes do we expect this year?

Pre-Xmas, the government announced it’s “five-point plan” to reduce immigration with most changes to be implemented sometime in the Spring. So, what are those changes?

1. Those sponsored under Health and Social Care visas will not be allowed to bring their dependents to the UK. Care providers in England will also only be able to sponsor migrant workers under this visa if they are undertaking activities regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
2. The baseline minimum salary to be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa will rise from £26,200 to £38,700 which is a significant increase. There are some exceptions – notably those sponsored under a Health and Care Worker visa. Many employers are understandably moving forward with recruitment plans before the change takes effect as the new minimum salary will not apply to those already sponsored.
3. The ‘Shortage Occupation List lists a number of jobs where it is possible to sponsor overseas workers below the baseline minimum salary referred to above. The number of jobs on this list is to reduce and the list will now be called the ‘Immigration Salary List’.
4. The minimum income normally required to sponsor someone for a spouse/partner visa will rise in stages from £18,600 to £29,000 this year and to a figure of around £38,700 at some point next year.
5. The Migration Advisory Committee will conduct a review of the Graduate visa for overseas graduates with the aim of reducing further an employer’s ability to recruit without sponsorship.

These changes will of course have a significant impact - as is the government’s intention! Please contact Sarah Hall or Sarah Furness if we can assist with your immigration law needs.