UK Raises Skilled Worker Visa Salary Thresholds Starting April 4

In a significant development for UK immigration policy, the government has announced substantial revisions to the Skilled Worker visa salary thresholds, set to come into effect on April 4, 2024.

These changes carry profound implications for UK employers with sponsor licenses, necessitating careful consideration for those intending to apply under this visa category.

Overview of Salary Threshold Increases

1. Higher Salary Requirements

The minimum annual salary requirement for the Skilled Worker visa has undergone a notable increase from £26,200 to £38,700. While exemptions exist, particularly for Health and Care workers, this adjustment is poised to impact various job sectors and could particularly affect industries reliant on skilled overseas labour.

2. Sector-Specific “Going Rate” Increases

Moreover, specific increases to the “going rate” for select job roles have been introduced. These government-set rates may surpass the £38,700 minimum for certain professions, mandating a thorough review of the going rate salary lists for each occupation.

Also Read: Discover 28 Shortage Occupations for UK Skilled Worker Visa

Important Dates for Employers

CoS Assignment Deadline: To benefit from the current salary thresholds, it’s imperative to assign CoS by 7:00 PM on April 2, 2024. This provides a narrow window for applicants and employers to capitalize on the existing criteria before the new thresholds take effect.

Extended CoS Assignment Window: The flexibility remains to assign a CoS up to three months ahead of a visa application, offering a potential advantage for both employers and visa applicants.

Targeted Exemptions and Adjustments

Healthcare Workers: Recognizing their critical role, the minimum salary threshold for healthcare visa roles will increase to a lower amount of £29,000 per year. In some specific healthcare professions, a lower threshold of either £23,200 or the occupation’s specific rate (whichever is higher) may apply.

New Entrants & PhD Holders: The program continues to support recent graduates, those transitioning from a Graduate visa, and applicants with a relevant PhD by offering lower salary requirements in some cases.

Must Read: UK Scraps Shortage Occupation List (SOL) for Skilled Worker Visas

Existing Visa Holders

Visa Extensions & Employer Changes: Current visa holders seeking to extend their stay or switch employers may be eligible for a lower threshold of £29,000, depending on their occupation’s “going rate.”

Employer Compliance

Increased Scrutiny: Sponsor license holders can expect more scrutiny to ensure they comply with the updated salary requirements.

Non-Compliance Repercussions: Failure to meet the new thresholds could lead to fines, suspension, or even revocation of a sponsor license. Employers should thoroughly understand the changes to avoid such consequences.

Additional Updates

New Reference Data: The government shifts to using the median of 2023 ASHE data instead of the 25th percentile of 2021 data, potentially raising minimum salaries for some roles beyond £38,700.

Transitional Arrangements: Existing Skilled Worker visa holders may benefit from transitional salary requirements until April 4, 2030, with a minimum of £29,000 or the “going rate” based on the 25th percentile of 2023 ASHE data.

Increase in Immigration Health Charge: Effective February 6, the UK raises the immigration health surcharge from GBP 624 to GBP 1,035 annually. Concessions remain for students and under-18s, aligning with broader adjustments to immigration-related fees.

Conclusion

With these sweeping changes on the horizon, stakeholders must navigate the evolving landscape of UK immigration policy with precision and foresight. Understanding the implications and acting promptly will be paramount for employers and prospective visa applicants alike.