Recent legislation updates
Useful updates on immigration law relevant to the University’s staff and visitors.
On 14 March 2024, the Home Office published their intended changes to the minimum income requirement for the Skilled Worker visa route.
The base line salary has increased from £26,200 to £38,700. However, there are additional thresholds for specific situations (such as those with PhDs and ‘new entrants’).
Similarly, the minimum income for those applying to join their settled/British spouses will be raised from £18,600 to £29,000.
Please note the new salary limits for Skilled Worker visas will not come into effect until 4 April 2024; the changes in income for partner visas will come into force on 11 April 2024.
Who do the changes affect?
Anyone who has a Certificate of Sponsorship issued before 4 April 2024 will be able to apply under the old i.e. existing rules and income requirements.
If your Certificate of Sponsorship is issued on 4 April or after, the application will be covered by the new rules. In relation to partner visa applications under Appendix FM, those applying on or after 11 April will be covered by the new rules.
The Staff Immigration Service is working together with the HR Global Mobility team to assess how staff are likely to be impacted. We hope to publish a more detailed legal briefing in the next few days. The HR Global Mobility team will be liaising with HR partners to work in collaboration with colleagues in schools and departments, to resolve any issues which may arise.
Seeking advice?
If you are concerned about the sponsorship of your Skilled Worker visa, please contact HR in your School/Department in the first instance.
If you have any other concerns or queries on how the new rules may affect your immigration status, please contact the Staff Immigration Service.