Update on Changes to UK Immigration Policy

Here’s an update on the changes to the immigration system taking effect over the next few months, further to the Government’s announcement on 4th December 2023.

• From 11th March 2024, care workers (SOC 6145) and senior care workers (SOC 6146) migrating to the UK will no longer be able to bring dependents. These changes do not affect those employed on a Health and Care Visa on other occupation codes (SOCs).
• Care workers and senior care workers already in the route WILL be able to remain with their dependants, including extending, changing employer (within these SOC codes) and settlement.
• Where a care worker or senior care worker is in the route before the Immigration Rules change, but has not yet brought dependants, they WILL be allowed to bring dependants during their sponsorship (on this visa).
• Individuals who are in the UK on any other route, including where that route permits dependants, who switch into the care visa as a care worker or senior care worker after this date, will NOT be able to stay with (or bring over) dependants.
• From 11th March 2024 only CQC-registered providers can sponsor Health and Care Visa applicants. This means that care providers operating in non-regulated activities (and therefore not required to be registered with the CQC), will no longer be able to sponsor Health and Care Visa applicants. Non-CQC registered providers can continue to sponsor any overseas staff who’s Health and Care Visas were issued before the rules change.
• A new salary threshold of £38,700 will come into force on 4th April 2024. This will NOT apply to Health and Care Visa holders, who will continue to require a minimum salary of £20,960, based on an hourly rate of £10.75. This figure will rise from April 2024, in line with National Minimum Wage rate increases.
• The new salary thresholds will NOT apply to dependents of Health and Care Visa holders, who will continue to have a generic right to work in the UK.
• Health and Care Visa holders will continue to be exempt from paying the Immigrational Health Surcharge (IHS), which increased from £624 to £1,035 on 6th February 2024.
• Occupations on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), will be replaced with a new Immigration Salary List from early April 2024.
• The minimum income requirement for family visas will rise in stages, starting at £29,000 from 11 April 2024 and will be incrementally increased to £34,500 and £38,700 by early 2025.