Frequently Asked Questions About the UK’s New Immigration Rules for 2024
The UK government recently announced a series of changes to its immigration rules, which will take effect in 2024. These changes are intended to reduce net migration to the UK and to make it more difficult for people to come to the UK to work.
Here are the top 10 frequently asked questions about the new immigration rules:
1. What are the main changes to the immigration rules?
There are several changes as per the UK’s New Immigration Rules for 2024, including:
- A reduction in the number of skilled worker visas available.
- A tightening of the rules for Tier 2 visas, which are for skilled workers who do not have a job offer from a UK-based employer.
- A new health and care visa will be available to people from non-EEA countries who want to work in the NHS or social care.
- A new graduate visa will be available to international students who have graduated from a UK university.
- Changes to the rules for family visas will make it more difficult for people to bring their dependents to the UK.
2. How will the new rules affect me?
The new rules will affect people in a number of ways, including:
- It may be more difficult to get a visa to live and work in the UK.
- The process of applying for a visa may be more complex.
- It may be more expensive to apply for a visa.
3. What can I do to prepare for the new rules?
If you are thinking about coming to the UK to work or study, you should start planning now. You should check the eligibility criteria for the visa you are interested in and gather all of the documentation you will need to apply.
4. What resources are available to help me?
As well as consulting with your UK immigration lawyer, there are a number of resources available to help you. These include:
There are a number of resources available to help you, including:
- The UK government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
- The website of the Home Office: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office
- A visa application center: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/jpn/en/gbr/your-appointment
- An immigration lawyer: https://1-absolute-advisor.com
5. What if I have questions about the new rules?
If you have any questions about the new rules, you should contact the UK government or an immigration lawyer.
6. How do I check the latest UK’s New Immigration Rules for 2024?
The UK government website is the best place to check the latest immigration rules. You can also sign up for email alerts from the Home Office to be notified of any changes.
7. Where can I find information about the new immigration rules in other languages?
The UK government website provides information about the new immigration rules in several languages. You can also find information on the websites of other organizations, such as the Home Office and the British Council.
8. Can I get help with my visa application?
Several organizations can help you with your visa application. These include visa application centers, immigration lawyers, and voluntary organizations.
9. What if I need to appeal a decision on my visa application?
If you are unhappy with the decision on your visa application, you can appeal it. The process for appealing a decision is complex, and you should seek professional advice.
10. What are the next steps for the government?
The government is continuing to review its immigration policy. There will likely be further changes to the rules in the future.
11. What are the new financial requirements for family visas?
From 6 April 2024 as per the UK’s New Immigration Rules for 2024, the minimum income threshold for family visas will increase from £18,600 to £38,700. This means that sponsors will need to earn at least £38,700 per year to sponsor their spouse, partner, or fiance for a visa to the UK.
12. Who is affected by the new financial requirements?
The new financial requirements apply to all family visas, including:
- Spouse visas
- Partner visas
- Fiance visas
- Child visas
The new rules will also apply to applications for a visa extension or change of status.
13. What if I don’t earn enough to meet the new financial requirements?
There are a number of exceptions to the financial requirement, including:
- If you have a property in the UK with a value of at least £62,500
- If you have a savings account with at least £62,500
- If you have a dependent relative who is a British citizen or settled in the UK
- If you can rely on the financial support of a third-party
14. How do I apply for an exception to the financial requirement?
You will need to make a separate application for an exception. You will need to provide evidence of your financial circumstances, such as bank statements, payslips, or property deeds.
15. What is the processing time for family visa applications?
The processing time for family visa applications can vary depending on the type of visa and the complexity of your application. However, the standard processing time for entry clearance applications from outside the UK is 60 working days.
16. What are the documents I need to apply for a family visa?
The documents you will need to apply for a family visa will vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. However, you will typically need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport
- A marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
- Proof of income
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of healthcare
- Proof of relationship
17. What if I need to change my visa status after I arrive in the UK?
If you need to change your visa status after you arrive in the UK, you will need to apply for a visa extension. The application process for a visa extension is similar to the application process for a new visa.
18. How do I appeal a decision on my family visa application?
If you are unhappy with the decision on your family visa application, you can appeal the decision. You will need to submit a written appeal to the Home Office within 28 days of the decision.
19. What are the consequences of overstaying a family visa?
If you overstay your family visa, you may be subject to a fine of up to £1,000 per day. You may also be banned from entering the UK for a period of time. In some cases, you may also be deported.
20. What are the new minimum salary thresholds for skilled worker visas?
From 6 April 2024, the minimum salary threshold for skilled worker visas will increase from £26,200 to £38,700. This means that employers will need to offer a minimum salary of £38,700 per year to sponsors their employees for Skilled Worker visas.
21. Who is affected by the new minimum salary thresholds?
The new minimum salary thresholds apply to all Skilled Worker visas, including:
- Skilled Worker visas
- Skilled Worker visa extensions
- Skilled Worker visa changes of status
22. What if my job offer is below the new minimum salary threshold?
If your job offer is below the new minimum salary threshold, you will need to demonstrate that your job is in a shortage occupation. This means that the job must be on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and that there is a shortage of UK workers available to do the job.
23. How do I prove that my job is in a shortage occupation?
To prove that your job is in a shortage occupation, you will need to provide evidence from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) that your job is on the SOL. You can find this evidence on the MAC website.
24. What if I am self-employed?
If you are self-employed, you will need to demonstrate that your business earns a minimum of £38,700 per year. You can do this by providing evidence of your business’s profits or turnover.
25. What are the other eligibility requirements for Skilled Worker visas?
In addition to the minimum salary requirement, you must also meet the following eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker visa:
- You must have a job offer from a UK-based employer.
- You must have the required qualifications for the job.
- You must have English language skills.
- You must not be inadmissible to the UK.
26. What is the processing time for Skilled Worker visa applications?
The processing time for Skilled Worker visa applications can vary depending on the complexity of your application. However, the standard processing time for entry clearance applications from outside the UK is 80 working days.
27. What are the documents I need to apply for a Skilled Worker visa?
The documents you will need to apply for a Skilled Worker visa will vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. However, you will typically need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport
- A job offer letter
- Qualifications documents
- English language test results
- Proof of identity and address
- Biometric information
28. What if I need to change my visa status after I arrive in the UK?
If you need to change your visa status after you arrive in the UK, you will need to apply for a visa extension. The application process for a visa extension is similar to the application process for a new visa.
29. How do I appeal a decision on my Skilled Worker visa application?
If you are unhappy with the decision on your Skilled Worker visa application, you can appeal the decision. You will need to submit a written appeal to the Home Office within 28 days of the decision.
30. What are the consequences of overstaying a Skilled Worker visa?
If you overstay your Skilled Worker visa, you may be subject to a fine of up to £1,000 per day. You may also be banned from entering the UK for a period of time. In some cases, you may also be deported.tunesharemore_vertadd_photo_alternate
If you are looking to apply for a UK Visa in 2024 and want to make sure you meet the UK’s New Immigration Rules for 2024, please speak to one of our advisers