As we enter the second month of 2024, the government’s primary goal of lowering net migration has driven significant changes in UK visa and immigration this year. These immigration reforms have substantial ramifications for people, companies, and families in addition to reflecting the current administration’s goals.
My Legal Services provides a UK immigration rules timeline of the most significant changes to the UK visa and immigration so far this year in this article. Furthermore, our goal is to help readers understand when the planned changes to the UK immigration system will take effect in the early months of 2024.
Timeline of New UK Immigration Rules:
1 January 2024-Changes to the UK Dependent Student Visa Regulations:
The UK Student Visa regulations were changed on January 1, 2024, making it illegal for most international students to study in the country with a dependent.
Students who applied after 3 p.m. on 17 July 2023 for a course of study starting on or after 1 January 2024 are subject to the new student-dependent regulations. The new regulations declare that a student who enrols on or after 1 January 2024 will only be permitted to bring dependents into the UK if they are enrolled full-time in a government-sponsored course lasting more than six months, a full-time student pursuing a PhD or doctorate, or a research-based higher degree course lasting nine months or more.
31 January 2024- Changes to UK Visit Visa Regulations:
By the end of January 2024, the UK’s Visit Visa regulations had undergone three significant revisions.
The range of activities that Visitors are allowed to engage in increased on 31 January 2024, to simplify their business dealings in the UK. Additionally, the restriction on Business Visitors working directly with clients for intra-corporate activities was removed.
Also Read: UK Visitor Visa Extension: Document Requirements, Cost and Application Timeline
31 January 2024 – The Bereaved Partner Appendix, the Domestic Abuse Appendix, and The Statelessness Appendix are being introduced.
The provisions for bereaved partners and their dependent children found in Part 8, Appendix FM, and Appendix Armed Forces of the Immigration Rules were replaced on 31 January 2024 by the newly established Appendix Bereaved Partner. Notably, Appendix Bereaved Partner highlights the interconnection of family units affected by bereavement by including provisions for dependent children of Bereaved Partners.
The provisions for victims of domestic abuse and their dependent children in Part 8, Appendix FM, and Appendix Armed Forces of the Immigration Rules were replaced on the same day by Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse. Applications for entry clearance from outside the UK can be made by victims of domestic violence and their dependents using Appendix Victim of Domestic Violence. This is especially important for people who have experienced domestic abuse and have been left abroad.
1 February 2024: Changes to the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Programme Effective
For travellers who do not already require a visa for brief visits or who do not currently possess any other UK immigration status, Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a new requirement.
Since 25 October 2023, citizens of Qatar have been required to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization.
The electronic travel authorization (ETA) application process became available to the remaining citizens of Jordan and the Gulf states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) on 1 February 2024. Beginning on 22 February 2024, citizens of these nations will need to have a UK ETA to enter or exit the country.
6 February, 2024:
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is set to rise by 66 %.
13 February 2024:
A new civil penalty system will double the fines for working illegally;
11 March, 2024:
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will regulate care homes in England in order to sponsor immigrants under the Health and Care Worker visa route, and care workers (SOC code 6145) and senior care workers (SOC code 6146) will not be allowed to bring dependents into the UK;
14 March, 2024:
The current Shortage Occupation List (SOL) will be replaced by a new Immigration Salary List when a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules is presented to Parliament;
4 April, 2024:
The annual minimum wage required to get a skilled worker visa will increase from £26,200 to £38,700;
Also Read: How to Move to the UK with a Skilled Worker Visa
6 April, 2024:
There won’t be a need to renew sponsor licences;
11 April 2024:
Partners applying under Appendix FM must earn a minimum of £29,000 instead of £18,600.
Conclusion:
The UK visa and immigration rules are undergoing notable changes in 2024, impacting various visa categories and application processes. From the Health and Care Visa expansion to the Graduate Route extension, staying informed about these updates is crucial for prospective applicants. Remember, the UK visa and immigration system can be complex, so consulting with an immigration specialist is always recommended for personalised guidance.