Key changes to its immigration rules 2024

The UK has introduced several key changes to its immigration rules affecting EEA and EU dependants in 2024. These changes reflect the government's intention to reduce net migration and make it more challenging for visa holders to bring their partners and children to the UK. Here's a summary of the significant updates:

1. **Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold Increase**: The minimum salary requirement for Skilled Worker Visas has increased from £26,200 to £38,700 per year. This change aims to reduce the number of successful applicants for UK work visas. However, Health and Care visa applicants and individuals in roles with nationally-standardised pay scales are exempt from this higher threshol.

2. **Dependant Visas Restrictions**: The UK has imposed restrictions on some visa categories, disallowing the applicants from bringing dependants to the UK. Additionally, the financial eligibility criteria to sponsor a family member's application have been tightened. For example, the minimum income requirement to sponsor a family member has risen from £18,600 to £29,000 per year.

3. **Student Visa Rules for Dependants**: Significant amendments have been made to the UK Student Visa rules. As of 1 January 2024, most international students are prevented from bringing dependants unless they are full-time students on a doctoral degree or a research-based higher degree course lasting 9 months or longer, or they are government-sponsored students on a course of more than 6 months. This rule aims to limit the number of dependants entering the UK under the student visa category.

4. **Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Increases**: The ETA application process has been opened to nationals of specific countries, requiring them to obtain authorization before visiting or transiting through the UK. Furthermore, the IHS, a fee paid by visa applicants to access the National Health Service during their stay, has increased by 66%.

5. **Introduction of New Appendices**: Several new appendices have been added to the Immigration Rules, including Appendix Bereaved Partner, Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse, and Appendix Statelessness, to streamline and clarify the pathways for specific groups affected by bereavement, domestic abuse, or statelessness.

These changes are part of a broader strategy by the UK government to control immigration by making it more challenging and expensive for visa holders to bring their partners and children to live with them in the UK. For those looking to apply for visas or bring dependants, it is crucial to stay informed about these rules and adjust applications accordingly.

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