Timeline for 2024 UK Immigration Rule Changes
In 2023 our Immigration Solicitors wrote a series of immigration blogs highlighting UK government announcements about reforms to the UK immigration system. There was uncertainty about the dates when the immigration changes would be brought in as the government said the timeline for the immigration rule changes would be revealed in 2024.
The Home Office has now issued a further statement with the implementation dates of the previously announced changes to the Skilled Worker Visa and the Family Visa. In this blog, our Immigration Solicitors go through the dates that Work Visa and Family Visa applicants need to watch out for.
UK Online and London-Based Immigration Solicitors
For immigration law advice call London-based OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or contact us online.
The Home Office statement
A Home Office statement was published on 30 January 2024 setting out some dates for immigration rule changes. It headlines by saying ‘’rollout of new transformative legal migration measures begins, with new restrictions set to relieve the burden on British taxpayers and public services’’.
The 2024 immigration rule change timeline
The 2024 immigration rule timeline for changes to come into force looks like this:
| Date | Change |
| 1 January | International students on Student Visas are no longer able to bring dependants with them on Dependant Visas unless the student is studying for a PhD, doctorate or postgraduate research programme |
| 31 January | Changes to the Visitor Visa that extend the definition of permissible business activities |
| 1 February | Electronic travel authorisation is extended to several Middle Eastern countries where travellers are coming to the UK after 22 February |
| 6 February | The immigration health surcharge increases to £1,035 for adult visa applicants and to £776 for child visa applicants and Youth Mobility Scheme applicants |
| 11 March | Carers and senior carers coming to the UK on the Health and Care Worker Visa will no longer be able to be accompanied by family members on Dependant Visas |
| 4 April | The minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker Visa increases to £38,700 and the replacement of the shortage occupation list with the immigration salary list |
| 11 April | The minimum income requirement to meet the Family Visa and Spouse Visa financial requirement eligibility criteria rises from £18,600 to £29,000 |
| Mid to late 2024 | The minimum income requirement to meet the Family Visa and Spouse Visa financial requirement eligibility criteria rises from £29,000 to £34,500 |
| Late 2024 | Electronic travel authorisation scheme to apply to all non-visa nationals |
| Early 2025 | The minimum income requirement to meet the Family Visa and Spouse Visa financial requirement eligibility criteria rises from £34,500 to £38,700 |
How can OTS Solicitors help you with your visa requirements and immigration law needs?
2024 will be a time for change. Whilst Immigration Solicitors are used to the Home Office announcing the introduction of new visas or the closure of visa routes with little or no notice it is fair to say that 2024 looks as if it is going to be particularly turbulent if you are an Immigration Solicitor or a visa applicant trying to navigate the new UK immigration rules.
At OTS Solicitors we specialise in individual immigration and business immigration. Our Spouse Visa Solicitors can help you with all your Family Visa needs and our business immigration team can assist with all your Work Visa and Business Visa requirements.
As we are experts in UK immigration law you can trust us to keep on top of all the changes to the UK immigration rules and the dates to watch out for.
For example, if you can do so, apply for a visa before 6 February when the immigration health surcharge increases. Alternatively, apply for your Family Visa before 11 April.
We do not doubt that some of the above dates may change or further immigration changes or dates may be added. That’s why it is best to use an Immigration Solicitor who is a recognised expert with a specialism in the type of visa you need.
As we have been advising visa applicants on their best visa options for many years, we have the experience and expertise to help you with all your UK immigration law questions and visa applications, including:
- If an electronic travel authorisation has been denied or refused or revoked
- If you think you do not meet the new financial requirement for a Family Visa – you may do so through combining sources of income or other means or you may be able to claim exceptional circumstances
- If you need your Skilled Worker Visa application to be processed quickly because of the forthcoming changes to the minimum salary threshold
- If you are already in the UK on a Spouse Visa, Family Visa, Health and Care Worker Visa or Skilled Worker Visa and you are worried about how the new rules may impact your planned visa extension application or settlement application
For fast friendly immigration law advice contact our experts.
UK Online and London-Based Immigration Solicitors
For immigration law advice call London-based OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or contact us online.
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