UK Skilled Worker Visa: Latest Changes 2024

Are you planning to settle in Manchester, UK, by grabbing a job opportunity? All you need to do is apply for a Skilled worker Visa to stay and work legally in this country. But, before you apply, you should have a clear idea of the Skilled Worker visa route and the latest changes made by the UK government this year, which came into effect on April 4th. In today’s blog, we will discuss those key changes. Let’s begin.

Key Changes Made to UK Skilled Worker Visa Route

The Skilled Worker visa is a long-term work permit to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years, as determined by the Certificate of Sponsorship. This visa remains valid until you work in the same job role with your sponsoring employer. To change companies or jobs, you need to re-apply for a new Skilled Worker Visa.

Now, when applying for a Skilled Worker visa in Manchester, you should know the significant changes recently announced by the UK government. The key updates start with the increased salary thresholds. Recently, the government has changed the minimum salary threshold from £26,200 to £38,700 per annum for Skilled Workers, which is an increase of 48% from the previous amount. As a result, the occupation-specific salary thresholds are also increasing by 25% in terms of full-time earnings. The impact of these increased salary thresholds is found to be on the NHS and healthcare sector, where employers may have to make salary adjustments to meet these threshold criteria, impacting staff retention and recruitment. 

However, if you have your Skilled Worker visa before April 4, 2024, or have applied for an extension or settlement before April 4, 2030, there’s no need to meet the criteria for new salary thresholds. You just need to pay an amount higher than £29,000 with a lower growth rate for the job role.

Besides this salary threshold update, there are a few more key changes made in this Skilled Worker visa route. For instance:

Shortage Occupation List

This category has been replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL), which includes 21 eligible occupations. As a result, 20% of salary discounts on the shortage occupation list have been eliminated; only the jobs on this new ISL remain. 

If you are a care worker, especially a senior moving to the UK, you are not allowed to bring any dependents with you. No wonder it affects their plans to bring these care workers’ families here, leading to drastic effects on their retention and recruitment. 

So, when you are recruited under a general Skilled Worker visa for any NHS role, these latest changes may affect you. 

Transitional Arrangements

With the latest update, all Skilled Worker visa holders need to ensure that when applying for this transitional arrangement, they have extended permission to stay in the UK lawfully under this Skilled Worker visa route. According to this, you must apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) before April 4, 2030.

Supplementary Employment

Supplementary employment for Skilled Workers has been expanded under this route for any occupation. However, you are allowed to do these supplementary jobs outside the working hours of sponsored jobs (maximum 20 hours a week). On the other hand, employers may experience the latest compliance requirements during staff recruitment for any additional roles, while taking confirmation from the sponsor employer.

In Conclusion

So, are you ready to apply for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK? Our experienced visa lawyers at Intime Immigration Solicitors are here in Manchester to assist you throughout the process and ensure error-free application. Visit Skilled Worker Visa UK to learn more about the eligibility criteria or schedule a call for an assessment with our experts.

Check out more services: Click here

British Nationality 2024: Your Path to Become British

Are you looking to settle down in Manchester, UK, permanently? If yes, you need to be a permanent UK resident to obtain British citizenship. It is a legal status that allows individuals to stay in the UK for a lifetime and work here while enjoying the rights and responsibilities and access to public services. You can even take part in the political system of this country. 

However, you have to meet some specific criteria set by the UK Home Office to be a permanent British citizen in Manchester, unless you are a Brit by birth. In today’s blog, we will discuss the eligibility requirements and application process for British nationality through naturalization. Let’s begin. 

Everything About Obtaining British Citizenship: Requirements, Eligibility and More

There are different ways to acquire British nationality, whether automatically by birth, descent, and registration or through naturalization. When it comes to obtaining British citizenship in the UK through naturalization, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You have to be over 18 with a valid status in the UK like under EU settled status, indefinite leave to remain, or permanent residence for at least one year. However, if you are a spouse of a British citizen, you can apply for this citizenship status once you have any of this settled status. There is no need to wait for 12 months.
• Meeting residency requirements 
• Demonstrating proficiency in the English language
• Proof of having a good character
• Passing the test of ‘Life in the UK’

Otherwise, you can automatically acquire British citizenship and be eligible for it if:

• You were born here in Manchester, UK.
• One of your parents, grandparents, or both are British citizens, even if you were born outside, following the rules of descent.
• British citizenship by registration if you were born after January 1, 1983, you are under 18 and, since your birth, your parents acquired British nationality while you lived here until you were aged ten or older. [Note: You haven’t spent more than 90 days outside the UK during the first ten years of your life.]

Now, let’s take a look at the eligibility criteria to acquire British nationality in Manchester. Such as:

• You have to be 18 years or older.
• Your residency status should be three continuous years in the UK before your date of application. Even if you are absent from Manchester, it should not be more than 270 days, which means not exceeding 90 days in a year.
• Your immigration status must be a minimum of 12 months of indefinite leave to remain or EU-settled status.
• You must have a good character (no criminal record).
• You need to pass the ‘Life of the UK test’ and English language requirements (75% to pass).
• You must comply with all the immigration rules and have the intention of staying in the UK for a lifetime. 

Next, let’s move on to the British citizenship application process through naturalization.

This application process begins with eligibility verification, from passing the test of ‘Life in the UK’ to meeting residency and immigration status to character requirements. Then, the applicant must complete the application form online. Incorrect or incomplete details may cause application rejection without any refund of the application fee. So, make sure you always double-check documents and forms before submitting all your data. 

Then, you need to make an appointment to attend a UKVCAS center to submit fingerprints, supporting documents, and photographs. Here, your biometric details will be verified and reviewed to validate your visa status and ensure there are no criminal, immigration, or civil legal issues. 

Once the application is complete, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony to receive a UK citizenship certificate of naturalization. This processing time may take around six months. 

In Conclusion

Need any expert immigration help to acquire British Citizenship for naturalization in Manchester, UK? Count on us. At Intime Immigration Solicitors, our expert immigration lawyers have extensive knowledge and experience to help applicants understand the requirements and ensure you align with all the rules while overcoming challenges. Call us now or book an online assessment today!

Check out our services on: Immigration Solicitors in Bury

Immigration Solicitors in Manchester – Guiding Your Way Through UK Immigration

Navigating through the UK immigration process can be complicated. Hiring an immigration solicitor in such a scenario can be helpful. Here’s why!

2024 UK Fiance Visa Processing Time: Top 3 Queries Answered

Are you planning to settle with your partner in Manchester, UK, this year? If yes, the best way to make your dream come true is to obtain a fiance visa. It allows you to enter the UK with the condition of getting married within 6 months of your arrival. Make sure you make the application outside the UK. Once you get married, you will be eligible to apply for a spouse visa, permitting you to stay here for the next 2.5 years. 

However, when it comes to applying for a fiance visa, applicants often find it confusing, especially regarding the processing time. As a result, we get several queries relevant to visa processing time and visa requirements. In today’s blog, we are going to share some uncommon queries and resolve them to ensure you have a stress-free immigration process. Let’s begin!

Uncommon Queries on Fiance Visa Processing Time 2024:

Usually, the common questions we get from the applicants are either on fiance visa requirements or the detailed process of application. But, this year, we have got some different queries regarding the visa processing time, for instance:

Jane Doe- “Can you tell me what the current processing time is for a UK fiance visa, as I need to plan my travel accordingly?”

Well, the processing time starts when you apply for the visa application and provide the details online or at your nearest visa centre about yourself and your partner settled in the UK. In the necessary paperwork, you need to submit the following:

• Your name and date of birth
• Photocopy of passport and visas
• Details of country outside the UK you live in
• Criminal convictions, if there are any
• Valid details about your relationship, including the time, how you met, how often you see each other, etc.

Then, you have to attend the English test CEFR Level A1 to get a finance visa. It proves that you understand the English language and are eligible to settle in the UK. This overall process may take around 2 to 3 months in standard cases, while for priority cases, that may be within one month. 

However, if any issue occurs, causing visa refusal, you may have to go for a visa appeal or apply again for a UK fiance visa. 

Maria Wei- “I am eagerly waiting to join my partner there as soon as possible. So, can I know when the UK fiance visa will start?”

It depends on your intended date of travel here, as you have mentioned in the online application form and the decision date of the Home Office. In this case, if the decision comes before your intended date, the visa will be available on the intended date of travel up to the next six months. But, when the decision date is after the intended date, it will be shortly after the decision date. 

John Garcia- “I am considering applying for a fiance visa to the UK to meet my partner there. But, I am confused. Will a sponsor keep their original passport when submitting the visa?

Yes, it’s possible. For instance, if your partner is the sponsor here, her physical passport won’t be submitted during the visa process. However, the digital copy or paper copy of the passport will be taken based on the chosen submission procedure.

In Conclusion-

If you have any of these queries, we hope we have solved up to a great extent. Still, if you have any doubts, we recommend consulting our fiance visa solicitors in Manchester, UK. We have years of experience in UK fiance visa and settlement applications. Book a free consultation today for an online assessment, or call us now for any query about UK fiance visa requirements!

Everything You Need to Know about the UK Immigration Law Changes in 2024

Navigate 2024 UK immigration law changes with expert guidance from skilled immigration lawyers in the UK. Ensure compliance and success with reliable services.

An Easy Breakdown of Long Residence ILR 10-Year Route in the UK (2024 Update)

Discover the key requirements and right time to apply for a long residence ILR 10-year route in the UK. Consult our licensed immigration solicitors and lawyers.

Understanding Changes to the UK Spouse Visa and Common Reasons for Denial

Discover the latest updates to the UK Spouse Visa and common reasons for application denial. Hire our licensed spouse visa solicitors to avoid visa rejection.

Business Visit Visa Relaxations in Manchester: Top Things You Need to Know

Discover 5 key facts about the 2024 relaxations for the Business Visit Visa in Manchester, enhancing flexibility and opportunities for business travelers.

Indefinite Leave to Remain Application for UK Skilled Worker Visa Holders

Moving to the UK on a UK Skilled Worker Visa? Discover the best ways to obtain an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for a permanent settlement here.

What’s New in the UK Immigration Law Updates in 2024

Immigration laws are always changing and this year has been super crazy. The UK government has made a bunch of big updates to its immigration system.

If we briefly summarise – anyone can find that they increased all the fees for visas and stuff. The Immigration Health Surcharge fee went up by 66%! The UK government also made major changes to the salary requirements for skilled worker visas and family visas. So yes, if you’re planning to move to or live in the UK, you’ll need to deal with all these new rules and higher costs.

Today, We Will Break Down New Immigration Law Updates in 2024

Immigration Health Surcharge Increase : 

Well, from February 6, 2024, the UK government hiked up the Immigration Health Surcharge fee. But what percentage? A massive 66%! Yes….. that’s a huge jump. Now what will happen is that, for most Skilled Worker visa applications, people now have to pay £1,035 for each year of their sponsorship, instead of the previous £624 per year. 

Higher Salary Requirements for Skilled Workers : 

From next spring, the minimum salary requirement for overseas workers is going to increase by nearly 50%. Yes…. you read it correctly. The current cost is £26,200 which will be a whopping £38,700.

This increased amount will definitely make things tough for businesses that need to hire foreign talent due to a lack of local workers. 

Removal of the Shortage Occupation List : 

The UK government announced that they’re removing the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and replacing it with something called the Immigration Salary List (ISL) in December 2023. 

If you wanted to come to the UK for a job listed on the SOL, you could benefit from lower salary requirements, cheaper application fees, and maybe even relaxed skill-level rules. This SOL is created by the UK government, but they takes advice from an independent body called the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) that keeps an eye on migration-related issues.

Now, the government is also removing the 20% discount on the “going rate” salary for shortage occupations.

The MAC will review this new salary list against the increased salary thresholds, which will likely reduce the number of job roles included compared to the previous SOL.

More Updates – 

Well, there are more updates too! Like, from January 31, 2024, foreign workers visiting the UK on a Visitor visa can now attend online meetings and work remotely for their overseas employer while in the UK. But they can not be officially transferred or “seconded” to a UK branch or company. And this remote work can not be the main reason for their visit.

There is another update starting March 11, 2024. It says that people coming to the UK on a Health and Care Worker Visa with certain job codes (6145 and 6146) will not be allowed to bring any family members (dependants) with them. But this new rule doesn’t apply to those who were already on this visa before March 11.

There is also a change in UK Family Visas. It says that from April 11, 2024, the minimum income requirement for partners who are applying under this visa is increasing from £18,600 to £29,000 per year. However, it will rise to £38,700 by early 2025. 

Lastly, the salary threshold for the Senior/Specialist Worker and UK Expansion Worker visas under the Global Business Mobility category is also updated. It is going up from £45,800 to £48,500.

Bottom Line – 

The UK immigration laws are going through many changes. If you are applying for a UK immigration Visa, don’t worry! Intime Immigration Solicitors has got your back.

Our team of licensed immigration solicitors and lawyers is your gateway to making sense of these complex rules. Whether it’s a personal visa or a business immigration matter, we’ll guide you through the whole process.

We’ll ensure you have all the necessary documents on point and meet every single criteria before you hit that “Apply” button.So, what are you waiting for? Visit our website today or give us a call to discuss your UK immigration or visa needs!