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.
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Indefinite Leave to Remain Application for UK Skilled Worker Visa Holders
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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!
Hiring Immigration Lawyers: A Never-ending Debate
The UK immigration laws have always been complex. No wonder you need the best UK immigration lawyers throughout the process when planning to move to this country. However, when it comes to hiring immigration solicitors, there is always a never-ending debate. For some, it is possible to handle the immigration cases alone, while a few think it offers a higher chance of successful immigration.
Are you struggling with the same dilemma? If yes, this blog will assuredly help you find the answer. Let’s begin.
Partnering with the Best Immigration Attorneys: Advantage or Disadvantage?
The UK immigration laws and settlement regulations are full of complexities. In that case, working with an immigration law firm can be advantageous for applicants, especially those who cannot keep pace with the latest UK immigration rules and updates. For instance:
Avoiding costly errors-
Even a simple and minor error in the visa application can cost you a hefty penalty and cause a visa refusal from the Home Office. Having top UK immigration lawyers by your side ensures a smooth immigration application process. These experts have expertise in understanding the complex regulations of the UK and the experience to submit the required documents and complete the applications within the deadlines.
Dealing with and guiding on complex legal matters-
UK immigration laws keep changing, impacting overall immigration proceedings and applications. As a result, you can experience unforeseen legal complexities. Preparing for thoughtful responses alone can be challenging, especially when you have a mere knowledge of the immigration law. UK immigration solicitors not only have experience dealing with procedural complications, but they also guide on such legal matters.
Assisting with case management and strategic planning-
Immigration attorneys have in-depth knowledge of UK immigration rules and regulations. Moreover, they stay updated with the latest changes to help applicants with complex case management and strategic planning if required, such as when applying for asylum or seeking a start-up visa or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). When you are not that knowledgeable about the rapidly changing rules of UK immigration, you better hire immigration lawyers.
However, despite these advantages, there are some drawbacks as well. For instance, when it is a simple immigration case, such as just filling out the immigration application form or submitting documents, hiring an immigration lawyer might not be imperative. The costs may outweigh the advantages here.
Still in two minds? Then, take a glance at the feedback of some of our clients that we have shared here. Our customer support team has gathered to record their before and after experience of hiring UK immigration lawyers for the proceedings and applications.
Customer support team: “Can You Tell Us About Your Experience Before and After Hiring Our Immigration Lawyers? Was It Better to Handle the Immigration Process Yourself or with Our Experts?”
“When it was just about filling out the application for UK immigration, I felt no need to hire any immigration lawyer. Later, I felt overwhelmed when submitting documents, especially after my visa refusal. Then, I turned to experts for help, and it was great. I felt confident and reassured throughout the process.” – Sarah Patel
“From the beginning, I was struggling to understand UK immigration visa requirements. And, since it was my first time moving to London, I knew I might not handle it alone. So, I hired immigration solicitors. Now, I can say that it was the best decision.” – John Thompson
“At first, I was not much concerned about submitting my immigration application. But, due to rapidly changing UK immigration rules, I hired the top immigration attorneys in the UK, and I was right. They explained everything clearly and gave me confidence. I felt safe. A pleasure to recommend!” –Emily Smith
We hope you understand that the advantages of hiring an immigration lawyer outweigh the disadvantages. Moreover, you can rest assured of a successful immigration journey. Seeking the best immigration attorneys nearby? Count on us. At Intime Immigration Solicitors, we guarantee an error-free immigration process and expert guidance throughout the process.
Navigating UK Residency: Understanding Family and Private Life Rights
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UK Fiancé Visa vs. Spouse Visa: Finding the Smoothest Path to Love
Do you and your partner wish to settle in the UK together? But, unsure which one to apply for a spouse visa or a fiancé visa? Stop pulling your hair out! We are here to tell you the best possible option out of these two and suggest the right route for you. Let’s begin.
UK Spouse Visa or Fiancé Visa: Which Is the Right Route to Be with Your Love?
Nothing feels more special than getting married and celebrating life with the person you love. But, the hassle of lengthy paperwork for visa applications is a headache. In fact, we guess it always remains at the last of your priority list when planning to settle with your partner in the UK.
However, it’s imperative to identify the right type of Partner visa, as there are more than one option: Spouse visa and Fiancé visa. And, if you are all set to tie the knot in a civil partnership or marriage or are already in it, we can help you identify the best route for you. For instance:
Getting married in the UK-
Are you already married? If not, you are not eligible to apply for a UK Spouse visa. In this case, you can apply for a Fiancé visa if you and your partner have a plan to get married in the UK and live here together as a family. In fact, the best part of it is that you can easily switch to a UK Spouse visa from a Fiancé visa for 2.5 years without leaving the country once, especially when you wish to remain here after getting married. You are eligible for a Fiancé visa when:
- You are already engaged.
- You are intending to get married soon, like within 6 months of entering the UK.
- You can switch to a UK Marriage visa from a Fiancé visa if you plan to stay in the UK after marriage.
On the contrary, both married and unmarried partners can apply for a Spouse visa in the UK if they meet the eligibility criteria, including financial requirements, proof of relationship, any of them being a British national, etc. To apply for this marriage visa, your partner should be either a British citizen or have settled status in the UK.
Living together in the UK-
When both you and your partner wish to live together in the UK, applying for a UK Spouse visa is the best possible option. In this case, one of you should be a permanent resident of the UK or a British national to sponsor the other’s visa. With this visa application, you can live together under a single roof here if the Spouse visa requirements are met, including:
- Both must be at least 18 years old.
- A combined income of at least £18,600 annually
- Proof of accommodation and relationship
The Fiancé visa may allow you and your partner to live together but it lasts only for six months, although you can switch to a Spouse visa directly after it expires. Contrarily, the Spouse visa is valid for 30 months and 33 months (if applied outside the UK), which you can extend once it expires for up to 5 years. After this, you are eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
In Conclusion
Compared to the Fiancé visa, the UK Spouse visa is the better and easier path to your love when both you and your partner dream of living together in the UK even after marriage or entering into a civil partnership.
However, you may have to experience lengthy paperwork and meet all the Fiancé visa requirements, alongside the eligibility criteria for a Spouse visa, to settle down in the UK. Anyway, you can easily overcome it with the help of our professional UK Spouse visa solicitors. At Intime Immigration Solicitors, we will help you meet all the visa requirements and understand the latest visa changes.
Future-Proofing Your Workforce in the UK’s Evolving Business Immigration System
The UK’s business immigration law is evolving, creating a complex landscape for employers. Here’s what you should know to stay compliant & navigate the changes.
