As 2024 draws to a close, we wanted to highlight the significant changes to the UK Immigration Rules that have been introduced this year. These updates reflect the evolving landscape of immigration policy, aiming to address various economic, social, and humanitarian needs. From new visa requirements for certain nationalities to adjustments in salary thresholds and support for those affected by global conflicts, these changes are set to impact many individuals and businesses.
Introduction of a Visa Requirement on Colombia
- A new visa requirement will be introduced for Colombian nationals.
- This change allows the UK to assess individuals against Immigration Rules before they travel to visit or transit the UK. Applications for visit visas can be refused if requirements are not met.
- Consequently, Colombia will be removed from the Appendix ETA National List. From 27 November 2024, Colombian nationals will no longer be able to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for travel to the UK on or after 8 January 2025, due to the new visa requirement effective from 26 November 2024.
Imposition of a Visa Regime on Jordan
- A new visa regime will be imposed on Jordanian nationals.
- This change allows the UK to assess individuals against Immigration Rules before they travel to visit or transit the UK. Applications for visit visas can be refused if requirements are not met.
Implementation of the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme
- Appendix Electronic Travel Authorisation outlines the detailed provisions for ETA eligibility, including who is subject to the ETA requirement.
- The requirement to obtain an ETA will be extended to all nationalities who can currently travel to the UK without a visa, with the date of implementation specified.
Relating to the Ukraine Schemes
- Ukrainian nationals and their eligible family members in the UK with permission under the Ukraine Schemes can apply for an additional 18 months’ stay under the new Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme.
- The existing Ukraine Extension Scheme will close at 09:00 GMT on 4 February 2025, coinciding with the opening of the new Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme.
- Changes to the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship rules will end the use of open-ended Permission to Travel (PTT) Letters, which allowed travel to the UK by deferring biometrics until arrival instead of requiring entry clearance.
Long Residence Route
- It will be clarified that time spent in the UK under the Ukraine Schemes does not count towards the qualifying period for a Long Residence application. This aligns the Rules with the established policy that permission to stay under the Ukraine Schemes does not lead to settlement in the UK.
Skilled Worker Route
- To reduce net migration, the general salary threshold will be raised from £26,200 to £38,700.
- Salary requirements for individual occupations will be aligned with the median pay for resident workers in those occupations.
- The Shortage Occupation List will be replaced with a new Immigration Salary List.
- These changes aim to encourage businesses to invest in the resident workforce rather than over-relying on migration.
Minimum Income Requirement under the Partner Routes
- The minimum income requirement has increased to £29,000 as it has not been increased for over a decade and no longer reflects the level of income required by a family to ensure they are self-sufficient and do not need to rely on public funds. We are not anticipating further increases next year however there has been whispers of raising it to £38,700 in early 2025.
EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- The scope of the immediate settlement provisions in Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse will be expanded to include a spouse, civil partner, or durable partner with pre-settled status under the EUSS, provided the relationship was formed before the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020. Their dependent children are also included.
Immigration Salary List
- The former Home Secretary’s announcement on 4 December 2023 was focussed towards replacing the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) with the Immigration Salary List (ISL). These changes have been implemented alongside the Skilled Worker visa changes.
For expert guidance and support, trust the Visa Office UK Immigration Experts. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of immigration with ease and confidence. For visa, sponsor advice and representation please call us.
