The changes to the Skilled Worker route coming into force from April 2024 will severely affect skilled workers, employers, and the UK’s ability to attract and retain talent globally.
The changes to the Skilled Worker route coming into effect from the 4th April 2024 are surmised below:
Skilled Worker
- The Skilled Worker minimum salary thresholds are increasing as follows:
- Option A (most applicants): from 26,200 – 38,700 GBP
- Option B (relevant PhD): from 23,800 – 34,830 GBP
- Option C (relevant STEM PhD): from 20,960 – 30,960 GBP
- Option D (shortage occupation list / Immigration Salary List): from 20,960 – 30,960 GBP
- Option E (new entrants) from 20,960 – 30,960 GBP
- The Skilled Worker minimum salary thresholds are increasing as follows:
- The ‘going rates’ for individual SOC codes will be increasing.
- The 20% discount to the going rate for shortage occupation (Option D) will be removed. The 10% discount for relevant PHDs (Option B), the 20% discount for STEM PhDs (Option C)and the 30% discount for new entrants (Option E) will be retained.
- The current Shortage Occupation List under Option D will be replaced with an Immigration Salary List, a more restrictive list of SOC Codes.
- From the 4th April, supplementary work will be permitted in any role that would meet the skill level for sponsorship.
Skilled Workers (health care)
- The adjusted general thresholds will apply to Health and Care Visas from 4th April:
- Option F (most applications): from 26,200 – 29,000 GBP
- Option J (new entrants): from 20,960 – 23,200 GBP
- The adjusted general thresholds will apply to Health and Care Visas from 4th April:
Assignment of a Certificate of Sponsorship before 4th April 2024
Skilled workers who already hold permission under the route, or have a CoS assigned to them before 4th April 2024, will not be subject to the new salary thresholds and different rules will apply.
Existing Skilled Workers will only be affected by the change in Rules when they make a further application under the route, for example, when they are extending their Skilled Worker visa, or are making a change of employment application.
How our Immigration Solicitors can help
Our Solicitors are experienced in all aspects of sponsorship and preparing Skilled Worker route applications. If you require advice, our team would be happy to have a discussion with you.
If you or your connections require legal advice, please contact Jayesh Jethwa or fill out our enquiry form below.
