The Home Office issued the new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 590) on the 14 March 2024, detailing significant changes to the Skilled Worker routes. The changes take effect from 4 April 2024.
What are the changes to the salary requirement?
The new immigration rules coming into effect on 4th April 2024 will increase the minimum salary threshold for sponsoring a Skilled Worker, which will result in changes to the salary requirement for ILR applications. Under the new rules, the minimum general salary that the applicant will need to be earning at the time of their ILR application is 38,700 GBP per year, or the going rate for their occupation, whichever is higher.
What are the transitional arrangements?
- Transitional arrangements have been put in place for Skilled Workers who made their initial application with a CoS issued before 4 April 2024., and who have continued to hold permission to remain as a Skilled Worker. Those applying for ILR who fall under these transitional arrangements must be paid at least 29,000 GBP or the going rate (which is set at the 25th percentile under the tradeable points option F), whichever is higher.
- Applicants must make their application prior to 4 April 2030 to qualify under the transitional arrangements.
Are there any other exceptions?
In addition to the transitional arrangements, certain exceptions to the new salary threshold will remain, and a lower salary threshold will be applied in certain circumstances. Some of the exceptions include:
- If an applicant’s last role was in the occupation code listed in Appendix Immigration Salary List, the applicant will need to be earning at least 30,960 GBP
- Other exemptions apply such as those roles listed on the Immigration Salary List or the Shortage Occupation List, or in a health or education job on a 2020 occupation list, they will need to be earning at least 23,200 GBP, or the going rate for their role, based on the occupation code or the relevant code for the national pay scale or band.
- Other exceptions apply.
Skilled Workers applying for ILR from 4 April 2024 should, therefore, ensure that their salary meets the new requirements as applicable to their circumstances.
How our Immigration Solicitors can help
If you require legal advice on an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain or settlement as a Skilled Worker, our immigration specialists are always happy to have an initial call.
Please contact Jayesh Jethwa or fill out our enquiry form below.
