UK Immigration changes -Sponsoring a worker.

The UK government have made significant changes to skilled worker visa applications, and this will impact how employers will sponsor skilled workers and satisfy the salary requirements. These changes come into effect on the 4^th of April 2024.

Michelle Belle Immigration Solutions has broken down these changes to assist you to understand these changes and make effective decisions in your hiring process.

Skilled Worker changes

The main changes are to the Skilled Worker visa requirements, including updates to salary thresholds, tradeable points, and the replacement of the Shortage Occupation List with the Immigration Salary List.

The following changes apply to Certificates of Sponsorship assigned on or after 4th April 2024.

• The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes have been updated from SOC 2010 to SOC 2020, with many codes being changed or amalgamated and new codes being created. ​
• The minimum salary levels for Skilled Workers have been revised. ​ For new Skilled Worker visa applicants, the general salary threshold has been raised from £26,200 to £38,700, based on median UK earnings. ​ Existing Skilled Worker visa holders are exempt from the new median salary requirements if they apply before 4th April 2030 and have continuous permission under the Skilled Worker route prior to 4th April 2024. ​ The general threshold for existing visa holders is being updated from £26,200 to £29,000. ​
• There are different salary tables in Appendix Skilled Occupations, but only tables 1 and 2 are relevant. ​
• Tradeable points options determine the minimum salary for SWV applicants. ​ The options vary based on whether they are new applicants or existing visa holders. ​ The salary must equal or exceed the specified amounts based on the tradeable points option chosen.
• Supplementary work for SWV holders can now be undertaken in any SOC code eligible for sponsorship, rather than being restricted to the same SOC code as the sponsored job. ​
• The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) will be replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL). ​ The ISL is a list of roles where a discounted salary threshold is offered. ​ Roles on the ISL have a 20% discount from the general salary threshold. ​ The going rate requirement discount is removed. ​ Salaries for ISL roles must equal or exceed the specified amounts based on whether the SWV holder is existing or new. ​
• SWV holders whose roles were on the SOL or ISL but have been removed can still be eligible as long as they remain in the same job for the same sponsor. ​

From our view, the below are the most important points to note.

1. The minimum salary threshold for new Skilled Worker visa applicants is being raised from £26,200 to £38,700, based on median UK earnings in eligible occupations. ​
2. Existing Skilled Worker visa holders who apply to extend their visa, move from one UK employer to another UK employer/sponsor, or apply for settlement before 4 April 2030, are exempt from the new median salary requirements and instead must meet a general threshold of £29,000, based on the 25th percentile of UK earnings in eligible occupations. ​
3. There are different tradeable points options for both new Skilled Worker visa applicants and existing visa holders, with varying salary requirements based on factors such as having a non-STEM or STEM PhD relevant to the role, being on the Immigration Salary List, or being a new entrant to the labor market. ​
4. The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) is being replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL), which offers a discounted salary threshold for certain roles deemed to be in short supply within the UK labor market. ​ Roles on the ISL have a 20% discount from the general salary threshold and must meet a minimum salary requirement of either £30,960 or £23,200, depending on the role. ​
5. Skilled Worker visa holders are now allowed to undertake supplementary work in a role in any SOC code that is eligible for sponsorship, rather than being restricted to a job in the same SOC code as their sponsored job. ​ However, there are still limitations on the number of hours they can work outside of their sponsored job. ​

Should you wish to discuss how the above impacts your recruitment plans, sponsorship of skilled workers, or the visa status of your skilled workers, you can contact us using any of the details below.