UK employers urged to prepare for ‘complete reset’ of immigration visa system

Shara Pledger and Alex Wright, immigration law specialists at Pinsent Masons, were commenting following the UK government’s first statement of changes implementing a series of reforms set out in May’s Immigration White Paper (80 pages/2.3 MB PDF).

The reforms, described by the government as a “complete reset” of the immigration system, reflect a broader strategy to reduce the UK’s reliance on low-skilled overseas labour and instead aim promoting domestic workforce development.

Among the changes, the government is raising the threshold for skilled worker visas to RQF 6 – degree level – meaning that more than 100 occupations will no longer be granted access to the immigration system. This includes roles in hospitality, retail, and junior IT positions, which will no longer quality for work visas.

The government is also introducing a temporary shortage list. This list will allow limited, time-bound access to the immigration system for certain roles below degree level, but only where they are deemed essential to the UK’s industrial strategy or infrastructure development. Workers in these roles will no longer be allowed to bring dependants, nor will they benefit from reduced salary thresholds or visa fee discounts.

Further, the government has set out salary threshold increases, also applicable from 22 July. The standard salary threshold for new skilled workers will rise from £38,700 to £41,700, with the discounted rate increasing to £33,400 from £30,960. Pre-April 2024 skilled work rates will rise from £29,000 to £31,300 and £26,100 to £28,200 for standard and discount rates respectively. The global business mobility rate is also to increase to £53,300, previously £48,500, with the graduate trainee rate now set to £27,300.

“For existing employees, employers should be aware of when they were sponsored to ensure they are aware of appropriate salary levels,” said Wright.

While a July deadline has been set for the skilled worker changes, the government will implement transitional arrangements to phase out sponsorship in the social care sector. For instance, in-country switching will be permitted until 22 July 2028, meaning individuals already in the UK on other visas, such as student or graduate, will be allowed to switch into the skilled worker route for care roles within the next three years. However, this only applies if the worker has been employed by a sponsoring care provider for at least three months. Individuals who are already in the skilled worker route for care roles, or who switch into it before the 2028 deadline, will be protected under the previous rules.

The government has also confirmed that changes to English language requirements and the immigration skills charge will follow later this year.