The Home Office has introduced significant changes to the Immigration Rules, presented to Parliament in March 2025, set to impact applicants across multiple categories, from workers and students to family members and visitors. These modifications aim to streamline processes, enhance clarity, and strengthen compliance measures.
Key Highlights
Skilled Worker Visa: Minimum Salary Threshold Increase
The minimum salary threshold for Skilled Workers has increased from £23,200 to £25,000. However, it is important to note that the typical general threshold of £38,700 or the relevant going rate continues to apply generally. The new minimum threshold of £25,000 specifically applies to certain roles such as:
- Care Workers and Senior Care Workers
- New Entrants joining the job market
- Roles on the Immigration Salary List (previously known as the ‘Shortage Occupation List’)
- Certain Health and Education roles
- Roles for which STEM PhDs are relevant
Additionally, the reference working week has been updated from 40 hours to 37.5 hours, impacting how hourly rates are calculated.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Changes
British Overseas Territory Citizens and British Nationals (Overseas) are now exempt from the requirement to obtain an ETA. Furthermore, students aged 18 or younger studying at educational institutions in France and visiting as part of an organised group of five or more pupils are exempt from ETA requirements. The ETA system aims to enhance border security by pre-screening travellers before their arrival in the UK.
Child Student Visa Enhancements
New safeguarding measures have been introduced, requiring explicit proof of appropriate care, accommodation, and guardianship arrangements for Child Student visa applicants. Guardians or carers must now provide a detailed undertaking, clearly setting out financial support, living conditions, and relationship details.
EU Settlement Scheme Adjustments
Applicants under the EU Settlement Scheme may now face refusals based on conduct committed prior to the specified date if deemed justified on grounds of public policy, public security, or public health. Examples of conduct warranting refusal include serious criminal activities or threats to national security. Clarified documentation requirements, especially regarding expired documents, have also been introduced to facilitate smoother application processing.
Family and Dependent Visa Routes
Certain Scottish welfare payments, such as Carer’s Support Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment, and Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, have been newly classified as ‘Public Funds’. Applicants should be mindful that receipt of these payments may affect eligibility for immigration applications.
Visitor and Performer Visa Updates
Nationals of Trinidad and Tobago now require visas for UK entry, except for journeys booked prior to 12 March 2025, provided arrival in the UK occurs by 23 April 2025. The Home Office has also updated its Permit-Free Festival list, allowing artists and entertainers easier access to participate in specified cultural events without additional work permits.
Parliamentary Discussion Insights
These recent changes were subject to thorough parliamentary debate, emphasizing a balance between robust immigration control and facilitating essential migration for sectors critical to the UK’s economy, such as healthcare, education, and the arts. Lawmakers acknowledged the Home Office’s intent to ensure security, clarity, and economic growth.
Implications and Recommendations
Applicants, employers, and sponsors must carefully review these updated rules to ensure compliance and effectively adapt their immigration strategies.
For personalized advice and further assistance in navigating these changes, please contact Garth Coates Solicitors directly.
