Business Immigration, Part 2: Fee Thresholds & Digital Transformation

In Part 1 , we considered the new Government’s pledge of a fair and properly managed immigration system. In Part 2, we now consider the associated fees and thresholds as well as Home Office’s introduction to eVisas.

Immigration Fees and Salary Thresholds

Work-Based Migration

The previous Government increased salary thresholds and amended what is now known as the Immigration Salary List. Further changes were made to the roles that were eligible for sponsorship. Some industries struggled to cope, while others couldn’t meet the increased minimum salary.

Labour has raised concerns about recent increases in sponsorship and family route fees without committing to reversing them. The Migration Advisory Committee may review recent salary threshold increases, which could lead to future changes.

Skilled Worker Salary Threshold: This was increased to £38,700 (from £26,200) in April 2024.

Family visas: The Labour government has recently commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee to review the minimum threshold which could increase to £38,700 by Spring 2025. Pending review, the new Government  will confirm their intentions to keep, reverse or increase the minimum income requirement for partner visas.

Immigration Health Surcharge

Concerns have been raised about the current rate, which increased on in February 2024 from £624 to £1,036 per person per year.

Asylum and the Rwanda Policy

The new Government is committed to reforming the asylum system to ensure it operates efficiently, justly, and effectively. On day one as Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that the Rwanda deportation scheme was ‘dead and buried’.

Digital Transformation

The Home Office intends to replace Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) with an online immigration status record. Current BRPs will expire on 31 December 2024, requiring holders to apply for an eVisa. This does not mean the holder’s visa status will expire, and BRP holders should check their visa expiration date. The physical card is no longer an acceptable manual right-to-work document. If an employee presents you with one, you should still undertake an appropriate online right-to-work check.

EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

On 21 May 2024, the Home Office announced changes to the EUSS. Individuals granted pre-settled status can continue to prove their right to work in the UK.

Last year, it was announced that anyone with pre-settled status would be given an automatic five-year extension to their visa at expiry. This will not impact anyone who already has settled status or has become a British citizen.

Comment

The new Government’s proposed immigration policies focus on reducing net migration, enforcing stricter sponsorship regulations, and transforming the digital landscape. This will significantly impact both employers and migrant workers.

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