Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Codes and Thresholds from 4 April 2024
FAQ's
What will the new threshold mean?
This is the minimum you can earn to be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, or the going rate for your job.
The Government is saying it plans to increase the minimum salary threshold from £26,200 per year to £38,700 per year.
Will tradable points still be able to be used for Skilled Workers who do not meet the salary threshold?
We don’t know the answer to this question, they have not said if tradable points for new entrants or PhD’s will be removed or not.
I am working at the University on a Skilled Worker visa, and I earn below the new threshold, what should I do?
We are already looking at who the changes may affect in the University and will be in touch with you soon.
I am working at the University on a Skilled Worker visa, and I earn above the new threshold, do I need to do anything?
The proposed changes should not affect you.
My visa expires before June 2024, can I extend it now or before Spring 2024 under the current rules?
To be eligible for a visa extension, you will need to be on a permanent contract or fixed term contract where your visa is not valid for the duration of your contract.
Government indications are that the new rules will be implemented in Spring 2024, so it depends when your visa expires.
However, you cannot submit an application to the Home Office to extend a visa more than 3 months in advance, and we are not able to supply you with a CoS more than 3 months in advance.
My visa expires after June in 2024, can I extend it now or before Spring 2024 under the current rules?
To be eligible for a visa extension, you will need to be on a permanent contract or fixed term contract where your visa is not valid for the duration of your contract.
Government indications are that the new rules will be implemented in Spring 2024, so it is unlikely you will be able to extend your visa under the current rules.
You cannot submit an application to the Home Office to extend a visa more than 3 months in advance, and we are not able to supply you with a CoS more than 3 months in advance.
If I am fixed term what is the maximum length that I can have my visa extended too?
We can only supply you with a CoS for your visa to be granted to the end of your contract. The Home Office usually add a short period of time at the end of your visa, to give you time to leave the UK. This is usually no more than 30 days.
I am a Skilled Worker and I want to switch to Global Talent now, can I do this?
You can only switch to a Global Talent visa if you are eligible for this route. Details of the route can be found here: Apply for the Global Talent visa : Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and here Immigration Rules - Immigration Rules Appendix Global Talent - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If you require a Statement of Guarantee from the University to support your application, we are prioritising cases in the following way:
- those whose visas are expiring in the next 4 months
- those who are waiting to come to the UK to take up post
- those who are approaching the final year of their contract with the university and are not currently on a Global Talent visa
- those who will be directly affected by the changes because their Skilled Worker or Graduate visa will expire around Spring 2024
We ask everyone else to please be patient with us whilst we prioritise those most in need.
I am a Skilled Worker, how long do I need to be working in the UK before I can apply for ILR?
As a skilled worker you are eligible to apply for ILR after 5 years working in the UK, please check the Home Office guidance for full information:
I am already working at the University on a Skilled Worker visa, will I be protected from being disadvantaged by the new rules when my visa is due to be extended?
In the past, the Home Office has put in place transitional arrangements for existing visa holders, and they have confirmed that those already in the Skilled work route, and applications made before the rules change, will not be subject to the new £38,700 salary threshold when they change employment, extend, or settle.
IMMIGRATION HEALTH SURCHAGE FEES
What are the new Immigration Health Surcharge Fees?
The annual fee will rise from £624 to £1,035.
Who has to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?
Individuals applying for certain types of visas are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Details can be found here:
Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
When are the fees going up for the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The government has not given us an exact date, however what we do know is it is unlikely to be before 31 January 2024.
If I am extending my visa, will I be protected from the increase in the price of the Immigration Health Surcharge?
No, there will be no protection from the price increase as such. Any visa applications and Immigration Health Surcharge fees paid after the date of the increase will be at the new price.
So, if you submit your application and pay the fee before the increase you will pay the old rate, even if your visa application decision has not been made at the point of the increase.
GRADUATE VISA QUESTIONS
I am working at the University on a Graduate visa and I earn below the new threshold, what should I do?
We are already looking at who the changes may affect in the University and will be in touch with you soon.
I am working at the University on a Graduate visa and I would like to switch to a Skilled Worker visa now, what should I do?
We are already looking at who the changes may affect in the University and will be in touch with you soon.
Your current role will need to be eligible under the current rules to allow you to switch to a Skilled Worker visa. However, if you have a long visa length you should carefully consider your options before switching. You could speak to a regulated immigration advisor for further help.
I am fixed term on a Graduate visa and considering switching to a Skilled Worker, what should I do?
We are not able to give you immigration advice, you could speak to a regulated immigration advisor. However, we would ask you to consider your options carefully, particularly if you switch and your new Skilled Worker visa length will be shorter. You will also need to consider if your current role would be eligible under new rules.
GLOBAL TALENT QUESTIONS
Are they making changes to the Global Talent Route?
Not that we are aware of, there has not been any announcement that there will be any changes except for the increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge.
How long do I need to be in the UK before I can apply for ILR?
With a Global Talent visa you are eligible to apply for ILR after 3 to 5 years in the UK, please check the Home Office guidance for full information:
GENERAL QUESTIONS
When are the proposed changes coming in force?
The government hasn’t announced this yet. Some of the measures have already been decided such as the increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge, but others will need to be decided in parliament first.
They are indicating it will be Spring 2024.
What is a transitional arrangement?
In the past, the Home Office has put in place transitional arrangements for existing visa holders, and this has not been detailed in any announcements yet. Transitional arrangements would protect existing visa holders when they are due to extend their current visa.
Transitional arrangements do not usually give protection if you switch your immigration category as you are then new to that category.
I am due to renew my visa early next year but my role does not fall into the announced salary bands, what will happen?
It depends on the current immigration status. If you are a Skilled Worker and your salary does not meet the threshold, you may no longer be eligible unless the Home Office introduces transitional arrangements to protect those already in the UK on Skilled Worker visas. Depending on the changes there maybe concerns for those individuals who will be earning less than Scale 6, Spine Point 31.
Will this impact my spouse/dependants due to come in spring?
It depends on the current immigration status. So far the information we have suggests this will only effect people on Graduate or Care Worker visas.
RECRUITMENT QUESTIONS
Can I recruit now and how will this add to my costs?
Costs are currently the same, we have known that they are going to increase the IHS fees from £624 per year to £1035 per year. We have not been given an exact date for this change, however we know this is likely to be sometime on or after 31 January 2024.