What You Need to Know About the New Visa Wage Thresholds for Foreign Workers in the UK

For foreign workers intending to work or reside in the UK, it’s crucial to stay informed about the imminent modifications to the visa wage thresholds as communicated by the Home Office. These alterations will influence the qualification criteria and financial prerequisites across diverse visa categories, encompassing skilled workers, care workers, and family members. This post aims to elucidate the key aspects, rollout dates, and ramifications of the forthcoming visa wage thresholds for foreign workers in the UK.

What are the new visa wage thresholds?

The government’s initiatives to curb legal immigration and alleviate the strain on public services include revised visa wage thresholds. These adjustments entail an elevation in the minimum salary and income requirements for foreign workers and their dependents seeking various visa pathways. The updated visa wage thresholds are outlined below:

1. Skilled Worker Visa

Commencing from April 4, 2024, the minimum salary for individuals applying for a Skilled Worker Visa will experience an increase from £26,200 to £38,700. Consequently, foreign workers must surpass the average UK salary to meet the eligibility criteria for this visa category.

2. Care Worker Visa

Effective March 11, 2024, the government will impose new limitations on care workers, barring them from bringing their family members to the UK. Additionally, care providers sponsoring migrants must register with the Care Quality Commission, a regulatory body overseeing health and social care services.

3. Family Visa

Starting from April 11, 2024, the minimum income threshold for individuals bringing their dependents to the UK on a family visa will undergo staged increases. The initial raise will elevate the threshold from £18,600 to £29,000, followed by subsequent increments to approximately £34,500 and £38,700 on later dates. This implies that foreign workers seeking to sponsor their family members must earn more than the salary required for the Skilled Worker Visa.

When will the new visa wage thresholds come into effect?

The new visa wage thresholds will be implemented gradually, according to the following timeline:

• March 11, 2024: The new restrictions on care workers and their family members will start.
• April 4, 2024: The minimum salary for skilled workers will increase to £38,700.
• April 11, 2024: The minimum income for family visas will increase to £29,000.
• Later in 2024, The minimum income for family visas will increase to around £34,500.
• Early in 2025: The minimum income for family visas will increase to around £38,700.

How will the new visa wage thresholds affect foreign workers and their families?

The revised visa wage thresholds are set to notably influence the capability of foreign workers and their families to reside and work in the UK. The potential impacts of these changes include:

Impact on Skilled Workers

The update will pose a greater challenge for skilled workers seeking visas, as they now need to earn above the average UK salary. This hike in salary requirement could particularly affect professionals like teachers, nurses, and engineers, who might not fulfill the elevated salary criteria.

Impact on Care Workers

For care workers, the new thresholds include restrictions that prevent them from bringing their family members to the UK. This limitation could discourage them from pursuing employment opportunities in the UK, potentially exacerbating the existing workforce deficit in the care sector, a field traditionally dependent on migrant labor.

Impact on Family Members

The heightened visa wage thresholds will complicate the process for family members wishing to join their relatives in the UK, demanding adherence to more stringent income prerequisites. This change is likely to impact the familial stability and overall well-being of foreign workers and their dependents, as well as affect their assimilation into UK society.

Where can I find more information about the new wage thresholds?

If you want to learn more about the new visa wage thresholds and how they may affect your visa application, you can visit the official website of the Home Office or contact them via email at visas@homeoffice.gov.uk. You can also consult a registered migration agent who can advise you on your visa options and eligibility.