The Government have proposed a number of changes including some very far-reaching changes to the immigration landscape particularly regarding Skilled Worker visas and some of the changes may be implemented quite quickly.

The Skilled Worker visa is very much in the spotlight and businesses looking to sponsor any new migrants as Skilled Workers, may wish to prioritise those applications ahead of the expected mid-year Immigration Rule changes.  Some of the Governments proposed changes to the Skilled Worker visa are as follows:-

  1. Raising the minimum skills threshold from the current Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) Level 3 (essentially A Level) to RQF Level 6 (essentially degree level). It is anticipated that this move alone will probably remove around 180 medium skilled occupations from the Skilled Worker eligibility criteria.
  2. Introducing a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) covering medium skilled shortage occupations. This is currently under review.
  3. Increasing the Skilled Worker general and going rate salary thresholds.
  4. Increasing the current English language requirement from the Level B1 to Level B2.
  5. Increasing the Immigration Skills Charge by 32%. This will mean that for medium or large sponsors, the charge will increase from the current level of £1,000.00 to £1,320.00 and for small sponsors, the charge will increase from the current rate of £364.00 to £480.00.

For advice on this or any other immigration issue, please do not hesitate to contact Sohan Sidhu by email at Sohan.Sidhu@ellisons.com or by telephone on 01284 763333.