Changes to UK visas: Key dates

There have been a raft of changes announced at short notice/no notice which will impact those looking to apply for UK visas. Here are the main headlines and dates for your diary:
 

• 31 January – visitor rule changes – those entering the UK under the Permitted Paid Engagement route will no longer require an immigration stamp to enter the UK.
   
• 31 January – visitor permitted activities have been broadened to include additional intra-corporate activities, remote working, providing legal services and carrying out research.
   
• 1 February – visitors from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates will be eligible to apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
   
• 6 February – Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) has now gone up from £624 to £1035 per year. The discounted IHS rate for children, students, their dependents and youth mobility workers has risen from £470 per year to £776 per applicant per year.
   
• 13 February – the civil penalty for employing an illegal worker has increased from £20,000 to £60,0000 (£45,000 for first offence) per worker.
   
• 14 March – further details expected on the removal of the 20% Shortage Occupation salary discount following the MAC recommendations made on 23 February. 
   
• 4 April – salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas to be increased from £26,200 to £38,700.
   
• 6 April – sponsor licences expiring on or after this date will be extended for 10 years.

For further information on how this issue might affect your organisation, please contact
a member of the immigration team. 

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