10 March 2023
Immigration
Impact: High
Summary
The UK government has announced details of upcoming changes to the Immigration Rules. Key changes include:
The implementation of these changes will be staggered over the next few months and key dates are set out below.
The Detail
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme
The government intends to implement the ETA scheme in a phased manner on a nationality basis over the next two years.
The scheme will apply to both individuals visiting and/or transitioning through the UK who do not currently require a visa for short stays and will include the Creative Worker route for short stays in the UK.
From 15 November 2023, Qatari nationals will need an ETA to travel to the UK, with the application process opening from 25 October 2023. The scheme will then be expanded from 22nd February 2024 to the following nationals who will also need an ETA:
Applications for nationals of these countries can be made from 01 February 2024.
Applications can be made via a new UK ETA App or an online application form, with decisions typically being made within 3 working days. The validity of the ETA will be for a period of 2 years or until the expiration of the individual’s passport (whichever comes first). The government has not yet confirmed the costs of the ETA scheme however we do know that should an ETA application be refused the individual will be required to apply for a Visitor visa/Transit visa or Creative Worker visa, depending on circumstance.
It is important to note that individuals who are legally resident in Ireland, and do not need a visa to enter the UK, will not need to apply for an ETA if they are entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
Youth Mobility Scheme (effective from 12th April 2023)
In line with the recent enhancement of the UK/ New Zealand trade agreement, New Zealand nationals will be eligible for the Youth Mobility scheme up to the age of 35, rather than the age of 30 as is currently the case. They will also be granted a three year visa as opposed to a two year visa.
In addition, the annual allocation of visas under the Youth Mobility Scheme for Australian nationals has increased from 30,000 to 35,000. For Canadian nationals, the annual allocation has increased from 6,000 to 8,000.
Introduction of a new Innovator Founder route and closure of the Start up route (effective from 13th April 2023)
A new Innovator Founder route will replace the current Innovator route, making it an easier and more attractive route for those with a genuine business proposal to establish an innovative business in the UK.
The new route however has no minimum funds requirement which is currently set at a minimum of £50,000. The rules around secondary employment have also been relaxed, so long as such employment is within a skilled role (RQF Level 3 or above).
The removal of the minimum funds requirement means the start-up route is now closed, except for applications which are supported by endorsements issued before April 13th 2023.
The Innovator Founder route gives successful applicants and their dependents permission to live and work in the UK for 3 years.
Increases to salary thresholds and going rates (effective from the 12th April 2023)
In line with the imminent increase to the national living wage in April 2023, minimum salary levels will increase across the Skilled Worker, Seasonal Worker, Scale-up and Global Business Mobility routes.
Skilled Worker
Global Business Mobility
The Global Business Mobility Senior or Specialist Worker minimum salary threshold will increase from £42,400 to £45,800 and the Global Business Mobility Graduate Trainee minimum salary threshold will increase from £23,100 to £24,220.
Scale-up route
The Scale-up route minimum salary threshold will increase from £33,000 to £34,600.
Going rates
Going rates for Skilled Occupations will be based on a 37.5 hour week, rather than the current 39 hour week. In practice this will mean increases across the going rates of occupations for many employers whose employees are contracted to work for less than 39 hours a week.
How we can help
Vialto’s immigration team can help you navigate the changes mentioned in this article and will continue to monitor further changes, particularly with the staggered approach of the roll out of the ETA and further nationalities being added to the scheme.
Contact us
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Further information on Vialto Partners can be found here: www.vialtopartners.com
Vialto Partners (“Vialto”) refers to wholly owned subsidiaries of CD&R Galaxy UK OpCo Limited as well as the other members of the Vialto Partners global network. The information contained in this document is for general guidance on matters of interest only. Vialto is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will Vialto, its related entities, or the agents or employees thereof be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this document or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
© 2023 Vialto Partners. All Rights Reserved.