Legal News

The UK Prime Minister and Home Secretary announced a series of significant changes to the UK immigration system in December 2023.

These include tightening visa categories, raising salary thresholds, and addressing exploitation within the system. With the timetable for these changes now confirmed, understanding the implications and preparing accordingly is crucial.

Expert Legal Support for Navigating Immigration Changes

At Duncan Lewis Solicitors, our highly-rated business immigration team offers unparalleled assistance in navigating these complex changes. Accredited by Chambers and Legal 500, our experts specialise in successful visa applications, including those for Skilled Workers and Sponsor Licences, particularly in sectors like technology, care, and hospitality. Whether you're applying before these changes take effect or need guidance afterwards, our team is ready to help.

Key Dates in the Upcoming Immigration Reforms:

1. 11 March 2024: New Immigration Rules restricting dependants for care workers and requiring care providers to register with the Care Quality Commission.


2. 14 March 2024: Removal of the 20% discount rate for Shortage Occupation List roles, replaced by a new Immigration Salary List.


3. 4 April 2024: Increase in the earnings threshold for Skilled Worker visas to £38,700, with certain exemptions remaining.


4. 11 April 2024: Raised minimum income requirements for spouse/partner visas, with further increases planned by early 2025.


5. End of 2024: Expected completion of the Graduate Visa Route review by the Migrant Advisory Committee.

Additionally, the government plans to enhance the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme throughout 2024, impacting passengers visiting or transiting through the UK.

Act Now to Avoid Increased Costs and Complexities

To mitigate the impacts of these increased thresholds and reforms, applicants are advised to finalise and submit their applications before the specified Key Dates. Duncan Lewis Solicitors can assist you in avoiding these cost increments and provide expert advice on the implications of these reforms.

About the Author

Alessandra Vinciarelli Michelangeli is a Trainee Solicitor in the Business and Private Immigration team. Alessandra handles various case matters and provides support to a team of directors, solicitors, and caseworkers in the daily progress of immigration cases and applications. Her responsibilities include drafting applications and documents, conducting legal research, and engaging with clients.

Contact her via email AlessandraM@duncanlewis.com or via telephone on 020 3114 1144.

She works under the guidance of Vicash Ramkissoon, a business immigration director with 20 years of professional experience. He leads a team skilled in complex immigration matters. This includes assistance for high-net-worth individuals from Asia and the Middle East and strategic immigration advice. Contact Vicash at vicashr@duncanlewis.com or on 020 3114 1105 for expert guidance.

About Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Solicitors, an award-winning law firm and the recipient of the Law Firm of the Year award at the Modern Law Awards 2023, is renowned for its exceptional legal services and dedication to social justice. With expertise in 25 diverse fields of law and a commitment to making justice accessible to all, our team of skilled solicitors ensures top-tier legal representation across the UK.