The UK has proposed stricter eligibility rules for work visa applicants, especially international students, skilled workers, and temporary employees. The details are outlined in a newly released White Paper on the Points-Based Immigration System, which aligns with the government’s pledge to reduce immigration figures and attract only “high-skilled” individuals.
What’s changing?
The UK Home Office has revised the minimum salary threshold and educational requirements for those seeking work or study-based immigration. These changes are part of the UK’s larger effort to “restore fairness” in immigration.
New salary criteria for work visa
The general salary threshold has been raised:
- From £26,200 to £38,700 per year
- Health and care workers are exempt from this rise
- Jobs on the Shortage Occupation List have some relief in salary demands
Salaries must now reflect the median UK wage, discouraging companies from underpaying foreign workers compared to locals.
Higher education, tighter rules
Foreign students applying under the Graduate Route Visa (post-study work permit) will now have to meet stricter parameters. The new focus is on:
- Educational qualifications matching skill shortage areas
- Universities with high visa compliance rates
- Students likely to secure high-wage employment post-study
The UK aims to curb misuse of the graduate visa path, especially in low-paying jobs.
Points-based visa system – updated
Applicants now require a minimum of 70 points to qualify. Points are distributed as:
- 20 points for a job offer from an approved sponsor
- 20 points for a job at the appropriate skill level
- 10 points for English language proficiency
- 20 points for meeting the salary threshold or shortage role
The UK’s system rewards high education, language skills, and competitive wages.
Restrictions on dependants
The White Paper introduces restrictions on dependants of student visa holders. Only PhD students and those in government-backed research programmes can bring family members.
This step is aimed at reducing immigration numbers while promoting quality over quantity in migrant applications.
Why this shift?
The UK saw net migration rise to over 745,000 in 2022, alarming many within political and public circles. The new White Paper promises to “rebalance” migration while protecting public services and ensuring fair wages for all.
The government argues that the changes will close loopholes, end visa misuse, and promote sustainable immigration.
Temporary visa paths under review
Some temporary visas, such as seasonal agricultural workers, are also under review. The government plans to scale down these routes gradually or make them more stringent.
The focus will remain on attracting talent in sectors like:
- Health and social care
- Engineering
- Advanced technology
- Construction
When will this take effect?
While the document outlines proposed changes, actual implementation timelines are still being finalised. Experts believe most updates will roll out in late 2024 or early 2025, pending parliamentary review.
What does this mean for Indians?
India remains one of the largest sources of skilled migrants and international students to the UK. The revised rules could:
- Make it harder for non-specialist degree holders
- Increase visa costs due to higher salary expectations
- Tighten eligibility for bringing family
However, those in health, IT, finance, and research sectors still have strong prospects, especially with valid job offers and compliant sponsors.
