Immigration Rules changes 17 July 2023, skilled workers and students

The Home Office has today published its intention to amend the immigration rules from 17 July 2023 – we have highlighted the changes to workers and students.

We can of course provide immigration assistance.

Students

As announced on 23 May 2023 to:

• not permit students to bring their dependants to the UK unless the main applicant is studying for a postgraduate course (research programme)*
• preventing students ‘switching’ into a working visa before their course has completed.

* this will not affect students currently in the UK and for those on postgraduate courses whose courses begin before 1 November 2023.

Skilled Worker visa

The following types of jobs are being added to the Shortage Occupation list (SOL):

Building sector

• bricklayers and masons
• roofers
• roof tilers and slaters
• carpenters and joiners
• plasterers (including dryliners)
• other construction and building trades. **

Fishing sector

• agriculture and fishing trades
• fishing and other elementary agriculture occupations**.

** this means a broad range of jobs may be able to be sponsored.

The significance of being added to the SOL is:

• minimum salaries are 20% less
• the visa application fees are £479 instead of £625 for a 3 year visa – although, the Home Office separately announced increases in visa application fees across the board.

We can be contacted by completing our online form, sending an email to [email protected] or by telephoning us on +44 207 038 3980 and our immigration lawyers will revert to you.