Top 5 Recent Updates in UK Immigration Laws: What You Need To Know

It has been a busy month for UK immigration news, as the government announced five important updates to existing rules and regulations. These updates could impact those planning to come to the UK and those already resident in the UK, regardless of their visa category.

To help keep you up-to-date with the latest changes, we’ve compiled the key takeaways from these recent updates. The final update is perhaps the most important one, as it impacts everyone who needs a visa to come to the UK, so make sure you keep reading to the end!

5 Changes To UK Immigration Law You Need To Know

Update #1: Child Dependent Visa Changes

On the 7th September 2023, the government released a lengthy document with various policy updates. Buried on page 59 of this document, you’ll find references to the child dependent visa. The government is planning to tighten regulations for this visa route, and you can find out which routes this applies to here.

There are three main changes to the rules for this visa application route:

• Rule 1: The first rule change is to the relationship requirement. You must have enough documents and evidence to prove that you are a parent or guardian of the child. Also, you must show that you have permission to stay in the UK.
• Rule 2: This update is related to the care requirement. If your child is under the age of 18, you need to show that you have made suitable care arrangements for the child. You also need to show that this is compliant with UK law. The application will now also ask for evidence of suitable accommodation.
• Rule 3: The final change relates to the age and independent life requirement. Your child must be under the age of 18 at the time of the application, and they should not be living an independent life. Your child may be aged 18 or over on the date of application if your child was last granted permission as the dependent child of you.?

Update #2: Tuberculosis Testing

There is a small change to the tuberculosis testing rule. If you are in the UK and return to your home country for more than 6 months, you will need another TB test before you return. If your stay is shorter than 6 months, there is no need to re-test. Naturally, this only applies if your home country is subject to TB testing requirements.

Update #3: Access To Public Funds

The UK Government has taken the opportunity to restate that anyone in the UK on a visa cannot access public funds. Those who are already in the UK and have a Biometric Residence Permit will be well aware of this, as this is stated on their BRP. However, the UK Government would like to place emphasis on this message so there is no confusion about UK migrant rights.

Update #4: Changes to the Skilled Worker Route

We’ve seen a new job role added to the shortage of Skilled Workers list. If you’re trained as a Prison Service Officer and are looking for a UK visa sponsor, you’re in luck, as this job has now been added to the eligible occupations list. HM Prison & Probation Service currently has 285 vacancies advertised. And with a starting salary of around ￡30,000, there is a good chance you would be eligible for this visa route if you were to secure a job offer!

Update #5: Visa Fee Hikes

And finally, the update that no one wants to share. The UK government announced increases to all UK visa categories, including Student Visas, Skilled Worker Visas and Visitor Visas. These increases will be effective from 9 a.m. on the 4th of October, 2023. The new Immigration and Nationality (Fees) makes many changes to Home Office fees, including a 15% increase in the cost of most work and visit visas and an increase of at least 20% in the cost of priority visas, study visas and Certificates of Sponsorship.

Affected by any of these updates? Worried about your visa application? My team is here to help.

For further information, head to our website to arrange a consultation: https://ayjsolicitors.com/