Under the new UK immigration policies effective from April 4, 2024, health and care professionals sponsored for Health and Care Worker visas are now subject to a reduced salary threshold of £29,000 instead of the new general requirement of £38,700. This tailored threshold acknowledges the unique contributions of healthcare workers in the UK.

In addition, amendments have been introduced to clarify the Health and Care Worker visa requirements within the formal Immigration Rules, aligning these with updates based on SOC 2020. While the essential criteria of this visa, initially launched on August 4, 2020, remain the same, these clarifications are crucial due to the updated salary levels. The changes ensure that eligibility standards are clear and consistent with the broader scope and benefits of the Health and Care Worker Visa, enhancing accessibility and influencing application outcomes directly.

Immigration Salary List Replaces Shortage Occupations List

The UK Government has replaced the Shortage Occupation List with a newly structured Immigration Salary List. This updated list aims to clarify that it offers a reduced salary threshold for specific roles where the government deems it beneficial, rather than indicating a shortage in all professions listed. Notably, applicants for Health and Care Worker positions on the new Immigration Salary List can qualify for a lower general salary threshold of £23,200. However, the previous 20% reduction in the going rate requirement has been removed.

Updated Salary Discounts for Ph.D. Holders and New Labour Market Entrants

As of April 4, 2024, the immigration regulations for skilled workers reflect adjustments in salary discounts based on the latest pay data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Aden & Co Solicitors notes that these reduced salary thresholds apply specifically to:

• individuals holding relevant Ph.D. qualifications,
• “new entrants” to the job market, and
• occupations that adhere to national pay scales.

Updates to Supplementary Employment for Skilled Workers

The scope of supplementary employment within the Skilled Worker route has expanded, now covering all positions that qualify under the skilled worker visa criteria. This allows skilled workers more flexibility across eligible job roles.

Transition from SOC 2010 to SOC 2020

Effective from April 4, 2024, the UK’s immigration system will transition its Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code reference from SOC 2010 to SOC 2020. Developed by the Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 is the latest classification, now exclusively utilized for official statistical data and employment categories in the immigration framework.

Book Your Consultation with London’s Leading Immigration Solicitors – Aden & Co Solicitors

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