Recent Changes to the UK Immigration Rules: What You Need to Know

Introduction of a visit visa requirement in Trinidad and Tobago
Fee increases
Care Worker Visa Adjustments
UPE Extension Scheme
Introduction of eVisas
Introduction of ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Change in Skilled Worker Minimum Salary Threshold
Family Visa Income Requirements
Changes to Sponsor License Renewals
Employer Penalties for Illegal Working
Restrictions on Dependents
Final Thoughts

The UK government introduces and implements new changes to the UK immigration rules from time to time. Hence, it is essential to check the latest rules before you apply for any UK visa. In the last one year, significant changes have taken place. Be it the introduction of ETA for non-visa nationals, hikes in visa fees, eVisa replacing physical immigration documents, or an increase in the minimum salary threshold for UK Skilled Worker Visa applicants, the effort has been to streamline the visa process and strengthen the UK’s border. It is in your interest to understand how these changes will impact you as an applicant or employer.

In this blog, we are going to discuss some major changes to the UK immigration rules that have taken place in the last year.

1. Introduction of a visit visa requirement in Trinidad and Tobago

Starting from March 12, 2025, the nationals of Trinidad and Tobago will be required to apply for a visa to visit the UK, even for short stays. In addition to this, they must obtain a Direct Airside Transit Visa if they transit through the UK en route to another country. This change was implemented due to a significant increase in asylum applications from Trinidad and Tobago nationals, which has placed additional pressure on UK border operations.

2. Fee increases

Starting 9 April 2025, there is a substantial increase in a wide range of visa categories. Here are some of the most significant increases:

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) –

Following the recent introduction of the ETA scheme for visa– exempt travelers visiting the UK for short stays, the cost of an ETA will rise from £10 to £16.

Standard Visitor Visa –

For visa-required nationals, the fee for a standard visitor visa (up to six months) will increase from £115 to £127.

Sponsorship Fees for Workers –

Employers sponsoring migrant workers will see higher costs:

The sponsor license application fee will increase from £1,476 to £1,579 for large organizations and from £536 to £574 for small organizations.

The COS fee for Skilled Workers and Global Business Mobility (Senior or Specialist Workers) will rise from £239 to £525. Skilled worker visa application fees will also rise.

Entry Clearance Applications (for individuals applying outside the UK) –

More than three years: £1,519 (up from £1,420).

In-country Applications (for applicants already in the UK) – Up to three years: £885 (up from £827). More than three years: £1,751 (up from £1,636).

Settlement and Nationality Fees –

Those applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship will also face higher costs:

ILR: £3,029 (up from £2,885).

Naturalization (British citizenship) –

The fee increases to £1,605, up from £1,500. For a full list of increases in fees, click here. These are significant changes to the UK immigration rules.

3. Care Worker Visa Adjustments

Recruitment Prioritization – From April 9, 2025, sponsors must first attempt to recruit care workers and senior care workers from within the UK before hiring from overseas. This includes obtaining confirmation from regional partnerships about recruitment efforts.

Salary Threshold Increase – The minimum salary for care workers increased from £23,200 to £25,000 per year. This change applies to Certificates of Sponsorship issued after April 9, 2025.

4. UPE Extension Scheme

Ukraine Permission Extension – Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme was launched on 4 February 2025 to support Ukrainian citizens and their qualified family members living in the UK. The scheme allows individuals to apply for additional 18 months stay in the UK under homes for Ukraine Plan, Ukraine Family Scheme, or Ukraine Extension Scheme. Applicants should be in the UK at the time of application and apply within 28 days before their current permission is over. The extension allows applicant’s existing rights to work, study, use public funds and use National Health Services (NHS).

5. Introduction of eVisas

Digitization of Physical Documents – The UK is digitizing its immigration system by introducing eVisas. eVisa is a digital record of an individual’s immigration status. This means that eVisa is replacing physical documents such as BRP (biometric residence permits) and BRC (biometric residence cards). Now, individuals will be able to access, manage, share, and update their immigration information online through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. The objective is to make the system more secure, efficient, and user-friendly.

Since October 2024, the UK has been issuing all newly granted visas in digital format, known as eVisas. Initially, the BRP (Biometric Residence Permits) and BRC (Biometric Residence Cards) holders were to transition to eVisas by the end of 2024. However, the Home Office has extended the deadline. People can use their BRPs expiring on or after 31 December 2024 as proof of immigration status until 1 June Even though the extension has been given, individuals are being encouraged to switch to eVisas as soon as possible.

6. Introduction of ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a transformative measure. This is a digital permission to enter the UK for certain nationals. This is a recent change in UK immigration law. Earlier citizens of specific countries did not require a visa to visit the UK for a short stay of up to 6 months. But now they need to apply and obtain an ETA before visiting the UK by air or land or transiting through a UK airport. It has been designed to streamline entry screening and enhance border security.

The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system is being introduced in stages:

November 2023: Qatari nationals were the first to require an ETA for UK travel.

February 2024: Citizens from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan needed an ETA from this date.

January 8, 2025: The requirement expanded to 49 non-European countries, including Australia and the United States.

April 2, 2025: Nationals from 34 European countries will also need an ETA, with applications opening on March 5, 2025.

7. Change in Skilled Worker Minimum Salary Threshold

Increased Minimum Salary Thresholds –

Effective from April 4, 2024, the minimum annual salary requirement for skilled workers has been increased. The new minimum annual salary threshold for a skilled worker now stands at £38,700 per annum where no salary discounts are applicable. This was £26,200 before this date.

Health and Care Workers –

Health and Care Worker visa applicants must meet a lower salary threshold requirement of £29,000 per annum and the full going rate for the occupation code. The full going rate for the occupation code has been stated in Table 2 or 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations, where no discounts apply.

Introduction of the Immigration Salary List (ISL) –

ISL is a successor to the SOL (Shortage Occupation List). Replacing the SOL in April 2024, the ISL removes the 20% “going rate” discount previously applied to SOL. The Migration Advisory Committee now advises on occupations to be included in the ISL.

8. Family Visa Income Requirements

Minimum Annual Income Increases –

The minimum annual gross income requirement for a family visa applicant as a partner increased from £18,600 to £29,000 on April 11, 2024. This new threshold is inclusive of dependent children, which was not the case earlier. However, those who applied for a UK family visa before 11 April 2024 and now want to apply for an extension will still have to meet the minimum annual requirement of £18,600 where there is no dependent child.

Savings Requirement –

Applicants relying on savings alone must demonstrate holdings of at least £88,500, an increase from the earlier £62,500.

Abolishment of Renewals – From April 6, 2024, the sponsors do not need to renew their Sponsor Licenses every four years. Licenses now automatically extend for ten years. This has reduced administrative burdens for employers.

10. Employer Penalties for Illegal Working

Increased Fines – Effective from 13 February 2024, penalties for employing illegal workers have been increased. First offenses can incur fines up to £45,000 per worker, a three-fold increase from £15,000, and repeat offenses up to £60,000, a three-fold increase from £20,000. Employers must conduct valid right-to-work checks to avoid penalties.

11. Restrictions on Dependents

Restriction on International Students’ Dependents –

From January 1, 2024, most international students, except those undergraduate students who are on a fully government-sponsored program lasting more than six months and those studying PhD-level research-intensive courses, are no longer allowed to bring family members with them to the UK.

Restriction on Health and Care Workers’ Dependents –

From 11 March 2024, care and senior care workers applying for UK health and care worker visas cannot bring their dependent spouses and children to the UK.

Final Thoughts

The UK has introduced and implemented many significant changes to the UK Immigration Rules from early January 2024 to April 2025. These changes represent a bold step towards a modern, streamlined, and economically focused immigration system.

If you’re applying for a UK visa, applying as a family member, or employing foreign workers, you need to understand the recent changes to the UK immigration rules yourself or through an immigration expert. Staying informed and adjusting to these updates helps you navigate the process more smoothly and improves the chances of a successful application.