By Admin 
As the UK continues to evolve its immigration system, 2024 has brought some of the most significant changes in recent years, especially for those seeking to settle in the country via work visas. With updated salary thresholds and visa options, it’s crucial to understand the best pathways available for those aiming for settlement, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Here’s a breakdown of the top work visa options and the latest updates for 2024.
1. Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa remains the most common and versatile route for foreign nationals aiming to work and settle in the UK. However, as of April 4, 2024, significant changes have been made to the salary requirements and eligible roles.
Key Features:
- Job Offer Requirement: You must have a job offer from a UK-based employer with a valid Sponsor Licence.
- Salary Threshold: The minimum salary has increased to £38,700 per year, or the “going rate” for the role, whichever is higher. For new entrants (recent graduates, or those under 26), a reduced threshold of £30,960 applies gov.uk Taylor Wessing
- Path to Settlement: After 5 years on the Skilled Worker Visa, you can apply for ILR, provided you meet the residency and salary criteria at the time of the application.
Latest Update:
The Shortage Occupation List, which allowed for reduced salary requirements, has been replaced by the Immigration Salary List, reducing eligible occupations from 54 to 21. Roles not included in this list will now face the full salary threshold Free Movement.
2. Health and Care Worker Visa
This specialized visa is part of the broader Skilled Worker Visa but tailored for professionals in the health and social care sectors. It is particularly beneficial for healthcare workers aiming to settle in the UK while avoiding some of the financial burdens that other visa routes carry.
Key Features:
- Salary Threshold: The minimum salary threshold has also increased to £29,000, or the “going rate” for healthcare rolesGOV.UK Taylor Wessing.
- Exemption from Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Applicants on this visa are exempt from paying the IHS, making it a cost-effective option.
- Path to Settlement: Similar to the Skilled Worker Visa, you can apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residency in the UK.
3. Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa is aimed at individuals recognized as leaders or potential leaders in fields such as science, arts, digital technology, and academia. This visa offers a more flexible path to settlement compared to the Skilled Worker Visa.
Key Features:
- No Job Offer Required: Unlike the Skilled Worker Visa, the Global Talent Visa does not require a job offer.
- Endorsement: You must be endorsed by a recognized UK body in your field.
- Path to Settlement: You can apply for ILR after 3 years if endorsed as a leader, or 5 years if endorsed as an emerging leader or potential talentTaylor Wessing.
Latest Update:
The Global Business Mobility Visa has also undergone updates, with salary thresholds for senior roles increasing to £48,500. This may make the Global Talent Visa more attractive for those in specialized industries Free Movement.
4. Innovator Founder Visa
If you’re an entrepreneur with an innovative business idea, the Innovator Founder Visa could be your ideal path to settlement. This visa allows individuals to establish businesses that are innovative, scalable, and viable in the UK.
Key Features:
- Endorsement Required: Applicants must have their business idea endorsed by a recognized UK body.
- Investment Requirement: You will typically need access to investment funds to establish your business.
- Path to Settlement: You can apply for ILR after 3 years, provided your business meets certain milestonesTaylor Wessing.
5. Intra-company Transfer Visa
For employees of multinational companies being transferred to a UK branch, the Intra-company Transfer Visa (now under the Global Business Mobility Visa routes) remains an option. However, this route does not directly lead to settlement unless switched to another visa category.
Key Features:
- Salary Threshold: Increased to £48,500 for senior or specialist roles.
- Limited Path to ILR: This visa does not directly lead to settlement unless you switch to another visa category such as the Skilled Worker VisaFree MovementPinsent Masons.
Conclusion: The Best Path to Settlement
For most skilled workers, the Skilled Worker Visa remains the most viable and straightforward route to settling in the UK, especially for those in high-paying sectors. The Health and Care Worker Visa is an excellent option for medical professionals, offering financial benefits and a clear path to settlement. The Global Talent Visa is ideal for high achievers in specialized fields who want more flexibility.
The 2024 updates make it clear that securing a higher-paying role is now crucial for obtaining and maintaining a work visa. Those who act quickly before April 2024 may still benefit from transitional salary provisions, but long-term, employers and employees alike will need to adjust to these new requirements.
Stay informed and consult with immigration advisors to ensure you’re on the right path to settlement based on your individual circumstances and the latest rules.
For more information on the latest immigration updates, visit the UK Government’s official page or consult with a licensed immigration advisor.