The latest statement of changes to the Immigration rules has been published. Bonheur Legal has compiled a list of the most significant changes that we believe will be most pertinent to our clients and future clients.
We will therefore be focusing mainly on:
The Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme
The introduction of the Innovator Founder route on 13 April 2023
The increase of the minimum salary under the skilled worker
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme
The UK Immigration Minister reiterated that one of Government’s ongoing priority is to secure the UK borders and keeping people safe. The UK’s ambition is that everyone wishing to travel to the UK has the appropriate permission and the Government believe that the ETA scheme will be contributing to the Government to achieve their aim.
Set out in Appendix Electronic Travel Authorisation; the ETA scheme will apply to foreign individuals, visiting or transiting through the UK who currently do not need a visa for short stays. It will also apply to those using the Creative Worker route for a short stay in the UK.
As of 15 November 2023, the scheme will apply to nationals of Qatar.
The scheme will be extended to nationals of the following countries as of 15 February 2024:
Exceptions:
Residents of Ireland that do not need a visa will be exempt from applying for the ETA to enter the UK.
UK ETA app
The ETA application will be made via the UK ETA app and should take 3 working days to be processed.
The ETA will be issued electronically.
The Innovator Founder Route
The Innovator Founder route is a replacement of the less popular Innovator and Start-up routes. The criteria under the current Innovator Route will be more flexible under the Innovator Founder Route.
There is no longer the 50 000 GBP minimum funds requirement, and it is possible under certain conditions for the holders of the Innovator Founder visa to engage in employment outside the running of their business.
Extension applications will be possible under the Innovator Founder – Same Business criteria, where the applicant last had permission as an Innovator Founder or was on the Start-Up or Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) routes.
Settlement
Settlement will be possible after spending three years continuously resident in the UK under the Innovator Founder route.
Skilled Worker – Salary change
The minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa is now 26,200 GBP.
Furthermore, the new salary for the Global Business Mobility Senior and Specialist workers will now be 45,800 GBP and 24,220 GBP respectively.
The new proposed salary for the Scale-up workers will be 34,600 GBP.
Please contact us should you have any further questions.
