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Immigration Changes in 2024 and What to Expect in 2025

At the start of 2024 there was a sense of optimism, with some welcome amendments to the UK’s immigration rules. However, 2024 soon became more complex, as a series of policy changes, some aimed at controlling migration numbers, took effect. Looking ahead to 2025, further changes are expected.

Here’s a summary of the most significant changes in UK immigration in 2024 and what we can expect in the year to come.

Changes in 2024

New Permitted Activities for Business Visitors

In January 2024 the Immigration Rules were updated to make it easier for visitors to engage in certain business activities in the UK without needing a work visa. These updates expanded the list of permitted activities for visitors, allowing client-facing roles for worker visiting a UK branch or subsidiary of the same corporate group. More flexibility was added for overseas lawyers, and individuals entering for permitted paid engagements no longer need to be stamped in by a Border Force officer.

IHS Fee Increase

While the expansion of permitting activities took place, the excitement was quickly brought down by the hike in the Immigration Health Surcharge fees. From February2024, the IHS almost doubled its fees, from £624 to £1,035 per year for adult visa holders. The significant increase posed a challenge for many applicants, driving up the overall cost of securing visas for workers and families.

Civil Penalties

The IHS increase was followed by the maximum civil penalty for employing someone illegally tripling, rising from £20,000 to £60,000 per illegal worker. This hike added a significant financial burden on employers and reinstate the need for compliance with right to work checks and related immigration rules.

Limitations on migrant workers

In April 2024, the outgoing government introduced restrictions on the ability of sponsored care workers and students preventing them to bring dependent family members with them to the UK. This change led to a noticeable decrease in the number of people applying under those categories.

Furthermore, the minimum salary for Skilled Worker spiked from £26,200 to £38,700. This has also resulted in additional challenges for employers trying to sponsor foreign workers. Likewise, the minimum income requirement for partners of British citizens rose from £18,600 to £29,000 causing considerable strain on families,

End of Sponsor Licence Renewals

In April 2024, the Home Office unexpectedly announced that sponsor licences would no longer need to be renewed and will continue to exist unless revoked. This new rule eliminates the costly requirement of renewal streamlining the process for employers sponsoring workers.

EU Settlement Scheme Updates

From May 2024, individuals with pre-settled status will automatically receive a 5-year extension, preventing them from becoming overstayers. Additionally, employers now need to check pre-settled status only once before hiring, rather than checking again before the status expires. This update brings much-needed clarity and simplifies compliance for businesses.

The End of BRPs: transition to eVisas

In one of the most ambitious immigration mission of the past few years, the UK government set a target of transitioning everyone to an eVisa (digital immigration status) by the end of 2024. Since the beginning of 2024 (and for sometime before then) people with Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) could create a UKVI account to link their eVisa.

From 1 November 2024, BRPs ceased to be issued.

However, there was a a last-minute announcement in December 2024 indicating that the transition period would be extended until at least 31 March 2025. They have advised for travellers to carry their BRP card even if expired with them and use the “view and prove” service if their eVisa does not function properly.

 

Monica Mastropasqua

Trainee Solicitor

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+44 20 7539 8021

last-minute announcement in December 2024 indicating that the transition period would be extended until at least 31 March 2025.

What to Expect in 2025

Further changes and developments in UK immigration policy are expected in 2025.

  • White Paper on Linking Visas with Training: the government will soon release a White Paper to help people training on linking visas. The policy aims to ensure that employers sponsoring migrant workers are also upskilling the domestic workforce. The success of this initiative will likely depend on how effectively funds from the Immigration Skills Charge are used.
  • Migration Advisory Committee Reviews: The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has already been tasked with assessing skills shortages in IT and engineering and reviewing the impact of partner visa minimum income increases. Expect further policy changes to emerge based on these findings in 2025.
  • eVisas and ETA Scheme: Given the transition challenges with eVisas and the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, applicants should prepare for potential disruptions. The government’s delayed rollout of the new systems may lead to ongoing travel issues throughout 2025.
  • Changes to the Digital Tech Global Talent Scheme: With the contract for the endorsing body of the Global Talent scheme for digital tech being shifted from Tech Nation to a new provider, there may be changes to the qualifying criteria. This will be a critical development for businesses looking to sponsor talent in the tech sector.
  • Ukraine Schemes Update: On 4 February 2025, the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme will grant a further 18 months to those with permission under the Ukraine schemes. However, the government has confirmed that there are currently no plans for these schemes to lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

It can be said that 2024 was a year of significant changes, with both positive updates and challenges for businesses and individuals navigating the UK immigration system. As we move into 2025, we can expect further policy shifts, particularly in areas like training, skills shortages, and visa technology. Those involved in the immigration process must stay informed and adapt to the ongoing changes.

About this article

Disclaimer
This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice. Please refer to the full General Notices on our website.

Monica Mastropasqua

Trainee Solicitor

View profile

+44 20 7539 8021

About this article

Immigration Fee Surcharge – October 2023

Fees categoryCurrent FeeNew Fee from 4th October 2023 Fee Change
Visit visa – short up to 6 months£100£115£15
Visit visa – long up to 2 years£376£400£24
Visit visa – long up to 5 years£670£771£101
Visit visa – long up to 10 years£837£963£126
Visiting academic – more than 6 months but no more than 12 months£200£200£0
Private medical treatment visa – more than 6 months but not more than 11 months£200£200£0
Transit visa (direct airside transit)£35£35£0
Transit visit visa (landside transit)£64£64£0
Visa for the purpose of joining a ship or aircraft as a member of the crew of that ship or aircraft£64£64£0
Electronic Visa Waiver£30£30£0
Single-entry visa to replace a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)£154£154£0
Certificate of Entitlement Nationality Right of Abode (outside the UK)£388£388£0
Transfer of Conditions (Vignette Transfer) application made overseas£154£154£0
Other visa£531£637£106
Hong Kong British National (Overseas) for 30 months – main applicant and dependants£180£180£0
Hong Kong British National (Overseas) for 5 years – main applicant and dependants£250£250£0
Route to Settlement£1538£1846£308
Route to Settlement – other dependant relative£3250£3250£0
Route to Settlement – refugee dependant relative£388£404£16
Indefinite leave to enter the UK as the dependant of a member of the armed forces under Appendix Armed Forces to the Immigration Rules£2404£2885£481
Indefinite leave to enter the UK as a foreign or Commonwealth citizen discharged from HM Forces under paragraph 13 of Appendix Armed Forces to the immigration rules£2404£2885£481
Call out/ out of hours fee (per hour/part hour) – service of consular officers£142£142£0
Receiving, preparing and forwarding documents – consular functions£141£141£0
Administrative review£80£80£0
Fees categoryCurrent FeeNew Fee from 4th October 2023 Fee Change
Innovator Founder – main applicant and dependants£1036£1191£155
Endorsement fee under Innovator Founder route (payable to endorsing body) excluding VAT£1000£1000£0
Start-up – main applicant and dependants£378£435£57
Approval letter from a competent body in respect of an initial application for Global Talent£456£524£68
Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is required£167£192£25
Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is not required£623£716£93
Global Talent – dependants only£623£716£93
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) – dependants only£623£716£93
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) – dependants only£1036£1191£155
Tier 1 (Investor) – main applicant and dependants£1638£1884£246
Skilled worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants£625£719£94
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants£1235£1420£185
Skilled Worker – shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants£479£551£72
Skilled Worker, shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants£943£1084£141
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants£247£284£37
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants£479£551£72
Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants£247£284£37
Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants£479£551£72
T2 Minister of Religion – main applicant and dependants£625£719£94
International Sportsperson where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for 12 months or less – main applicant and dependants£259£298£39
International Sportsperson where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over 12 months – main applicant and dependants£625£719£94
Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker, Religious Worker, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, International Agreement, Government Authorised Exchange and Youth Mobility Scheme – main applicant and dependants£259£298£39
Representative of an overseas business – main applicant and dependants£625£719£94
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – up to 3 years – main applicant and dependants£625£719£94
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – more than 3 years – main applicant and dependants£1235£1420£185
Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee – main applicant and dependants£259£298£39
Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier – main applicant and dependants£259£298£39
Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker – main applicant and dependants£259£298£39
Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker – main applicant and dependants£259£298£39
Scale-up – main applicant and dependants£715£822£107
High Potential Individual – main applicant and dependants£715£822£107
Fees categoryCurrent FeeNew Fee from 4th October 2023 Fee Change
Student – main applicant and dependants£490£490£0
Child student£490£490£0
Fees categoryCurrent FeeNew Fee from 4th October 2023 Fee Change
Priority Visa service – Settlement£573£500-£73
Priority Visa service – Non-Settlement£250£500£250
Super Priority Visa service£956£1000£44
User Pays Visa Application service£55£76.50£21.50
The provision of an immigration officer to provide any premium service relating to entry into or transit through the United Kingdom (per hour per officer)£77.40£77.40£0
International Contact Centre – Email Service (per query)£2.74£2.74£0
International Contact Centre – Telephone Helpline (per minute)£0.69£0.69£0
Fees categoryCurrent FeeNew Fee from 4th October 2023 Fee Change
Super Priority service£800£1000£200
Expedited processing – Priority service£500£500£0
On-Demand service (Mobile Biometric Enrolment) (per hour per representative of the contractor providing the service)£650£650£0
The provision of an immigration officer to deliver any premium service, to a Government Department, relating to entry into or transit through the United Kingdom£57.33£57.33£0
The provision of an immigration officer to deliver any premium service, relating to entry into or transit through the United Kingdom (per hour per officer)£77.40£77.40£0
Premium status checks and advice – Administrative Officer (per minute)£0.80£0.80£0
Premium status checks, advice or training – Executive Officer (inside office hours) (per minute)£0.88£0.88£0
Premium status checks, advice or training – Executive Officer (outside office hours) (per minute)£1.10£1.10£0
Premium status checks, advice or training – Higher Executive Officer (inside office hours) (per minute)£0.97£0.97£0
Premium status checks, advice or training – Higher Executive Officer (outside office hours) (per minute)£1.23£1.23£0
Fees categoryCurrent FeeNew Fee from 4th October 2023 Fee Change
Registered Traveller (Adult) – Yearly Subscription (per year)£50£50£0
Registered Traveller (Child) – Yearly Subscription (per year)£24£24£0
Registered Traveller – Registration of New Documents£20£20£0
Fast Track – Heathrow£5.20£5.20£0
Fast Track – Other ports of entry£3.00£3.00£0
Fees categoryCurrent FeeNew Fee from 4th October 2023 Fee Change
Innovator Founder – main applicant and dependants£1292£1486£194
Endorsement fee under Innovator Founder route (payable to endorsing body) excluding VAT£1000£1000£0
Start-up – main applicant and dependants£508£584£76
Approval letter from a competent body in respect of an initial application for Global Talent£456£524£68
Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is required£167£192£25
Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is not required£623£716£93
Global Talent – dependants only£623£716£93
Graduate Route – main applicant and dependants£715£822£107
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) – dependants only£623£716£93
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) – main applicant and dependants£1292£1486£194
Tier 1 (Investor) – main applicant and dependants£1638£1884£246
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants£719£827£108
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants£1423£1500£77
Skilled Worker, shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants£479£551£72
Skilled Worker, shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants£943£1084£141
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants£247£284£37
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants£479£551£72
Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants£247£284£37
Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation –Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants£479£551£72
T2 Minister of Religion – main applicant and dependants£719£827£108
International Sportsperson where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for 12 months or less – main applicant and dependants£259£298£39
International Sportsperson where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over 12 months – main applicant and dependants£719£827£108
Temporary Worker – Seasonal Worker, Religious Worker, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, International Agreement Worker, Government Authorised Exchange Worker and Youth Mobility Scheme – main applicant and dependants£259£298£39
Representative of an overseas business – main applicant and dependants£719£827£108
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – up to 3 years – main applicant and dependants£719£827£108
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – more than 3 years – main applicant and dependants£1423£1500£77
Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee – main applicant and dependants£259£298£39
Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier – main applicant and dependants£259£298£39
Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker – main applicant and dependants£259£298£39
Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker – main applicant and dependants£259£298£39
Scale-up – main applicant and dependants£715£822£107
High Potential Individual – main applicant and dependants£715£822£107
Fees categoryCurrent FeeNew Fee from 4th October 2023 Fee Change
Student – main applicant and dependants£363£490£127
Child Student£363£490£127
Short term student studying English language for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months£200£200£0
Fees categoryCurrent FeeNew Fee from 4th October 2023 Fee Change
Visitor Extension – main applicant and dependants£1000£1000£0
Leave to enter for persons in the UK who are liable to immigration detention£1048£1258£210
Leave to remain– Other£1048£1048£0
Hong Kong British National (In-country) for 30 months – main applicant and dependants£180£180£0
Hong Kong British National (In-country) for 5 years – main applicant and dependants£250£250£0
Processing an application which is subsequently rejected as invalid£25£25£0
Indefinite leave to remain – main applicants and dependants£2404£2885£481
Replacement Biometric Residence Card (issued under the EU Settlement Scheme) which has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed£19£19£0
Replacement Biometric Residence Permit which has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed£19£19£0
Travel Document – Certificate of travel – adult£280£280£0
Travel Document – Certificate of travel – child£141£141£0
Travel Document – Convention travel document – adult£75£82£7
Travel Document – Convention travel document – child£49£53£4
Administrative Review£80£80£0
Life in the UK test£50£50£0
Fees categoryCurrent FeeNew Fee from 4th October 2023 Fee Change
Naturalisation (British citizenship)£1250£1500£250
Naturalisation British overseas territory citizens£1000£1000£0
Nationality registration as a British citizen – adult£1126£1351£225
Nationality registration as a British citizen – child£1012£1214£202
The arrangement of a citizenship ceremony (including the administration of a citizenship oath and pledge at the ceremony).£80£80£0
The administration of a citizenship oath, or oath and pledge where the oath, or oath and pledge, are not administered at a citizenship ceremony or by a justice of the peace.£5£5£0
Nationality registration – British overseas territory citizen, British overseas citizens, British Subjects, British protected persons – adult£901£901£0
Nationality registration – British overseas territory citizen, British overseas citizens, British Subjects, British protected persons – child£810£810£0
Renunciation of nationality£372£372£0
Certificate of Entitlement Nationality Right of Abode (In the UK)£372£372£0
Nationality review£372£372£0
Status Letter (Nationality)£250£250£0
Non-acquisition Letter (Nationality)£250£250£0
Nationality correction to certificate£250£250£0
Nationality – supply of a certified copy of a notice, certificate, order or declaration£250£250£0
Nationality reissued Certificate£250£250£0
Fees categoryCurrent FeeNew Fee from 4th October 2023 Fee Change
Premium Sponsor Service (12 months) Worker sponsor and Temporary worker sponsor – large sponsors£25000£25000£0
Premium Sponsor Service (12 months) Worker sponsor and Temporary worker sponsor – small sponsors£8000£8000£0
Premium Sponsor Service (12 months) Student sponsors£8000£8000£0
The expedited processing of a sponsorship management request made by a Worker sponsor or Temporary worker sponsor£200£200£0
Priority service for expedited processing of sponsor licence applications£500£500£0
Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor )£1476£1476£0
Worker sponsor licence (small sponsor)£536£536£0
Student sponsor licence£536£536£0
Temporary Worker sponsor licence£536£536£0
Worker and Temporary Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor)£1476£1476£0
Worker and Student sponsor licence (large sponsor)£1476£1476£0
Worker, Temporary Worker and Student sponsor licence (large sponsor)£1476£1476£0
Temporary Worker and Student sponsor licence£536£536£0
Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor), where sponsor currently holds a Temporary Worker and/or Student Sponsor Licence£940£940£0
Endorsement fee for a Scale-up sponsor licence under Endorsing Body Pathway (payable to the endorsing body) excluding VAT£1500£1500£0
Student sponsor basic compliance assessment£536£536£0
Sponsor action plan£1476£1476£0
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Skilled Worker, T2 Minister of Religion, Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker£199£239£40
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – Temporary Worker including Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier and Secondment Worker route, and Scale-up route£21£25£4
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for International Sportsperson route – Over 12 Months£199£239£40
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for International Sportsperson route – Up to 12 months or less£21£25£4
Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS) for student, child student£21£25£4

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