Contributors
On 9 March 2023, the Government published a statement of changes to the immigration rules, which are due to be implemented on 12 April 2023.
Amongst these changes are increases to the minimum salary thresholds that apply to sponsored workers. The changes are being made to reflect current wage inflation and to reflect a 37.5 hour week, rather than a 39 hour week. The changes are as follows:
- Skilled Workers: The minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker applicants will increase from £25,600 per year to £26,200 per year, and the minimum equivalent hourly rate will increase from £10.10 per hour to £10.75 per hour. Increases are also being made to the minimum rates to qualify for tradeable points to receive a lower salary. Where a tradeable points salary is currently £20,480 per year, this will increase to £20.960 per year. Where a tradeable minimum salary is £23,040 per year, this will increase to £23,580 per year.
- Global Business Mobility (GBM): changes are being made to each category of GBM worker as follows:
- Senior / Specialist workers: the minimum salary threshold is increasing from £42,400 per year to £45,800 per year.
- Graduate Trainees: the minimum salary threshold is increasing from £23,100 per year to £24,220 per year.
- UK Expansion Workers: the minimum salary threshold is increasing from £42,400 per year to £45,800 per year.
- Scale-up Workers: the minimum salary threshold is increasing from £33,000 per year to £34,600 per year.
These changes come into effect on 12 April 2023 for applications made on or after 12 April 2023. The changes will not apply retrospectively.
It is crucial that employers ensure that the salary they are offering sponsored migrants complies with the Home Office minimum salary requirements. If the salary being offered does not meet the salary requirements, this will risk the visa application being refused.
Our immigration specialists keep up to date with all of the latest immigration rule changes, and are available to assist you and ensure your business effectively manages its sponsored workforce.
