The Home Secretary has revealed a strategy to significantly reduce migration levels and address immigration system misuse, marking the most substantial decrease in net migration to date.

In the year ending September 2023, the Home Office reported issuing 101,000 Health and Care visas to workers and approximately 120,000 visas to their dependants.

• Increasing the earning threshold for overseas skilled workers from £26,200 to £38,700 [although Health and Care visa workers will be exempted from the increase to the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas]
• Increase the minimum income required for British citizens and ILR holders who want their family members to join them from £ 18,600 p.a. to £ 38,700
• End the 20% going rate salary reduction for jobs in the shortage occupations
• Review the Graduate (post study work) visa route

Furthermore, starting January 2024, student visa holders can no longer apply for dependents, this is likely to reduce the 153,000 visas granted for student dependents in September 2023.

Moreover, the immigration health surcharge will rise from £624 to £1,035 per year from January 2024.