The easiest way to immigrate to the UK in 2024

If you're contemplating a move to the UK, you may be curious about the most straightforward path to immigration. The UK offers a diverse array of immigration routes, each accompanied by unique eligibility criteria and application procedures. Navigating through these options and requirements may seem daunting initially, but armed with the correct information, you can confidently make decisions and choose the immigration route that aligns best with your individual circumstances.

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EDIT - 31 January 2024

The official announcement was made yesterday for the changes to legal migration rules for family and work visas in 2024 which was after this article was published and is different to what was initially proposed. Below is a summary of the changes.

🔒 11 March 2024: New Care Worker Regulations Starting March 11th, care workers will face additional restrictions. Notably, their family members will no longer be allowed to accompany them to the UK. Stay informed and comply!

🏥 Attention Care Providers: CQC Registration Mandatory Effective the same day, care providers must now register with the Care Quality Commissions (CQC) to sponsor employees under the Health and Care visa. Ensuring quality care and compliance is our top priority.

📜 14 March 2024: Shortage Occupation List Update Big News! From March 14th, the 20% salary discount for Shortage Occupation List jobs will be removed. Don't miss out on the latest updates and ensure you're in the know.

💼 4 April 2024: Skilled Worker Minimum Salary Increase Mark your calendars for April 4th! A significant change is on the horizon, as the minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa applicants will increase from £26,200 to £38,700 for new applications. Stay ahead in your immigration journey.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 11 April 2024: Family Visa Income Requirement Increase Attention British citizens and residents! Starting April 11th, the minimum income requirement for family visas will rise to £29,000. This adjustment will impact those bringing family members to the UK. Plan accordingly!

Stay updated and share this post to keep your network informed! 🌐✨

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How we rate the UK Visas

We evaluate four of the most sought-after UK visas that enable individuals to reside and work in the country. Our assessment is based on several criteria, encompassing the visa's accessibility, associated costs, and the salary thresholds necessary for qualification. Notably, we have omitted less prevalent UK immigration options, such as the Spouse/Partner Visa, EU Settlement Scheme, and Study Visas from our analysis.

Summary of some of the UK visa changes in 2024

It's crucial to acknowledge that in 2024, significant changes to legal migration are underway, and these changes have a substantial impact on the process of obtaining a visa:

• Increase in Immigration Health Surcharge Fees which rise from £624 to £1035 per year of a visa. Health and Care Worker visas are exempt from paying the IHS.

• Increase in the minimum salaries for Skilled Worker Visas. The minimum salary for a Skilled Worker Visa will increase on 4 April 2024 to £38,700 and will NOT be phased in with incremental amounts as previously announced.

• Revise the Shortage Occupation List by transforming it into an Immigration Salary List (ISL), eliminating the 20% salary discount for shortage occupations. Commission the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to reassess the list's structure to align with the heightened salary thresholds. We expect that will be a significant reduction in the list of skilled jobs which qualify for sponsorship.

• Increase the minimum income requirement for family visas with the aim of aligning it with the updated minimum general salary threshold for Skilled Workers, set at £38,700. This adjustment ensures that individuals only bring dependents to the UK whom they can financially support.

There are other changes which do not directly impact the types of visas we list below. If you are interested in understanding all the proposed changes you can read more this article from the GOVUK website Net migration measures – further detail and this article from the commons parliamentary library Changes to legal migration rules for family and work visas in 2024.

1 Health and Care Worker Visa

The Health and Care Worker Visa stands out as perhaps the most straightforward route for immigration to the UK. Several factors contribute to this ease, and notably, this visa remains unaffected by many of the changes occurring in 2024.

Here is why we rate this the best choice:

• The UK is currently experiencing a significant shortage of health and care workers, making sponsors readily available to support well-qualified candidates.

• This visa is exceptionally cost-effective as it is exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.

• The minimum income aligns with the National Health Service pay bands and not the increased minimum income requirements for the Skilled Worker visa.

2 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa presents another excellent option, specifically applicable to citizens of the following countries:

• Australia

• Canada

• Monaco

• New Zealand

• San Marino

• Japan (applicable from 31 January 2024)

• South Korea (applicable from 31 January 2024)

• Hong Kong (selection by ballot)

• Taiwan (selection by ballot)

Here's why we rank this as the second-best choice:

• The application fee is relatively low at £298 for the 2 year visa.

• The Immigration Health Surcharge is required but at a discounted rate.

• The minimum savings requirement is double that of the other visas at £2530.

• This visa is exclusively for individuals aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for certain countries) with no dependents.

• It is valid for a 2-year period and cannot be extended. However, while in the UK, there's the option to request employer sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa.

• There are no restrictions on employment however, there are significant restrictions on self employment.

3 UK Ancestry Visa

The UK Ancestry Visa, also known as the Ancestral Visa, serves as an alternative pathway accessible to Commonwealth citizens and individuals from British territories. To qualify, one must provide evidence that at least one grandparent was born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man.

Here's why we consider this the third-best option:

• This visa is the least restrictive, offering flexibility for both employment and self-employment opportunities.

• It comes with a notable expense, as the application incurs a fee of £637, and applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for the full five-year period.

• Dependents such as partners and children are able to apply for dependent visas, however additional fees and surcharges apply.

• To meet financial requirements, applicants must possess a minimum of £1270 in savings, with higher amounts required for those with dependents.

4 Skilled Worker Visa

The ever popular Skilled Worker Visa requires a job offer from an authorised visa sponsor within an occupation listed for sponsorship. It's crucial to distinguish this list from the Shortage Occupations list. While numerous occupations qualify for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship, not all are featured on the Shortage Occupations list. If your job is on the Shortage Occupations list, you may be eligible for a reduced application fee, and the minimum salary requirement might vary slightly.

Here's why we rate this the lowest:

• We predict an increase in the Skilled Worker Visa applications for the first half of 2024 as employers look to avoid paying higher salaries BUT finding a job with visa sponsorship which meets the new minimum salary requirements is going to become more challenging in 2024.

• The Shortage Occupations List is probably going away in 2024 to be replaced by Immigration Salary List. We expect that the number of occupations which qualify for visa sponsorship will be significantly reduced and the higher minimum salary requirements will make it harder to find jobs which offer visa sponsorship. This will also probably mean that the discounted visa application fee for jobs on the new list will no longer apply.

• To meet financial requirements, applicants must possess a minimum of £1270 in savings, with higher amounts required for those with dependents.

• Expect a five year visa with the Immigration Health Surcharge to cost well in excess of £5, 000.

• Skilled Worker Visas will also receive more scrutiny from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) which will probably result in longer processing times.

Embarking on the journey to immigrate to the UK opens doors to a world of opportunities and experiences. While navigating the intricacies of visa options may seem challenging, remember that each pathway is a step closer to new horizons and possibilities. The diverse range of visas available ensures that there's a suitable option for everyone, whether through professional opportunities, ancestral connections, or youth mobility.

As you pursue your dream of building a life in the UK, embrace the resilience that has brought you this far and look forward to the exciting chapters that await. The cultural richness, economic vibrancy, and warmth of the UK await those ready to embark on this transformative adventure. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and your journey toward a brighter future in the UK is a testament to your determination and ambition. Here's to a future filled with new beginnings, success, and the fulfillment of your dreams in the United Kingdom in 2024!