Immigration Updates – July 2023

Changes to the Student Route

Dependents will no longer be permitted for students enrolled in courses beginning after January 1, 2024, unless they are government-sponsored students pursuing a PhD, another doctorate degree, or a research-based higher degree. Dependents who are currently in the UK can still extend their leave.

Changes to Skilled Worker Visa Route 

Students can now only switch into the Skilled Worker routes and other work routes in the UK if they have completed their course of study. They must be able to demonstrate that either one of the following applies: 

• Must have completed the course of study for which the Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) was assigned; or
• If studying a full time course at degree level or above, the Certificate of Sponsorship  must have a start date no earlier than the course  completion date; or
• If studying a full time course at PhD level or above, the Certificate of Sponsorship must have a start date no earlier than 24 months after the start date of the course

Changes to Shortage Occupation List 

The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) for skilled workers will now include additional roles. For example, a variety of construction jobs: plasterers, carpenters, joiners, roofers, roof tilers, slaters, bricklayers, masons, acoustician, fencer etc. Agriculture and fishing trades are also additional roles that will be added on to the SOL.

All the above occupations will be added to the Shortage Occupation List from Monday 7th August 2023.

Occupations that are on the Shortage Occupation List benefit from lower salary thresholds as well as lower visa application fees.