The UK Home Office most recent Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules

13th September 2024

Key Updates on UK Immigration Rules: Visa Nationals, ETA, and EUSS Changes for 2024

The UK Government has announced important changes to its immigration rules, including the addition of Jordanian nationals to the list of visa nationals, requiring them to apply for a Visitor visa. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme will also expand to cover all non-visa nationals. Other updates include new diplomatic visa arrangements, the introduction of a VIP Delegate visa, changes to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), and revised rules for student visas and skilled worker dependants. This blog highlights the key updates and their implications

Addition of Jordanian nationals to the visa national list

Jordanian nationals are being added to the list of visa nationals. This means that Jordanian nationals will need to apply for a Visitor visa to enter the UK and will no longer be able to use the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme. This is in response to an increasing number of Jordanian nationals entering the UK and carrying out activities not permitted under the ETA and applying for asylum.

The expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme

The Statement of Changes brings about the implementation of the ETA to all non-visa nationals looking to visit the UK. This will apply to all non-visa nationals who don’t have permission to be in the UK. ETA suitability criteria will also be expanded meaning that the requirements surrounding the ETA will be more similar to those contained in the Visitor visa requirements.

Introduction of the Diplomatic Visa Arrangement
Diplomatic visa waivers will be ending and will be replaced by a Diplomatic Visa Arrangement which will be a category under the Visitor visa for select Diplomatic passport holders on the visa national list.
VIP Delegate Visa
VIP Delegate visa – limits number of delegates in a party with a head of state or minister. Delegates will have to apply for a VIP Delegate visa rather than a Visitor visa or exempt vignette.
EUSS
  • Pre-settled status will be automatically converted to settled status where the person qualifies for this without the need for a further application.
  • A child who was in the UK before the end of the transition period who has now turned 21 years of age does not need to meet the requirement as to dependency on their parent(s).
  • Simpler criteria for an EEA or Swiss citizen to apply as a family member with retained right of residence.
  • A joining family member must apply to the scheme within 3 months of their first entry to the UK after the transition period.
  • Pre-settled status will be curtailed where a person assists another person to obtain EUSS leave or family permit fraudulently.
Appendix Student

The level of funds required to satisfy the maintenance requirement have increased in line with the maintenance loans available to home students for the 2024 – 25 academic year.

Appendix (ECAA) Settlement

This appendix is being replaced with a new version which applies appendix continuous residence to applications made under this appendix.

Appendix Skilled Worker

Two allowances have been added to the rules for dependants of care workers under the skilled worker route to allow for children of care workers already in the UK to make an application for an extension. The overall position has not changed regarding care workers and their rights to bring dependants to the UK. Dependent children of a care worker cannot switch from other routes if there is another parent who can reasonably care for them from overseas.

Skilled Worker Salaries

In recent days the Home Office has posted an update for sponsors on the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) regarding several errors in the ‘going rates’ released in the Immigration Rules changes in April 2024. It has been announced that some of the going rates in certain occupations are too high.

Changes to the Immigration Rules came into effect on 4 April 2024, as part of the government’s plan to reduce migration figures. The changes introduced significant changes to the Skilled Worker route, namely the general salary threshold which increased to £38,700. The ‘going rates’ for individual occupations were also changed but it has now become apparent that some of the going rates were incorrect

The previous errors in going rates could have led sponsors to incorrectly determine that someone was not suitable for sponsorship under the skilled worker route. On this basis, candidates for this visa route who previously fell short of the salary requirement should assess their eligibility again following this rule change.

The updated salaries for skilled workers have taken effect from 10/09/2024.

Sign up to stay up to date, with news and advice