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Heads up! Significant changes to UK immigration rules and visa fees take effect April 9, 2025. This includes a higher minimum salary for Skilled Worker visas (£25,000) and increased application costs for various work and temporary visas.
Get ready for some significant shifts if you’re planning to work, study, or even visit the United Kingdom. The UK Home Office is rolling out new immigration rules and fee structures, with most changes taking effect tomorrow, April 9, 2025.
These updates impact foreign workers, employers, and potentially visitors, so let’s break down what you need to know. The revised rules aim to streamline processes while also increasing the financial requirements for applicants.
Higher Salary Threshold for Skilled Worker Visas
One of the key updates is the increase in the minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa applicants. The salary floor will rise from £23,200 to £25,000 per year, which translates to an hourly wage increase from £11.90 to £12.82, based on a standard 37.5-hour workweek.
This change applies to all new sponsorships issued after April 9, 2025, and could significantly impact employers and prospective foreign employees alike.
What Is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker visa is a popular route for foreign nationals to live and work in the UK. It has replaced the former Tier 2 (General) visa.
Remember, to qualify, you generally need:
• A job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
• A ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ (CoS) from that employer detailing your role.
• A job listed on the UK’s eligible occupations list.
• To meet the minimum salary requirement for your specific job (which might be higher than the general floor!).
Employers Must Prove Local Hiring Efforts
Starting April 09, 2025, care providers and other employers hiring foreign staff under sponsorship must first demonstrate efforts to recruit UK-based candidates. This new requirement is designed to prioritize domestic employment before allowing international recruitment.
UK Visa Application Fees Set to Rise
The UK Home Office has also announced increased visa application fees across multiple categories, including Skilled Worker visas, Health and Care visas, and Temporary Worker visas. These changes apply whether the application is made from within or outside the UK.
What About Short Visits & the UK ETA Fee Increase?
Many travellers needing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short UK visits now face a significant cost hike. If you’re from a country requiring an ETA for tourism, business, transit, or short study, pay close attention.
Understanding the ETA
• The UK ETA is a digital permission to travel, not a visa. Required for many nationalities who don’t need a full visa for short stays.
• It’s required for short visits (tourism, business, transit, short study).
• It is typically valid for two years and permits multiple entries during that period.
ETA Fee Hiked Sharply
Starting April 9, 2025, the fee for a UK ETA is set to increase dramatically. Reports indicate a 60% jump, taking the application cost from £10 up to £16 per person.
This marks a substantial rise in short-term visitors requiring this authorisation. As always, confirm the exact fee and requirement for your nationality on the official Gov.UK website before travelling.
What Travellers and Workers Should Know
The UK is clearly taking a more structured and financially demanding approach to immigration. These updates, effective April 9, 2025, will affect job seekers, students, employers, and even tourists.
Prospective applicants should:
• Budget for increased visa fees
• Confirm if their occupation meets new salary thresholds
• Ensure they meet all new sponsorship and employment criteria
Stay Updated: Immigration rules can change. Always consult the official UK government website (Gov.UK) for the latest, most accurate information before making any travel or application plans.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/uk-immigration-changes-higher-visa-eta-fees-april-2025/
