The UK has recently announced new rules for work visas. These changes are designed to attract the best and brightest talent to the UK, while also ensuring that the country’s immigration system is fair and efficient. these are some of the key changes to the UK work visa system and what they mean for employers and employees.
Skilled Worker Visa
One of the major changes to the UK work visa system is the introduction of the Skilled Worker Visa. This visa is open to workers who have a job offer from a UK employer and meet certain skill and salary requirements. Under this new system, the minimum salary requirement for a Skilled Worker Visa is £25,600, although workers may be able to qualify for a lower salary if they have other relevant qualifications or experience.
Global Talent Visa
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The UK is also expanding its Global Talent Visa program, which is designed to attract highly skilled workers and researchers to the country. Under this program, applicants must be endorsed by a relevant organization in their field and meet certain eligibility criteria. The expansion of the Global Talent Visa program is aimed at ensuring that the UK remains a top destination for the world’s best and brightest talent.
Graduate Route Visa
Another new visa that will be available from 1 July 2021 is the Graduate Route Visa. This visa is designed for international students who have completed a degree at a UK university and want to stay in the country to work. Under this visa, graduates will be able to work in the UK for up to two years (or three years if they have a Ph.D.) without needing to have a job offer.
Immigration Health Surcharge
All UK work visa applicants will be required to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their application. This surcharge will provide access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during the applicant’s stay in the country. The surcharge will be £624 per year for most applicants, although some individuals (such as students and those on the Youth Mobility Scheme) will pay a reduced rate.
Changes to the Resident Labour Market Test
Under the new UK work visa system, employers will no longer need to undertake the Resident Labour Market Test for Skilled Worker Visa applications. This test required employers to advertise job vacancies in the UK before hiring a foreign worker, in order to demonstrate that there were no suitable UK candidates for the role. This change is aimed at simplifying the visa application process and reducing the administrative burden on employers.
conclusion
The new rules for work visas in the UK are aimed at attracting the best and brightest talent to the country, while also streamlining the visa application process and ensuring that the immigration system is fair and efficient. Whether you’re an employer looking to hire international talent or an employee looking to work in the UK, it’s important to understand these new rules and how they may affect you.