August 10th, 2023 at 05:15 am
UK Skilled Worker Visa Update for International Students
Do you feel uncertain about your future as a student in the UK as a result of the new Visa law? Do the new limitations on student visa conversion in the UK make you angry? This post is for you if that describes you.
This article discusses the petition opposing a new UK rule that prevents the conversion of student visas into work visas in the UK. It was highlighted that several petitions had been filed in defiance of the new UK regulation prohibiting the transfer of international students’ student visas to work visas while they are studying there.
This regulation, which went into effect on July 17, 2023, has already had an impact on the lives of numerous international students, including those from Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and many other nations who yearned to earn a good living in the UK by obtaining a work visa while pursuing their studies.
Do you currently have any questions about the status of the petition? The petition has more than 11,000 signatures, and the deadline to sign is January 20, 2024. Please be aware that if the petition receives 100,000 signatures, the issue will be brought before the UK Parliament for discussion, which could result in the removal of the stringent rigorous law.
What are the Petition’s Demands from the UK Government?
The petition in question primarily calls for an exemption from the new law for international students who are currently enrolled in UK institutions and colleges. Additionally, it demands that the UK government only implement the regulation for foreign students who begin their degree programs in January 2024. The petition argues that the new immigration legislation interferes with natural justice and shouldn’t be implemented right away.
New UK Law’s Impact on International Students
Remember that international students with student visas must return to their home countries after completing their degree programs in the United Kingdom by the new immigration rules in the UK. This new UK rule was introduced in response to recent developments concerning the conversion of student visas to work visas, which increased UK immigration.
Big Changes for UK Skilled Worker Visa
You should not disregard these revisions to the UK Skilled Worker Visa. This article will have an in-depth look at the changes announced for the UK Skilled Worker Visa route on 9 March 2023. Buckle up and take note of these changes while you read along.
First and foremost, the Minimum Salary Thresholds
Holders of sponsor licenses ought to be aware of the impending changes to the procedure for skilled worker visas, which were announced on March 9, 2023.
The Home Office has decided to increase the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold from April 2023 because of the increased National Living wage. The minimum hourly rate will increase from £10.10 per hour to £10.70 per hour. On the other hand, the minimum gross annual salary threshold for the majority of applications will rise by £600, increasing from £25,600 to £26,200.
- It is important to note that these changes will ultimately impact various sponsored roles across different industries, such as hospitality, in which salaries are often close to the minimum threshold.
- Moreover, the reduced minimum gross annual pay for occupations requiring qualified Ph.D. candidates will rise from £23,040 to £23,580.
- Additionally, between £20,480 to £20,960 will be added to the discounted minimum gross annual income for several STEM positions, healthcare positions, professions on the shortage occupation list, and new hires.
Secondly, the Updated Going Rates
Additionally, the going rates for each profession have been updated. The Statement of Amendments to the Immigration Rules, published on March 9, 2023, has information about these changes on page 39.
Moving on, it should be noted that going rates will be calculated according to a 37.5-hour work week instead of 39. Workers engaged on a contract basis for extended weekly working hours – particular subjects affected by this development. This could potentially mean a decrease in their wages, as their salaries may not be able to cover the costs of sponsoring them.
When will The Changes become Effective?
You should be aware that the preceding discussion of the going rate and salary adjustments only applies to visa applicants. These applicants must have submitted their applications using a certificate of sponsorship issued on or after April 2023. This means applications submitted using a sponsorship certificate issued in March 2023 will still follow the previous Immigration Rules.
How Does This Affect Existing Sponsored Workers?
Employers of existing sponsored employees should unwind because no immediate immigration action is necessary. However, employers will have to ensure that workers’ salaries are following the new thresholds. When the time comes for visa extensions and settlement, this requires consideration.
Salary Calculation for Irregular Working Patterns
The Home Office has provided rules for calculating salaries for jobs with an irregular working pattern. This includes salaries that change weekly, leading to unfair compensation.
- First and foremost, work that exceeds 48 hours in some weeks counts in the salary thresholds. That is if the average in the regular cycle remains limited to 48 hours or less. Also, note that a regular cycle can not be longer than 17 weeks.
- Secondly, all unpaid rest weeks will also count in the average while determining the fulfillment of salary thresholds.
- Lastly, unpaid rest weeks will not count as absences from work. For instance, an applicant works 60 hours a week for 2 weeks at £12 per hour and goes on an unpaid rest week. The applicant should work 40 hours a week on average. As a result, the applicant will have an annual salary of £24,960.
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