Key Updates to UK Immigration Rules: Skilled Worker Visa, ETA, and EUSS Changes

The UK Home Office has recently issued a statement of changes to the Immigration Rules, implementing key updates that impact the Skilled Worker route, the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program, and the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). These changes bring important adjustments that individuals and organizations should be aware of, especially those navigating the UK’s immigration system.

Key Changes

Visit Visa Requirement for Nationals of Trinidad and Tobago: Effective March 12, nationals of Trinidad and Tobago will no longer be eligible for an ETA. They will now need to obtain a Direct Airside Transit Visa if traveling to another country via the UK.
ETA Exemption Changes: British Nationals (Overseas) (BN(O)) and children traveling in French school groups will no longer need an ETA. BN(O) passport holders can travel to or transit via the UK without requiring an ETA.
Updates to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS): Starting April 9, non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals using a UK-issued biometric residence card can prove their identity without re-enrolling their fingerprint biometrics, even if the card has expired by up to 18 months.
Changes to the Skilled Worker Route:
- Care Worker Sponsorship: Sponsors for care workers will now need to prove they’ve made efforts to recruit from the domestic workforce before recruiting from overseas.
- Minimum Salary Update: The minimum salary floor for Skilled Worker visas will increase from £23,200 to £25,000 per year, effective April 9.
Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme: The eligibility for the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme has been expanded to include children under 18 previously granted Leave Outside the Rules, aligning their status with their families.
Youth Mobility Scheme Quota Updates for 2025: The quotas for Youth Mobility Scheme partner countries will be updated for the upcoming year.

Conclusion

These changes reflect the UK government’s ongoing efforts to adjust its immigration system, particularly around skilled labour and care workers, while also addressing concerns about immigration abuse. As these rules take effect, both individuals and employers will need to stay informed and ensure they comply with the updated requirements. With the release of the Immigration White Paper expected soon, further details on the future direction of the UK’s immigration system will soon be made clear. For now, staying up-to-date with these changes is essential for anyone navigating UK immigration policies.

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Anywr is a French international group specializing in the global Talent mobility and international recruitment. The company supports businesses in the search and integration of international talent, offering a complete range of services from sourcing to settlement. Anywr has a network of over 300 consultants in 16 countries. A member of the FrenchTech 120, the group is now composed of nearly 900 employees worldwide, with 400 in France, serving the largest French and international groups. Anywr is an innovative and responsible company, committed to its communities, which puts its expertise and solutions at the service of social integration projects and diversity. ANYWR has adopted the status of a Mission-led Company (Loi Pacte) since June 2021.

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