Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 09 JANUARY 2025

2024 – A Year In Immigration Law

Carter Thomas Solicitors
Explore more from Carter Thomas Solicitors

The UK immigration system underwent significant changes in 2024, including increased Immigration Health Surcharge fees, stricter penalties for illegal working, adjustments to the Skilled Worker route, and the digitalization of immigration processes.

United KingdomImmigration
Sarah Jabir
Sarah Jabir

2024 brought a rapid evolution of the immigration system and policies in the UK. Here, we take a whistlestop tour of the highlights, key changes and challenges throughout the year.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) increase

February 2024 saw a huge increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which almost doubled from £624 per year for adults (and £470 per year for children, students, student dependants and individuals who have applied under the Youth Mobility Scheme route), to £1,035 per year (with the latter rising to £776 per year). This whopping 66% increase affected a number of applicants, from Skilled Workers to individuals on alternative visa routes.

Illegal working penalties

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

Revised Earned Settlement Policy To Be Unveiled Before The End Of 2026

The UK Home Secretary has confirmed that the revised earned settlement policy will be published before the end of 2026, following her appearance before the Home Affairs Committee. This announcement provides clarity on the timeline for implementing significant changes to the UK immigration system, including transitional arrangements and the extension of the default settlement period from five to ten years.
United KingdomImmigration
Lewis Silkin
Lewis Silkin
Article

Important UK Immigration Rule Changes From Autumn 2026 – But Nothing Yet On Earned Settlement

The UK Home Office has published Statement of Changes HC 584, introducing targeted amendments to immigration rules effective from autumn 2026. These changes affect multiple visa routes including EU Settlement Scheme, Skilled Worker, Victim of Domestic Abuse, and Student visas, with new protections for vulnerable applicants and procedural updates for sponsors and education providers.
United KingdomImmigration
Richmond Chambers Immigration Barristers
Richmond Chambers Immigration Barristers
Article

Summary Of Autumn 2026 Immigration Rule Changes

The UK Home Office has introduced significant changes to its Immigration Rules, including new protections for Skilled Worker visa holders who are victims of modern slavery, measures to prevent abuse of fee waiver processes, and updates to support the UK's participation in Erasmus+ from January 2027. These changes also expand permitted activities for visitors coming to the UK for training or creative purposes.
United KingdomImmigration
Lewis Silkin
Lewis Silkin
Article

The Impact Of Assigning A CoS To A Family Member

Recent cases have seen the UKVI revoke sponsor licences immediately after a Level 1 User assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to a close relative, a serious breach of compliance rules. The Sponsorship Guidance prohibits assigning CoS to oneself or close relatives, including spouses, siblings, and in-laws. Organizations must ensure adherence to these rules and disclose any such assignments by adding a sponsor note if necessary. Revocations can severely impact an organization's operations a
United KingdomImmigration
Carter Thomas Solicitors
Carter Thomas Solicitors
Article

Becoming A British Citizen vs. Holding Indefinite Leave To Remain

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship share several similarities, such as the right to live, work, and access healthcare in the UK. However, ILR is an immigration status with limitations, including potential lapses after extended absences, revocation risks, and limited international protections. In contrast, British citizenship offers stronger legal protections, including the right to vote, hold a British passport, and retain status regardless of time spent abroad.
United KingdomImmigration
Carter Thomas Solicitors
Carter Thomas Solicitors
Article

New Entrant Rate: Salary Increases In Extension Applications

Employers sponsoring Skilled Worker visa applicants in the UK can benefit from reduced salary requirements for new entrants, allowing pay at 70% of the occupation's going rate. However, this reduction is temporary, lasting up to four years. When this period ends, employers must adjust salaries to meet the full going rate to maintain visa compliance. Sponsors must carefully monitor tradeable points and occupation codes to avoid non-compliance, which could result in visa refusals or penalties from
United KingdomImmigration
Carter Thomas Solicitors
Carter Thomas Solicitors