UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) has released its latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 733), which includes updates to several visa categories. Additionally, UKVI has confirmed increases to immigration fees, covering visa, sponsorship and nationality services. These changes, set to take effect from 9 April 2025, aim to generate additional revenue for the Home Office while reducing the financial burden on taxpayers.

Key changes in HC 733

The latest changes impact visit visa requirements, the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), exemptions under Appendix ETA and Skilled Worker visa provisions, among other areas. Below is a summary of the key amendments.

Introduction of a visit visa requirement for Trinidad and Tobago

Effective immediately, nationals of Trinidad and Tobago must obtain a visa to visit the UK. Previously, these travellers could enter the UK with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), but this exemption has now been revoked.

Nationals of Trinidad and Tobago will also need a Direct Airside Transit Visa if transiting through the UK (unless they fall within an exemption).

With regards to the above, a six-week transition period is in place until 23 April 2025, allowing those with an existing ETA and confirmed travel plans to enter the UK without a visa.

Appendix ETA – exemption for British Nationals (Overseas)

British Nationals (Overseas) (BNOs) do not automatically qualify for full British citizenship and are therefore subject to immigration control. A key amendment under Appendix ETA introduces an exemption for BNO passport holders, meaning they will no longer be required to obtain an ETA before traveling to the UK. This change aligns with the UK's broader policy of facilitating travel for BNO passport holders.

Skilled Worker visa changes

• Recruitment in health and care sector

The UK government has introduced new restrictions for care workers and senior care workers under the Skilled Worker visa route. Sponsors must now prioritise recruiting care workers from the existing UK workforce before sponsoring individuals from overseas. Such sponsors will be required to demonstrate that no suitable candidates were available domestically before proceeding with sponsorship for overseas individuals.

This policy is applicable to England and does not apply to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. This change is intended to reduce reliance on overseas recruitment while ensuring that available jobs are first offered to workers already in the UK.

• Salaries

The minimum salary threshold has been increased to £25,000 per year (£12.82 per hour), up from the previous £23,200 (£11.90 per hour). This update ensures that salaries align with the latest Office for National Statistics data. This applies to individuals in the following categories:

• Individuals making a Skilled Worker application, were previously sponsored with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) assigned before 4 April 2024 and earned points for having a PhD in a STEM subject, a job on the Immigration Salary List or as a new entrant at the start of their career.

• Individuals sponsored for a job in a listed health or education occupation. This includes both current Skilled Workers and those new to the Skilled Worker route.

• Individuals applying for settlement and earned points for their most recent permission for a job on the Immigration Salary List (or the previous Shortage Occupation List), or for a job in a listed health or education occupation.

• Settlement applicants incorporating time spent as a Tier 2 (General) worker sponsored for certain science or teaching roles.

Furthermore, for any CoS assigned from 9 April 2025, where employers will be deducting costs such as visa fees or loan repayments in relation to immigration costs from an applicant's salary, such deductions are excluded from being counted towards the minimum Skilled Worker salary thresholds.

A change was also made to confirm that, where an applicant is claiming a "new entrant" salary reduction based on training towards a recognised professional qualification, this must be a UK qualification.

Changes to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

Non-EEA nationals will now be permitted to use a UK biometric residence card or permit that has expired by up to 18 months as proof of identity and nationality when applying to the EUSS. In such cases, applicants will not be required to submit their biometrics again.

Another update was made to clarify that individuals who acquired EU, EEA or Swiss citizenship after the transition period cannot sponsor an EUSS family permit application.

Further details for all the changes can be found in the explanatory memorandum published by UKVI.

Fee increases

Starting 9 April 2025, a broad spectrum of immigration fees will be impacted, with notable hikes in certain categories. Here are some of the most significant increases:

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Following the recent introduction of the ETA scheme for visa-exempt travellers visiting the UK for short stays, the cost of an ETA will rise from £10 to £16, a 60% increase.

For visa-required nationals, the fee for a standard visitor visa (up to six months) will increase from £115 to £127.

Sponsorship fees for workers

Employers sponsoring migrant workers will see higher costs:

• The sponsor licence application fee will increase from £1,476 to £1,579 for large organisations and from £536 to £574 for small organisations.

• The CoS fee for Skilled Workers and Global Business Mobility (Senior or Specialist Worker) will more than double, rising from £239 to £525.

Visa application fees for Skilled Workers

Skilled Worker visa application fees will also rise.

Entry clearance applications (for individuals applying outside the UK):

• Up to three years: £769 (up from £719).

• More than three years: £1,519 (up from £1,420).

In-country applications (for applicants already in the UK):

• Up to three years: £885 (up from £827).

• More than three years: £1,751 (up from £1,636).

Settlement and nationality fees

Those applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship will also face higher costs:

• ILR: £3,029 (up from £2,885).

• Naturalisation (British citizenship): £1,605 (up from £1,500).

A full list of fee changes can be found here.

Rationale behind the increases

The government first announced these intended fee adjustments in January 2025, citing the need to reduce reliance on taxpayer funding for the migration and borders system. The additional revenue is expected to support immigration infrastructure, including the digital transformation of the system to improve efficiency and security.

Industry and public reactions

The increases have been met with concern, particularly among sponsors and employers who rely on skilled migrant workers. The rising costs could significantly impact recruitment strategies, making it more expensive to hire international talent.

Businesses that depend on migrant workers may struggle to attract employees due to the higher sponsorship costs. Some employers may opt to leave vacancies unfilled or even shift operations abroad to mitigate the financial impact.

Conclusion – preparing for the changes

The latest Statement of Changes introduced policy shifts affecting a variety of immigration categories, including visitors and skilled workers. The changes reflect the UK government's evolving immigration priorities, making it essential for individuals and businesses to stay informed. Employers need to thoroughly examine their recruitment procedures to ensure they meet any new hiring requirements (especially in the health and care sector). They should also verify that the salaries offered meet the updated minimum thresholds and remain informed about the new restrictions on salary deductions or reductions based on qualification.

At the same time, the new immigration fees will take effect this month. Businesses and individuals planning to apply for visas, sponsorship or nationality services are advised to submit applications before the deadline to avoid incurring the higher fees. Sponsors should also review their budgets and plan accordingly to ensure they can continue attracting talent to the UK under the revised fee structure.