Important new rules have come into effect around the UK’s skilled worker sponsor licence regime for businesses with international staff. 

As of April 6 2024, those working in the UK through a visa sponsor can relax a little. Sponsor licence terms have been extended by six extra years from four to ten, significantly reducing employers’ administrative burdens and renewal costs. 

The renewal process will now only occur every ten years, rather than every four. 

Existing skilled worker sponsor license holders will receive a ten-year extension, which means businesses can avoid the renewal process for now. 

However, if your sponsor licence expires before April 6, you must follow the usual renewal process to avoid losing it, along with your ability to sponsor overseas workers. Renewal fees will be removed as of April 6, further easing the burden on sponsors.

These changes are part of a broader series of modifications to the UK’s immigration rules. These also include:

Higher minimum pay requirements for Skilled Workers (Effective April 4, 2024)

On April 4, 2024, the minimum salary requirement for a Skilled Worker visa will increase from £26,200 to £38,700 per annum.

Increased minimum income requirement for Family Visas (Effective April 11, 2024)

From April 11, 2024, the minimum income requirement for partners under Appendix FM will increase from £18,600 to £29,000.

Right now, immigration policies are the biggest variable for British businesses. While some policies aim to reduce businesses’ administrative tasks, others impose new barriers to accessing international talent. 

The government is prioritizing employer compliance in 2024, and the Home Office will carry out audits to ensure that skilled worker sponsor licences are being managed in accordance with policy guidance. 

We’ll keep you updated on these changes. Get in touch for a mock audit to identify any flaws in your compliance.