Major Immigration Changes (New Rules)
The UK Home Office has implemented strict changes to curb net migration. The baseline salary requirement has increased from £26,200 to £38,700 for standard skilled workers, and severe restrictions have been placed on Dependent Visas for certain care sectors.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, you must meet a 70-point requirement. These points are awarded for specific attributes:
- Sponsorship (50 points): You must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a Home Office approved UK employer, and the job must be at the appropriate skill level (RQF 3 or above).
- English Language (10 points): You must prove you can read, write, speak, and understand English to at least level B1 on the CEFR scale (e.g., passing IELTS UKVI or OET).
- Salary (10 points): You must be paid the minimum salary threshold of £38,700 OR the "going rate" for your specific job code—whichever is higher.
Health and Care Worker Visa Exemption
Nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals from Kerala and across India remain in high demand. If you apply under the Health and Care Worker Visa (a subset of the Skilled Worker visa), you benefit from massive exemptions:
Lower Salary Rule
You do not need to meet the £38,700 threshold. The minimum salary is £23,200 or the national pay scale for your band (e.g., NHS Band 5 for nurses).
Lower Fees
Reduced visa application fees and full exemption from the expensive Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
UK Dependent Visa New Rules
The ability to bring your spouse and children to the UK has changed drastically.
Standard Skilled Workers: Can still bring dependents, but the main applicant must meet the new higher salary thresholds to support them without public funds.
NHS Nurses & Doctors: Completely unaffected. Health and Care visa holders working for the NHS or regulated providers can still bring their dependents to the UK.
Care Workers (SOC 6145) & Senior Care Workers (SOC 6146): As of the new rules, these roles are banned from bringing dependents to the UK. If you are applying for a standard care home job, your family cannot join you.
