As of 08 October 2024, significant updates have been implemented in the Skilled Worker and Skilled Occupations Appendices. These changes enhance clarity, align job roles with current standards, and improve accessibility for applicants and employers. Here’s a detailed overview of the specific changes:
UPDATES TO APPENDIX SKILLED WORKER
1. New Paragraph Introduced: A new heading, “Health and Care ASHE Salary Jobs,” has been added before paragraph SW A1.1, emphasising the significance of health and care roles within the skilled worker framework.
2. Revised Job Title: The designation “2316 Special needs education teaching professionals” has been updated to “2316 Special and additional needs education teaching professionals” in paragraph SW 16.1. This change acknowledges the broader scope of the profession, which includes special and additional needs.
3. New Job Role Added: In paragraph SW 16.1, the role “6132 Ambulance staff (excluding paramedics)” has been included after “6131 Nursing auxiliaries and assistants.” This addition recognises the vital contribution of ambulance staff to the healthcare system.
4. Terminology Clarified: The phrase “all three” has been replaced with “both” in paragraph SW 24.3 to enhance precision and ensure that the language accurately reflects the requirements.
5. Updated Table Row Reference: In row A of the SW 24.3 table, the reference “rows B to D” has been amended to “rows B to E,” expanding the scope of the relevant rows to reflect recent classifications.
6. Bullet Point Revision: The first bullet point in row D of the SW 24.3 table has been updated for clarity: “Appendix Immigration Salary List (or the previous Appendix Shortage Occupation List), and the applicant meets the requirements of SW 4.2(b), save that references to being sponsored should be read as meeting the requirements in SW 24.1 to SW 24.2; or” This revision clarifies the requirements regarding sponsorship and salary thresholds.
7. Reference Update: In paragraph SW 32A.1, the reference has changed from “SW 29.1A” to “SW 32A.2,” ensuring correct cross-referencing.
8. Clarifications in Appendix Children: Paragraph SW 32A.2 now specifies that where CHI 3.1 (a) or (b) refer to an applicant applying as the child of a Skilled Worker (P), P must not be sponsored for SOC codes (6135 /6136 – SOC 2020 Occupation code or 6145/6146 – SOC 2010 Occupation code) unless specific conditions are met. These conditions include:
– P was granted entry clearance or permission as a Skilled Worker under SOC codes 6145 / 6146 under the rules before 11 March 2024, and
– since approval of their visa under SOC code 6145 / 6146, P has continuously had permission as a Skilled Worker, sponsored in one or more of the SOC 2010 occupation codes or SOC 2020 occupation codes (except that where paragraph 39E applies, that period of overstaying will be disregarded); or
– The applicant was born in the UK, or
– P is the sole surviving parent or has sole responsibility for the applicant this is an application for permission to stay; or
– P has joint responsibility for the applicant with another Skilled Worker sponsored for a job in one of the above occupation codes and this is an application for permission to stay.”
UPDATES TO APPENDIX SKILLED OCCUPATIONS
1. Header Update in Table 1: The header “(SW – option A)” has been updated to “(SW – options A and D),” while “(SW – options C and D)” has changed to “(SW – option C).” These updates clarify the options available under the Skilled Worker framework.
2. Specific Entry Substitutions in Table 1: Various entries in Table 1 have been revised to provide greater accuracy and clarity, ensuring they reflect current occupational classifications. The table can be found in page 36 of 75 of the Statement of Changes HC 217.
3. Eligibility Updates in Table 2: For the roles “1241 Managers in transport and distribution,” “2455 Construction project managers and related professionals,” “3534 Financial accounts managers,” and “3556 Sales accounts and business development managers,” the eligibility status in the final column has changed from “No” to “Yes” for GBM and SCU. This broadens access to the Global Business Mobility and Senior or Specialist Worker categories.
4. Medical Practitioners Update in Table 3: In the entry for “2212 Specialist medical practitioners,” the reference “NHS Agenda for Change: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland” has been replaced with “As SOC 2020 occupation code 2211.” This aligns the occupational code with updated standards.
5. Salary Adjustment for Dental Practitioners: For “2253 Dental practitioners (Scotland),” the salary has been revised from “£38,553” to “£37,361.” This adjustment reflects current market conditions and pay scales.
6. Additional Information for Dental Practitioners: The row for “2253 Dental practitioners (Scotland)” now includes “and Statement of Dental Remuneration Amendment No. 161” after the reference to the NHS Pay and Conditions Circular: PCS(DD)2023/01. This addition provides clarity on remuneration details.
7. Column Deletion in Table 2a: The column titled “80% of going rate (SW – option I)” has been removed from Table 2a, streamlining the information presented and simplifying the eligibility criteria.
These updates, effective 08 October 2024, are designed to clarify roles, enhance eligibility criteria, and ensure that the appendices reflect current employment standards and practices. As these changes are fully implemented, they promise to create a more accessible and clear framework for skilled workers and employers in the UK.
For the latest updates on this changes and additional immigration news, stay tuned to our website or visit www.gov.uk. Your successful visa application starts with informed preparation!
