Migration: How many people come to the UK and how are the salary rules changing?

Net migration to the UK fell more than 10% in 2023, according to official figures.

After a record number of people came to the UK in 2022, the government sharply increased salary requirements for visas, to try to cut numbers.

How many migrants come to the UK?

Net migration - the number of people coming to the UK, minus the number leaving - was 685,000 in 2023, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show.

Just over 1.2 million people came to the UK expecting to stay at least a year, and about 532,000 departed.

That is a fall from 2022's record net migration figure, which has been revised upwards to 764,000.

However, the ONS said it was "too early to say if this is the start of a new downward trend".

Of the 1,218,000 who came to the UK in 2023, 10% (126,000) were EU nationals. This is similar to the 2022 total of 116,000.

About 85% (1,031,000) came from outside the EU. The top five non-EU nationalities were:

• Indian - 250,000

• Nigerian - 141,000

• Chinese - 90,000

• Pakistani - 83,000

• Zimbabwean - 36,000

The ONS says approximately 62,000 more Pakistani nationals, 127,000 more Nigerian nationals and 178,000 more Indian nationals came to the UK in 2023 compared with 2019.

The number of people coming to the UK for humanitarian reasons in 2023 - including from Ukraine and Hong Kong - was 50,000, compared to 160,000 in 2022.

How are the minimum salary rules for UK visa applicants changing?

Most people wanting to work in the UK still have to apply for a visa through the points-based system (PBS).

But since 11 April 2024, they have needed a job offer with a higher salary.

Applicants have to earn at least £38,700 - an increase of nearly 50% from the previous £26,200 minimum.

The threshold does not apply to some jobs - such as in health and social care, and teachers on national pay scales. But overseas care workers can no longer bring family dependants with them.

Announcing the new rules, Home Secretary James Cleverly claimed300,000 people who were eligible to come to the UK in 2022 would no longer qualify.

At the time, groups including the CBI and the Royal College of Nursing criticised the government for failing to address the UK's labour shortages.

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What are the rules about family visas?

You need a family visa if you want to live with a relative who is a British citizen, or someone who has the right to be in the UK for more than six months.

Home Office statistics show thatnearly 80,000 family-related visas were grantedin the year ending March 2024, an increase of 22% on the previous year.

You can apply to live with your:

• spouse or partner

• fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner

• child

• parent

• relative who will provide long-term care for you

You have to demonstrate a good knowledge of English, and meet the minimum income threshold.

This was initially due to rise to £38,700 - a sharp increase from the previous £18,600 figure.

But after warnings the new rules risked separating families, the government dropped the new minimum to £29,000.

The amount will increase in the future, however, first to £34,500 and then £38,700. Mr Sunak said the higher threshold would be reached "in early 2025".

Anyone renewing an existing family visa will not have to meet the new earnings threshold, the Home Office has confirmed.

• Home Office rows back on salary threshold for family visa

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Are fewer people coming to work in health and social care?

Home Office data showed the number of people coming to the UK to work in health and social care has fallen to its lowest monthly level for more than two years.

It said 2,200 health and care worker visas and 6,400 visas for their dependents were granted in April.

The total number of visas granted during the first four months of the year showed a 76% fall compared with the same period in 2023.

The number of dependents' visas for care workers dropped by 6% over the same period.

How does the points-based system work?

Applicants need 70 points to qualify for a skilled worker visa.

You get 50 points from having a job offer above a minimum skill level, and speaking English.

The remaining 20 points can come from a higher salary, working in a sector with job shortages, or having a relevant PhD.

The standard fee for a skilled visa is usually between £719 and £1,500.

Visa applicants also have to pay a healthcare surcharge for each year of their stay.

The amount can vary - but since April 2024, the standard fee has been £1,035 per year, up from £624.

What is the immigration salary list?

The immigration salary list has replaced what was previously called the shortage occupation list.

It helps employers fill vacancies in key sectors.

These jobs have a lower salary threshold, making it easier for applicants to gain enough points to get a visa.

The list includes:

• health and care workers

• pharmacists

• graphic designers

• some farming and fishing roles

• construction workers

• vets

A wide range of construction jobs are on the list

Employers used to be able to pay foreign workers 80% of the usual "going rate" to fill these positions.

But this rule has been abolished for people applying after 4 April 2024.

What are the rules for student and graduate visas?

In the 12 months to the end of March 2024, the government issued almost 450,000 study visas, 6% fewer than the previous year.

Of these, 116,000 were issued to Indian nationals, and 109,000 to Chinese nationals.

Those on postgraduate courses could also apply for visas for qualifying dependants: a husband, wife, civil or unmarried partner and children under 18.

In the year to March 2024, 111,000 visas were issued to student dependants, a fall of 25%.

Since January 2024, international postgraduate students have not been able bring dependants unless their course is a research programme.

Between January and April 2024, Home Office data shows only 8,300 student dependent visas were issued - a fall of 79%.

Students who have already completed their degree can stay in the UK for two years - three years for those with a doctoral degree - to work under a graduate visa.

In the year to the end of March 2024, 35,000 such visas were issued, excluding dependants, a 38% drop.

What about seasonal workers?

Temporary workers such as fruit pickers and poultry workers are covered by seasonal worker visas.

For 2023 and 2024 there are between 45,000 and 55,000 seasonal worker visas available, plus another 2,000 for poultry workers.

An application costs £298.

Workers must be paid the relevant national minimum wage.

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How has Brexit changed immigration?

Before Brexit, EU and UK citizens had the freedom to live, work or study in any EU country without needing a visa.

However, this freedom of movement ended on 1 January 2021 when the UK left the EU.

In the 12 months to June 2023, net EU migration was -86,000, meaning more EU nationals left the UK than arrived.

Net migration of non-EU nationals - the difference between those arriving and those leaving - was 768,000.

Net migration of British nationals was -10,000, meaning more British people left the UK than came back.