Increased Tier 2
salary threshold
proposed
2 February 2016
An increase in the minimum salary threshold for Tier 2 visa applications could soon be on the cards for the UK’s immigration system.
The increase has been proposed by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) as part of their review of the Tier 2 skilled worker visa route. Amongst other recommendations, the MAC would see the current minimum salary threshold of £20,800 for Tier 2 applications rise to £30,000.
As the potential salaries of many graduate and public sector applicants would fall short of such a threshold, the review proposes that a lower Tier 2 salary threshold of £23,000 be set for graduate applicants and that a phased introduction of the higher threshold be used for public sector applications.
Although the MAC has supported its proposal as better reflecting the higher qualifications now required by this immigration route, the MAC has also stated that it fully expects its recommendations to discourage UK businesses from relying on migrant talent.
The review was commissioned by the UK government amid fears that an ever-increasing number of migrants are applying to enter the UK via this route. Other, and possibly more testing recommendations have been made as part of the review, including a skills levy for Tier 2 sponsors and the extension of the Immigration Health Surcharge to all Tier 2 migrants.
It is now up to the government to decide whether to act upon the MAC’s proposals. It is quite possible that some may be introduced as early as April 2016.
For more information on the MAC’s recommendations and how they could affect your sponsor organisation or immigration strategy, contact Smith Stone Walters.
Skills Levy for employers of migrant workers
MAC recommends tightening of Tier 2 skilled worker visa route
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