New rules
for Tier 2
(ICT)
21 March 2017
New Immigration Rules are being introduced on 6 April 2017 and will affect most if not all UK visa categories.
Major changes are being made to the UK’s skilled worker visa categories, Tier 2 General and Tier 2 Intra-company Transfer (ICT).
Below, we look specifically at what will come into play for Tier 2 ICT applications as of
6 April.
Immigration Skills Charge
An Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) of £1,000 per skilled worker per year will apply to employers of Tier 2 migrants. A lesser charge of £364 will apply to small and charitable sponsors. Applications for PhD and Graduate Trainee roles will be exempt from the charge. Applications may be refused if the required ISC is not paid in full.
Immigration Health Surcharge
The Immigration Health Surcharge of £200 per year will apply to applicants of the Tier 2 ICT category and their dependants.
Closure of the Short Term visa category
The Tier 2 (ICT) Short Term visa category will close to new applications meaning that all ICT applicants, except graduate trainees, must qualify under a single route with a salary threshold of £41,500.
Clarity on allowances as part of a salary package
The accommodation allowance for a Tier 2 ICT migrant can now form only 30% of an applicant’s total salary package but applicants for Graduate Trainee roles will be entitled to allowances which make up to 40% of their salary package
Removal of one-year experience requirement
Applicants earning £73,900 or above will no longer be required to have one year’s previous employment experience with the sponsor’s linked overseas entity prior to submitting their Tier 2 ICT application
Higher salary rates in the occupational codes of practice
Due to annual updates to the minimum salary rates stated in the Standard Occupational Classification Codes of Practice for Skilled Workers, the majority of occupations will see an increase
Reducing the salary requirement for high-earners wishing to remain in the UK for more longer than five years
The minimum salary requirement for Tier 2 ICT applicants wishing to extend their visa in this category for up to nine years has been reduced from £155,300 to £120,000
Contact Smith Stone Walters for more information on the new Immigration Rules and look out for more news at smithstonewalters.com/news/
New Immigration Rules announced!
New rules for Tier 2 (General)
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