Higher Tier 2 Minimum Salary Part of Proposed Changes to Immigration Rules

United Kingdom

The Home Office is considering proposed changes to the Immigration Rules that would affect applications submitted on or after November 19, 2015, including a minimum salary of GPB 35,000 for Tier 2 applicants applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), a new English language test for ILR and naturalization applicants and adding nurses and four digital technology jobs to the Tier 2 Shortage Occupation List. 

Minimum Salary Increase Proposal

The ILR minimum salary proposal was first announced in 2012, and, if approved, would be effective April 6, 2016. The minimum salary would rise each year in line with inflation.

Shortage Occupation List Proposals

The four technology roles that are proposed to be added to the Tier 2 Shortage Occupation List are product manager, data scientist, senior developer and cyber security specialist.  The additions apply specifically to jobs based in small and medium-sized qualifying companies (between 20 – 250 employees) requiring five or more years’ relevant experience and team leadership experience.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

If the proposal for an increased minimum salary for Tier 2 applicants is approved, employers should ensure that all relevant teams and managers are aware of the increase and plan for any effect on budget.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected]. 

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