Employment Law News

Important changes to Tier 2 immigration rules

A number of important changes to Tier 2 immigration rules are now in force.

Firstly, the minimum salary threshold for experienced workers under the Tier 2 (General) category has increased to £25,000 from £20,800. It is anticipated that it will increase further to £30,000 in 2017.

Secondly, the minimum salary for the Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer – short term staff) category has increased to £30,000. The Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer) skills category (where there is a training or information transfer need) has now closed to new applicants.

Thirdly, the minimum salary threshold for Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer – graduates) has reduced to £23,000 and sponsors can now use 20 such places a year, which is a significant increase from the former annual limit of 5 places.

Significantly, the 28-day grace period for submitting an in-country visa extension application has been abolished. Instead, the Government has implemented a policy whereby the Home Office will accept an application for extension submitted within 14 days of a visa expiring if there is good reason and the delay was outside of the applicant’s control.