Workers on Tier 2 who want to apply for settlement will have to earn at least £35,000 or the going rate for their job, whichever is higher. However, migrants doing jobs which are on the shortage occupation list, scientists and researchers in PhD-level roles, will be exempt from the £35,000 threshold.
Permission to enter and remain in the UK on Tier 2 will also be capped at 6 years.
These rules will apply to anyone who entered or switched into Tier 2 of the Points-Based System under the rules in force from 6 April 2011 and who will thus be eligible to make a settlement application in this category from April 2016.
The new settlement pay threshold rules will NOT apply to persons who entered Tier 2 under the rules in force on 5 April 2011.
The new rules will be laid before Parliament on 15 March 2012 and come into force on 6 April 2012.
For more information please visit our www.bic-immigration.com or email us at info@bic-immigration.com
