UK: Minimum Salary Threshold for Migrants Who Wish to Settle

July 1, 2015


From 6th April 2016, new measures will be in place affecting all skilled migrant nationals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA)  with regards to their eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.
 
 
The new rules intend to impose a salary threshold requirement for all Tier 2 General visa holders and Tier 2 Sportsperson switching applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain. The UK Home Secretary previously announced this measure in 2012 and has now proceeded to put this into effect to aid in curbing the continuous rise in the immigration statistics.
 
 
All Non EEA migrants will be required to be earning a total gross salary package of £35,000 per annum if they wish to settle in the UK after 6 years. Exceptions to this apply if the migrant”s job role has been at any time on the shortage occupation or PhD occupation lists, during the preceding 5 years. 
 
 
According to the Immigration Rules published April 2015, from 2016 onwards, the threshold will increase annually to steadily assist with managing and reducing net migration figures.
 
 
See the scheduled salary thresholds listed below:
 
 

  • £35,000 if applying on or after 6 April 2016;

  • £35,500 if applying on or after 6 April 2018;

  • £35,800 if applying on or after 6 April 2019;

  • £36,200 if applying on or after 6 April 2020;

It is to be noted that the Government have faced significant opposition by many to the above new reforms. This is due to the fact many industries are already struggling to meet existing salary thresholds and will not be able to meet the even steeper salary threshold that is to be  put in place. 
 
 
Due to this controversial development, many employers may now struggle to retain their trained and skilled employees for the long term and instead be forced to employ individuals with less experience. This could further lead to a lack of skills in the many significant industries and result in employers losing their ability to remain competitive in an international market place.
 
 
Should you require any further guidance and details with regards to these contentious amendments, please do not hesitate to contact us.