Tier 2 Visa (General) Changes
The government will increase the minimum salary threshold to £25,000 in October 2016 and £30,000 in April 2017 for experienced workers, whilst maintaining the current threshold of £20,800 for new entrants. Certain professions, such as nurses and teachers in certain subjects will be exempt from the new threshold until 2019.
Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) will be waived from April 2017 in a certain case, for example to applications associated with the relocation of the high-value business to the UK, or potentially, supporting an inward investment into the UK.
Individuals holding ILR for a certain period, typically five years, may become eligible to apply for British citizenship, further solidifying their ties to the UK. British citizenship grants individuals the right to a British passport, unrestricted access to employment opportunities, and the ability to participate fully in the political and social life of the country.
Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer (ICT) Changes
The government will introduce a single ICT route with a minimum salary threshold of £41,500 for all Tier 2 (ICT) Migrants except graduate trainees, who will have their own route with a salary threshold of £23,000 and an increased limit of 20 places per company per year. The Home Office will abolish the Tier 2 (ICT) Skills Transfer category in October 2016 and Tier 2 (ICT) Short Term in April 2017.
Tier 2 (ICT) migrants will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) from October 2016, currently at £200 per year of leave granted.
To be eligible for a Spouse Visa, the applicant must demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship with their UK partner. They must also meet financial requirements to ensure they can adequately support themselves without relying on public funds. Additionally, applicants need to provide evidence of suitable accommodation in the UK.
