Changes to the Immigration Rules (2016)

On the 3 November 2016 government announced changes to the Immigration Rules. The main changes are the following:

Tier 2

• The salary threshold for experienced workers has been increased to £25,000. The salary threshold for new entrants has been held at £20,800. An exemption will apply for nurses, medical radiographers, paramedics and secondary school teachers in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, and Mandarin until July 2019. As a transitional arrangement, the £25,000 threshold will not apply to workers sponsored in Tier 2 (General) before 24 November 2016, if they apply to extend their stay in the category. The Government intends to increase the threshold to £30,000 in April 2017; there will be no such transitional arrangement for workers sponsored in Tier 2 (General) between 24 November 2016 and April 2017. They will need to satisfy the £30,000 threshold in any future application.

• Increasing the Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) salary threshold for short term staff to £30,000
• Reducing the Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) graduate trainee salary threshold to £23,000 and increasing the number of places to 20 per company per year
• Closing the Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer) skills transfer sub-category

These changes will come into effect for all certificates of sponsorship assigned by Tier 2 sponsors on or after 24 November 2016. 

Changes to spouse visas

From 1 May 2017 a new English language requirement at level A2 of CEFR for applicants for further leave in the UK as a spouse or partner, after completing 30 months, will be Introduced.

Tier 4

A number of changes are being made, including amendments to the academic progression rule, maintenance requirements for the Doctorate Extension Scheme and evidence of overseas qualifications

Other changes

Reduce the threshold for NHS debt from £1000 to £500 in Appendix FM and Appendix Armed Forces as a discretionary ground for refusal.