Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 07 APRIL 2016

Changes To UK's Tier 2 Visa

LawQuest
Explore more from LawQuest

The first phase of changes will take place this autumn and the second will take effect from April 2017.

United KingdomImmigration
Zeenat Phophalia
Zeenat Phophalia
Author LinkedIn connections

The UK Home Office in March 2016 announced certain reforms to the Tier 2 visa - UK's skilled visa category with the objective to reduce reliance on foreign workers and protect job opportunities for UK residents.  These changes are put forth based on the recommendations of the Independent Migration Advisory Committee. The first phase of changes will take place this autumn and the second will take effect from April 2017.

The reforms the Tier- 2 categories have been disclosed well in advance of their implementation dates, allowing businesses time to plan and prepare accordingly.

The key changes include:

  • Increase in Minimum Salary Threshold for Tier 2 (General): Salary thresholds for experienced workers will be increased to £25,000 in autumn 2016, and £30,000 in April 2017. Some health and education professionals (medical radiographers, paramedics and secondary school teachers in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science) will be exempt from the

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

Important UK Immigration Rule Changes From Autumn 2026 – But Nothing Yet On Earned Settlement

The UK Home Office has published Statement of Changes HC 584, introducing targeted amendments to immigration rules effective from autumn 2026. These changes affect multiple visa routes including EU Settlement Scheme, Skilled Worker, Victim of Domestic Abuse, and Student visas, with new protections for vulnerable applicants and procedural updates for sponsors and education providers.
United KingdomImmigration
Richmond Chambers Immigration Barristers
Richmond Chambers Immigration Barristers
Article

Revised Earned Settlement Policy To Be Unveiled Before The End Of 2026

The UK Home Secretary has confirmed that the revised earned settlement policy will be published before the end of 2026, following her appearance before the Home Affairs Committee. This announcement provides clarity on the timeline for implementing significant changes to the UK immigration system, including transitional arrangements and the extension of the default settlement period from five to ten years.
United KingdomImmigration
Lewis Silkin
Lewis Silkin