From 6 April 2017, non-EU workers applying under a Tier 2 work permit will face a number of changes such as the introduction of a £1,000 immigration skills charge (ISC) and a £5,000 increase in the minimum salary threshold for experienced workers
On 24 November 2016 the minimum salary threshold first increased to £25,000 for experienced workers from £20,800 and from April 2017 this will increase further to £30,000.
The new threshold will only affect those making a new application under Tier 2 (general) for the first time. Those already in Tier 2 or applying for extensions or change of employer before this date will not be affected.
As well as an increased threshold Tier 2 applicants will face an ISC which is a flat rate of £1,000 per person per year of the sponsorship. Employers must pay the ISC upfront when a certificate of sponsorship is assigned to an individual.
The funds raised from the ISC will be used to address the skills gap in the domestic workforce.
Other fee changes which will from 18 March 2017 includes an increase in the cost of a Tier 2 work permit by 2% to £873 for workers with a certificate of sponsorship for over three years and £473 for those under three years, with the cost of an application for settlement increasing by £239 to £1,195.
Fees for certificates of sponsorship and application for settlement will remain the same.
The fees for applications are available here.
