---
title: "UK Immigration: Tier 2 Workers Required to Earn £35,000 to Settle"
url: https://immigrationandvisasolicitors.co.uk/uk-immigration-tier-2-workers-required-to-earn-35000-to-settle/
date: 2015-08-07
modified: 2026-06-02
author: "LEXVISA"
description: "From 6 April 2016, individuals on a Tier 2 visa applying for settlement in the UK and who entered the country under the rules in force from 6 April 2011 must be paid at..."
categories:
  - "Business"
  - "Business Immigration"
  - "Home Office"
  - "Home Office Updates"
  - "Indefinite Leave to Remain"
  - "UK Tier 2 Visa"
  - "Work Permit"
tags:
  - "Home Office"
  - "Immigration Policy"
  - "Salary Threshold"
  - "Sponsorship Licence"
  - "UK Immigration"
  - "UK Immigration Advice"
  - "UK Immigration Solicitors/ Lawyers"
  - "UK Settelment Applications"
  - "UK Settlement Application"
  - "UK Tier 2 Visa"
  - "Work Permits"
word_count: 517
---

# UK Immigration: Tier 2 Workers Required to Earn £35,000 to Settle

*From 6 April 2016, individuals on a Tier 2 visa applying for settlement in the UK and who entered the country under the rules in force from 6 April 2011 must be paid at least £35,000 per annum. This salary threshold has caused quite a stir amongst UK employers who fear that they will lose existing employees as they are currently on salaries that are relatively lower. Furthermore, as a result of the threshold potential employees may be put off at the aspect of not being able to settle in the UK due to the salary expectation.*

## New Immigration Rules on Tier 2 Settlement

The new rules on Tier 2 settlement will apply to anyone who entered or switched into Tier 2 of the Points-Based System under the rules in force from 6 April 2011 and who will therefore be eligible to make a settlement application in this category from April 2016 (after five years). The settlement pay threshold of £35,000 will not apply to individuals who entered on a Tier 2 visa under the rules in force on 5 April 2011.

It is the responsibility of the UK employer to put in writing in support of their employees settlement application that they are being paid either £35,000 per annum or the appropriate rate for your job as listed in the [Codes of Practice](https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/423732/codes_of_practice_april_2015.pdf). The pay threshold will be held at £35,000 until early April 2018; then the salary threshold will increase over the next 3 years after that:

- £35,500 if applying on or after 6 April 2018;
- £35,800 if applying on or after 6 April 2019; and
- £36,200 if applying on or after 6 April 2020.

## UK Employers Fear the Effect of Salary Threshold

Understandably a number of employers and in particular unions have spoken out against the salary threshold. As we reported earlier this year both the [Royal College of Nursing](https://immigrationandvisasolicitors.co.uk/uk-immigration-update-salary-threshold-to-affect-recruitment-in-nhs/) and [National Association Head Teachers](https://immigrationandvisasolicitors.co.uk/uk-immigration-rules-may-force-overseas-teachers-out-of-uk/) have voiced that the new settlement requirement could have a detrimental effect on their sectors which, in turn, will have a negative impact on the UK economy.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the salary threshold of £35,000 being implemented next year only refers to basic pay; applicants cannot rely on bonuses or overtime. The national average in NI is currently £26,000 which means that a non-EU employee can only apply for settlement in the UK if they get a pay rise; which in today's climate is becoming increasingly difficult for employees and employers.

## Immigration Advice for UK Employers & Tier 2 Applicants

Our team of experienced and professionally qualified immigration solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process of making a Tier 2 General migrant visa application step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of law.

We also undertake a great deal of appeal work before the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal and have a successful track record of successful results for our clients. We have the experience and the knowledge required to take your case forward successfully. If you have had a Tier 2 General visa refused, contact us to discuss your case so that we can provide you with a case assessment.