Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether it will be possible to sponsor a migrant if they are paid less than £20,480 (a) under the New Entrant rate, (b) in a Shortage Occupation role or (c) in any other circumstances.

The Government published “The UK’s Points-Based System: Policy Statement” on 19 February.

Following advice from the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the Government will reduce the general salary threshold for skilled workers from £30,000 to £25,600. There will be a reduced rate for new entrants as well as for those with relevant PhDs and those coming to undertake occupations that are in shortage.

In line with MAC advice, the precise thresholds for any occupation will generally be based on data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Employment which will be updated between now and the points-based system coming into operation in January 2021.