Immigration Skills Charge

Brexit will profoundly affect the nature of skilled migration, but a less-heralded change this month may have its own significance for employers.  With effect from 6 April 2017, businesses sponsoring skilled workers under Tier 2 of the immigration points-based system will have to pay an annual levy of £1,000 per certificate of sponsorship.  A fee of £364 will apply to small employers and charities.  The salary threshold for the tier is also due to increase to £30,000 for migrants who are ‘experienced workers’.