| The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) published | | | | threshold, points to be awarded for earnings above |
| today a report following the Home Secretary request | | | | £25,000; |
| for assessment of Tier 1 of the Points Based System | | | | · Additional salary band to be introduced with a |
| in light of the changing economic circumstances. | | | | threshold of £150,000 (75 points to be awarded); |
| The report reviews Tier 1 Highly Skilled Workers | | | | · Full review of the salary conversion model; |
| category of the Points-Based System and | | | | · Initial leave to remain to be reduced from three to |
| recommends a number of changes which will be | | | | two years, with a three year extension subject to |
| considered by the Government before deciding which | | | | evidence that the individual is in highly skilled |
| of the proposed changes to implement. | | | | employment. |
| Some of the MAC’s recommendations include: | | | | Tier 1 Post Study Work |
| Tier 1 General | | | | · Leave entitlement for PSW applicants remains at its |
| · Professional qualifications held in addition to an | | | | current level of two years. |
| undergraduate degree to be recognised as equivalent | | | | Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Investor |
| to a master’s degree for the purposes of the PBS; | | | | · Introduce measures to allow detailed examination of |
| · Individuals with an undergraduate degree to be | | | | whether jobs created through the Entrepreneur route |
| allowed to enter under Tier 1, subject to an appropriate | | | | represent a genuine net increase in jobs. |
| earnings threshold; | | | | The Government is expected to make an |
| · Age – a threshold for the age category to be | | | | announcement on whether the recommendations will |
| extended to allow points to be claimed for those up to | | | | be accepted in early 2010. Until the decision is made, |
| the age of 40; | | | | Tier 1 will continue to operate in its current form. |
| · Qualifications – reinstatement of points award for | | | | Contact us as soon as possible if you are concerned |
| a bachelor’s degree with reduced points being | | | | or wish to know more on how the proposed changes |
| awarded to a PhD holders; | | | | might impact your immigration status and future |
| · Previous earnings – increase of the minimum | | | | options. |