As previously announced, Tier 2 of the points-based system goes live today (27 November).  The criteria for Tier 2 include a maintenance requirement of £800 for the main applicant and £533 for each dependant accompanying him/her.

There is already a provision for the main applicant to meet this requirement by having written confirmation from their A-rated sponsor that the sponsor will maintain and accommodate them, if necessary, during their first month in the United Kingdom.

We have now extended this provision to include a Tier 2 migrant's dependants. Dependants can therefore prove they meet the maintenance requirement either by:

• showing that they (or the main applicant) have personal cash funds of £533 (per dependant) which they have held for the previous three months; or
• having written confirmation from the main applicant's A-rated sponsor that the sponsor will maintain and accommodate them, if necessary, during their first month in the United Kingdom.

The letter from the sponsor certifying maintenance must be included with other supporting documents when making an application.

Please note:

• the provision only applies to dependants of main applicants with an A-rated sponsor;
• the provision has not been extended to dependants of migrants under Tier 5 of the points-based system.

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