Is 35000 min earning requirement irrelevant if you have ILR?

[missabc123]

Hi there,

My friend from South Africa has ILR, it was granted around 10 years ago. He wants to apply for full citizenship now.

He heard something about changes in April to the earnings requirement meaning you have to earn £35k, I think it only applies to new ILR applications, is that correct? Not retrospective ones?

He is unwaged at present as he is ill so could not meet the earning threshold requirements, so he is worrying that he might not be able to stay.

He has one child that he helps to bring up although is separated from the mother.

Please can you confirm he won't be affected by the minimum earning requirement as he already has ILR?

Many thanks

[LilyLalilu]

This requirement is only for current Tier 2 visa holders planning to apply for ILR from April 2016. If your friend already has ILR he won't be affected at all and doesn't need to worry.