Proposals to raise the earnings bar for architect visas to almost £35,000 have attracted disbelief from the RIBA, which has warned the move would “severely impact” smaller practices and those outside the capital.

The recommendation was made as part of a broader recalibration of the visa system outlined by the government’s Migration Advisory Committee, which had been commissioned to report to ministers on the post-Brexit potential for an Australian-style points-based immigration system. The UK leaves the EU tomorrow night.

The current minimum earnings requirements for a tier 2 (general) visa range from £22,300 for a part I graduate to £33,200 for an experienced architect, defined as having worked for three or more years since finishing their qualifications.

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