Preparing for ILR 2012 with lower wage

[SpokenHands]

On behalf of a friend who needs some advice:

1. Successfully applied for final Tier 1 extension in 2009 with an annual income of £39,200
2. Becomes eligible for ILR in Feb 2012 (based on current 5-year continuous stay requirement)
3. However has lost his job in Dec 2010 and is currently self-employed on lower wage, substantially lower and living off savings.
4. On the basis of recent changes to 'settlement' laws, will he be able get ILR in Feb 2012 only if he can show an annual income of above £39,200?
5. If he cannot show this amount, what are his options? Would he be better off just getting a further Tier 1 extension and applying for ILR when his circumstances improve?
6. What should he do over the next 6-8 months to ensure he does not face difficulties at renewal time (he is naturally seeking employment as best he can in this economic environment)

He wishes to avoid a situation where his visa are not refused and him having to return to his home country.

Any advice will be gratefully received and sent fwd to him.

Thank you.

AR

[geriatrix]

To start with, ask him to read Tier 1 settlement guidance to understand the eligibility criteria for settlement as a Tier 1 (General) migrant.

[SpokenHands]

Sent this fwd to him.

His reading is that he is allotted a certain no. of points against specificed earnings, and no harm if it is lower than £39,200 with which he applied the last time so long as it is above £20,000.

Is this sound?

Thank you.