MIGRANT workers will have to earn at least �35,000 a year to be allowed to settle in Britain, it will be announced this week.
The crackdown could slash the number of skilled immigrants permitted to stay permanently by two thirds.
Home Secretary Theresa May is expected to unveil the tough new rules within the next few days.
The Home Office will also tighten up regulations on foreign nannies, maids and cooks coming to Britain from outside the EU.
Under current rules, skilled workers who have been here for five years have a virtual automatic right to stay permanently.
As a result, the numbers applying to settle has soared from 10,000 in 1997 to 84,000 in 2010. Most are lower-skilled workers in lower-paid jobs.
Ministers believe the new �35,000 pay hurdle will ensure only the "brightest and the best" make Britain their home.
But the salary figure could be lower for jobs in which the country has a shortage of workers � and for scientists in PhD-level jobs.
The new pay threshold was first recommended by Government advisers last year.
The official Migration Advisory Committee backed the �35,000 figure, saying it would reduce the numbers settling here from 60,000 a year to 20,000. There will also be changes in rules to stop foreign domestic workers from outside the EU remaining in Britain.
In 2010, nearly 15,700 visas were given to overseas maids, nannies and cooks. In the same year, 1,360 foreign domestics were given the right to settle.
Under new rules, domestics from outside the EU will be allowed to come to Britain only to work for foreign visitors.
They will be permitted to stay for only six months and must leave with the visitor. And they will not be allowed to move to another employer, extend their stay or bring in their family.
The only exception will be anyone working for foreign diplomats.
Those will be able to stay until the diplomat's tour of duty ends.
There will also be tougher rules to protect foreign nannies and maids from abuse. Both the domestic and their employer will be made aware of their rights and responsibilities.
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