Forward thinking businesses aim to attract only the best talent the world has to offer so as to strengthen and add further value to their palette. In a global state like the UK, it is important that businesses find it relatively easy to attract and retain the highest level of talent to maintain their position as the global economic hub. Key sectors within the economy that must be open to global talent include all professional, technological and medical services.
Sustained business growth in a contemporary world requires the most talented and skilled workers to help drive quality and innovation. Globalisation has further lent a helping hand to businesses, such that they are able to source their talent from a global market place.
The UK (as a leading economy in the world) is no exception. The Tier 2 visa category has been designed as a Points Based system to allow foreign skilled workers take up skilled jobs in UK based firms.
At Reiss Edwards, our highly experienced and qualified UK immigration lawyers can help your company reach its full potential if you need to recruit workers from outside the UK. We have an expert team of business immigration and Tier 2 visa lawyers who specialise in global and corporate immigration.
Following the closure of the Tier 1 General route, the Tier 2 visa category has now become the major work visa category. It benefits workers looking to apply for long term employment (General), those wanting to transfer from a company based overseas to a company in the UK (Intra-company Transfer), sports people involved at a high level in their sport (Sportsperson), and religious workers (Minister of Religion).
It is important to note that you will be required to obtain a certificate of sponsorship to be able to apply for a leave to enter or remain via any of the aforementioned categories. It is classed as a PBS immigration route and would require applicants to score at least 70 points to qualify. Applicants will also need to meet the English language requirements alongside the maintenance requirements.
To apply for a Tier 2 work visa, you must have been offered work by an employer who has a valid Tier 2 Sponsor Licence. The role must be one above NQF Level 6 and the salary on offer must be at the appropriate level.
The Home Office have published a list of sponsorable job roles in the UK alongside their appropriate salary levels. The Home Office follows the salary requirements in a strict manner, as your Tier 2 visa application will be refused if the job you are being offered does not meet the stipulated salary requirements.
Click here to find the salary requirements for sponsorable roles in the UK. Sponsorable roles are roles at or above NQF Level 6.
The Tier 2 visa is normally issued for 3 years, after which time you may be eligible to apply for a Tier 2 visa extension. Your extension application will depend on whether your current employer is willing to continue having you in that role, while also maintaining the appropriate salary.
The Tier 2 visa application fees include the following:
The Sponsor Licence fees and Skills Charge are payable only by the employer. Also, the sponsor licence fees only matter when the employer does not have an existing sponsor licence.
A restricted Certificate of Sponsorship is usually required for entry clearance as a Tier 2 General Migrant unless the job is stated on the Shortage of Occupations List, or, alternatively, if the migrant will be considered as a "high-earner" with a salary on offer of at least £159,600 gross per annul.
The application for entry clearance can only be made after the following are satisfied:
The entry clearance application requires the migrant to satisfy the following requirements:
Certificate of Sponsorship available under the Tier 2 (General) visa is limited in number on an annual basis. This limitation is applicable to individuals who seek entry clearance under the Tier 2 (General) Category, as well as individuals who make applications to switch as a dependent of a Tier 4 (General) student into the Tier 2 (General) category from within the UK. These are referred to as Restricted Certificates of Sponsorship.
Individuals who seek entry into the UK tend to take up vacant positions with a £150,000 salary or more, whilst other applications within the UK (apart from the Tier 4 dependants who intend to switch) are not influenced by the limit. In this circumstance, the Certificate of Sponsorship is referred to as unrestricted and can be assigned by the sponsors without initially making an application for authorisation.
It is important to note that successful Tier 2 General applications will surmount to the applicant being offered leave for up to 3 years, with the potential of the leave being extended for an additional 3 years. The individual is not permitted to apply again to return to the UK under this category until the elapse of 12 months after which the previous Tier 2 leave had expired. This is also applicable in situations where the individual has been on the Tier 2 visa for less than 6 years. However, in a situation where the individual leaves the job held with the Tier 2 Sponsor, they should ensure the sponsor passes the information across to the UKBA so that the leave will be curtailed. Note also, that the 12-month period begins from the date of expiry of the individual's leave.
In a situation where the individual's application was rejected, the individual can choose to oppose the decision by making a request for an Administrative Review to the Entry Clearance Manager (ECM). However, if the decision is also held by the Entry Clearance Manager (ECM) then the individual can challenge it by making an appeal through a Judicial Review in High Court.
Tier 2 visa applicants must score a minimum of 70 points to be eligible for a visa. The summary of the points are as follows:
| Condition | Points |
| Valid CoS | 30 |
| Appropriate Salary | 20 |
| English language requirement | 10 |
| Maintenance funds | 10 |
However, if you need to employ someone from outside the UK, you will need to apply for a restricted Certificate of Sponsorship. It is important to note that the points gained from assigning Certificates of Sponsorships may vary depending on the type of job.
See the table below for additional information:
| Type of job | Points | Salary | Points | |
| Shortage Occupation | 130 | £100,000 to £159,599.99 | 60 | |
| £75,000 to £99,999.99 | 55 | |||
| PhD level occupation code listed in Table 1 of Appendix J of the Immigration Rules | 75 | £70,000 to £74,999.99 | 50 | |
| £65,000 to £69,999.99 | 45 | |||
| £60,000 to £64,999.99 | 40 | |||
| £55,000 to £59,999.99 | 35 | |||
| £50,000 to £54,999.99 | 30 | |||
| Resident Labour Market Test met by the 'Milkround' provisions and the individual being sponsored meets the 'post study work' provisions. | 30 | £45,000 to £49,999.99 | 25 | |
| Job passes Resident Labour Market test or an exception applies | 20 | £45,000 to £49,999.99 | 25 | |
| £44,000 to £44,999.99 | 24 | |||
| £43,000 to £43,999.99 | 23 | |||
| £42,000 to £42,999.99 | 22 | |||
| £41,000 to £41,999.99 | 21 | |||
| £40,000 to £40,999.99 | 20 | |||
| £39,000 to £39,999.99 | 19 | |||
| £38,000 to £38,999.99 | 18 | |||
| £37,000 to £37,999.99 | 17 | |||
| £36,000 to £36,999.99 | 16 | |||
| £35,000 to £35,999.99 | 15 | |||
| £34,000 to £34,999.99 | 14 | |||
| £33,000 to £33,999.99 | 13 | |||
| £32,000 to £32,999.99 | 12 | |||
| £31,000 to £31,999.99 | 11 | |||
| £30,000 to £30,999.99 | 10 | |||
| £29,000 to £29,999.99 | 9 | |||
| £28,000 to £28,999.99 | 8 | |||
| £27,000 to £27,999.99 | 7 | |||
| £26,000 to £26,999.99 | 6 | |||
| £25,000 to £25,999.99 | 5 | |||
| £24,000 to £24,999.99 | 4 | |||
| £23,000 to £23,999.99 | 3 | |||
| £22,000 to £22,999.99 | 2 | |||
| £20,800 to £21,999.99 | 1 |
An individual who is already residing in the UK under a visa category which allows that person to switch into the Tier 2 General category, is entitled to apply for residence as a Tier 2 General migrant from within the UK. The individual is, however, expected to fulfil all applicable criteria inclusive of any other stipulation with regards to switching into the Tier 2 General category from the individual's current visa status. For the individual to be eligible to apply for leave from within the UK, the applicant must be issued an Unrestricted Certificate of Sponsorship. For more information on the Tier 2 General Category, please refer to the Tier 2 General Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at the bottom of this article.
If an individual is issued (or was previously issued) a leave of entry in any one of the below listed categories, then they can apply to switch into the Tier 2 General Category from within the UK:
An individual wishing to make a switch from the Tier 4 General Student category into the Tier 2 General can do so if the following requirements are fulfilled:
If the Tier 2 sponsor fulfils the requirements for switching as mentioned above, they would be free from fulfilling the Resident Labour Market Test. The applicant will make use of the Unrestricted Certificate of Sponsorship issued to them by the employer to make the application. However, it is expected that the individual's working position and salary level be in line with the criteria for the Code of Practice.
An individual who has been granted entry into the UK on a Tier 1 Post Study Work visa can make an application to switch into the Tier 2 General from within the UK. In this category it is expected that the employer makes available an unrestricted Certificate of Sponsorship which the applying individual would use whilst making the Tier 2 General application. However, it is expected that the individual's working position and salary level be in line with the criteria for Code of Practice.
Tier 2 visa migrants can switch from their current visas to become dependants to any visa categories in-country. Therefore, it is not necessary for them to leave the country to make an application to switch their visas.
An individual who resides in the United Kingdom as a Tier 2 General migrant can seek to extend their stay from within the country, either before the authorised permit has expired or if the applicant is changing job (alongside attaining sponsorship from a different sponsor of the Tier 2 category). This application can only be made from within the United Kingdom.
If an individual seeks to change employer, they must make an application for a change of employer. The applicant is then expected to possess a new Certificate of Sponsorship as well as fulfil the points criteria.
The applicant is also required to apply for a change of employment if they are still with the same employer (subject to exceptions).
Technically, you can renew your Tier 2 visa anytime; however, you'd stand to gain no strategic advantage if your renewal application expires.
As a firm, our advice would be to submit a renewal application 28 days before your current visa expires. If you submit a renewal application in a significant amount of time before your current one expires, the Home Office will process it as normal and you may end up with a timeframe of less than 5 years. Remember, also, that you must have been in the UK for at least 5 years before you qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Any time shorter than that may result in you not hitting the 5 years required for ILR.
Therefore, we suggest that you apply for your Tier 2 visa renewal or extension at least 28 days before your current (Tier 2) visa expires.
If you are looking to make an application for ILR based on being on a Tier 2 General visa for 5 years, please give us a call now on 020 3744 2797. As a rule, you must first and foremost have lived in the country for at least 5 years continuously under the Tier 2 visa category.
To ensure a successful ILR application, you will need to show you have actually been working in the UK throughout the 5-year period as a Tier 2 migrant and your current employer is your sponsor. In addition, you must show that you are not only currently in employment, but you are still needed on the job. The employer will need to formally verify this in a letter as part of the necessary supporting documents.
We would normally recommend you get professional help/advice for regulated immigration lawyers if you are looking to apply for a Tier 2 ILR. The application form to make this application is the Form SET (O).
Those who classify as a dependant include a husband/wife, civil partner, unmarried partner, same-sex partner, or child (under the age of 18 years) of a main applicant.
It is important to note that dependants must be over the age of 18 years, except for child dependants. However, children who are over the age of 18 may still qualify to apply as child dependants if they became 18 in the UK whilst on a PBS dependant visa.
If you have been granted leave to remain as a Tier 2 General migrant, your dependants can apply with you. Also, if you are looking to submit an entry clearance application as a Tier 2 general migrant, you may apply with your dependents as well.
The immigration rules have and will continue to be met with several reforms and changes. The rules now allow for applications to be made within the country to switch into a PBS Dependant as a Tier 2 General migrant. The exceptions to this include where the applicant is currently in the UK as a visitor and where the applicant is on temporary admission or release.
The age of the dependant as highlighted above also applies to switching.
If you are currently in the UK as a dependant of a Tier 2 General Migrant, you may be able to extend your stay as a dependant of a Tier 2 migrant if you continue to meet the requirements. Importantly, your extension will be in line with that of the main applicant.
If you have been granted leave to remain as a PBS Dependant of a Tier 2 General prior to the 9th of July 2012, you will be able to apply for ILR if you have resided in the UK for at least 2 years as a PBS Dependant. Importantly, the main applicant must have either been a settled person or has lodged an ILR application
However, for applications made after the 9th of July, PBS Dependants will need to have resided in the UK for at least 5 years as a PBS Dependant of a Tier 2 General migrant.
You will be eligible to apply for a British passport (citizenship) one year after holding an ILR status in the UK. This means you will qualify to apply for British citizenship 6 years after your initial Tier 2 visa grant.
It is important to note that your British citizenship application is not really linked or directly related to your Tier 2 visa, but rather is based on you having held ILR status for one year.
The spiralling cost of Tier 2 visa applications is aimed at achieving two things:
1. Ensuring that more employers are priced out of it, meaning that employers will only employ migrants when they really need to
2. Acting as a revenue generator for the Home Office
Earlier this year, the Home Office announced that the price changes were necessary to ensure that the Home Office achieves a self-funding system, whilst it continues to deliver a high level of competitive service which continues to appeal to businesses and talents.
Cost for the Tier 2 migrant
| Fees Description | Amount | |
| The Tier 2 visa application form | £575 | |
| NHS (IHS) Surcharge - Fees paid upfront for the duration of the visa | £200 | |
| Priority service from inside the UK | £500 | |
| Priority service from inside the UK - Weekends and out of office hours | £563 | |
| Priority postal service | £300 | |
| Priority service from outside the UK | £460 | |
| Super priority service form outside the UK | £750 | |
| Tier 2 ILR application | £2,389 | |
| Tier 2 migrant naturalising as a British citizen | £1,236 |
Cost for the Employer
| Fees Description | Amount | |
| Sponsor licence application fee (large organisations) | £1,475 | |
| Sponsor licence application fee (small organisation) | £536 | |
| Assigning a Certificate of sponsorship | £199 (per worker) | |
| Immigration skill charge (large organisations) | £1,000 (per worker) | |
| Immigration skill charge (small businesses and charities) | £364 (per worker) |
The rules specify that a Tier 2 migrant must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days during any 12-month period within a continuous period of 5 years. The end date of the continuous period will be considered as ending on whichever is the most beneficial to the applicant.
Where the absences are work-related, these must be confirmed by the employer in writing. The letter from the employer must detail the purpose and period of absences, including any periods of annual leave.
Where there is a long period of absence from the UK, there must be a valid reason for such. If the reason is not work-related, it must be considered "serious and compelling", and a detailed explanation must be provided in writing by the applicant, as well as any relevant supporting documents.
Do absences for the main applicant differ from absences for dependants?
The residential requirement for main applicants has been in place since the category was established. The rules, however, did not confirm that dependants were subject to this same requirement for years until 11 January 2018 when the rules were amended to include dependants. The effect, however, is not retrospective and only absences incurred after 11 January 2018 will count towards the 180 days.
Our team of specialist Tier 2 visa lawyers can advise you on how best to prepare your Tier 2 visa application. We will advise you on all documents required to ensure a successful visa application.Contact us today if you require professional advice. Our business immigration lawyers are based in Central London and can offer a free initial consultation over the phone. You can reach us on 02037442797 or send us an email on info@reissedwards.co.uk
Unfortunately, if the Home Office are correct in the points raised in their reasons for refusal letter, our opinion is that a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is required. However, before doing so, a Resident Labour Market Test ('RLMT') needs to be completed. Unless the position is on the Shortage Occupation List, the Home Office are correct to insist that the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) be satisfied before requesting an Certificate of Sponsorship. Please find a link to the Shortage Occupation List if you need to confirm whether or not the position is one which needs to be advertised for-
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-k-shortage-occupation-list
Assuming that the position is one which the RLMT applies, the starting point would be to advertise the position on two online platforms, one of which must be on Find a Job unless the proposed annual salary for the role is circa £80,000 per annum. The advertisements must run for 28 days and screenshots with the full URL and date must be taken on the first and last day of the campaigns. The company will need to interview all candidates that appear suitable on paper and make notes as to which candidate was selected and why. Once the RLMT has been completed, the company can then submit a request for a Certificate of Sponsorship ('CoS') . Below is a brief summary of which CoS you will need-
1. Unrestricted CoS - this is generally applicable where the candidate is already in the UK and permitted to submit their Tier 2 application from within the UK. This CoS can be applied for at any time.
2. Restricted CoS - this must be applied by the 5th of a month in order to know within the same month as whether or not the CoS has been granted. There is a restriction of around 1000-2000 per month but given the proposed salary on offer, I would expect the company's CoS to fall within the quota for the large majority of months.
Because your application was for entry clearance it is likely that you will need a new Restricted CoS.
Once a CoS has been issued and assigned in your favour, you can then move onto the final stage and submit a new Tier 2 application. Alongside the CoS, you will need to show evidence of your maintenance (unless the company has confirmed that it certifies maintenance on your behalf) as well as evidence of your English Language.
In order to evidence maintenance, you will need to show you have held at least £945 for the 90 days leading up to your application as well as £630 for each dependant that may be applying with you. The only exception to this is where an A-rated sponsor agrees to certify maintenance.
In order to evidence English Language, you will need to show one of the following-
1. You are a national of a majority English speaking country;
2. You have at least a degree obtained from the UK;
3. You have at least a degree (or the equivalent) taught in a majority English speaking country;
4. You have at least a degree (or the equivalent) taught in English and UK NARIC provides the certifications required to confirm; or
5. You sit the B1 General examination and score 4.0 in each of the 4 fields: speaking, listening, reading and writing.Assuming you meet these requirements with the correct supporting documents, there is no reason why the application should be refused. However, please feel free to contact us where one of our Senior Associates can review the decision of the Entry Clearance Officer and advise you on the next steps.
We would be happy to discuss your enquiry in more detail. Please feel free to contact us where one of our Senior Associates can advise you specifically. However, before contacting us, we provide you with a general overview of the Tier 2 process as a Tier 4 Student.
Generally speaking, any Tier 2 Sponsor will need to satisfy the Home Office that they have tried to find a British or EEA national or someone present and settled in the UK to fill the vacancy but were unable to. This is known as the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT). However, one of the concession to this requirement is where the sponsor is looking to employ a student such as yourself. In these instances, the RLMT does not need to be complied with.
Another importance concession that you will be deemed as a New Entrant so long as your period of sponsorship will be 3 years and 4 months or less. Essentially, the appropriate (or minimum salary) will be £20,800 or the salary stipulated on the relevant SoC code - whichever one is higher. An Experienced worker (which is generally speaking anyone over the age of 26 and is not a student) will be subjected to an appropriate salary of £30,000 or the one on the SoC code.
Now that we have addressed the specific differences that a Tier 4 student enjoys, we now provide an overview of the Tier 2 process.
The first step would be to identify the relevant Code for sponsorship. We attach a link to the relevant Codes-
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-j-codes-of-practice-for-skilled-work
Please feel free to have a look at Tables 1 and 2 to see if there is a Code that you may qualify under.
Certificate of Sponsorship ('CoS')
Assuming that the sponsoring company has a Sponsor Licence, the company will then need to apply and/or assign a CoS. There are two different types of CoS and the main difference between the two types is when the company can make a request for the CoS-
1. Unrestricted CoS - this is generally applicable where the candidate is already in the UK and permitted to submit their Tier 2 application from within the UK. This CoS can be applied for at any time.
2. Restricted CoS - this must be applied by the 5th of a month in order to know within the same month as whether or not the CoS has been granted. There is a restriction of around 1000-2000 per month but given the proposed salary on offer, I would expect the company's CoS to fall within the quota for the large majority of months.
Because you are a Tier 4 Student, the company would be looking to apply and/or assign an Unrestricted CoS.
Tier 2 application
Upon being issued with the CoS, you can then submit your Tier 2 application.
Our fees depend on the nature of your case. Please feel free to contact us where one of our Senior Associates can take further instructions from you and thereafter give you a better idea as to our costs.
However, in the meantime we provide an overview of the Tier 2 visa requirement for your information.
You will need to be issued with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before you can submit a Tier 2 application. Only a Tier 2 Sponsor can issue a CoS. You can find who is currently registered as a Tier 2 sponsor using the following link-
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/846931/2019-11-18-Tier-2-5-Register-of-Sponsors.pdf
However, if a company is not on the list, they can nonetheless apply for a Tier 2 Sponsor Licence.
Assuming they have been issued with a Sponsor Licence, they will then need to undertake the steps in order to be issued with a Certificate of Sponsorship which will form the basis of your Tier 2 application. Unless you are a student or are being offered a position on the Shortage Occupation List or offered an annual salary of £159,600 per annum, your sponsor Tier 2 sponsor will need to pass the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT). This Test is designed to ensure that a company has tried to find someone British, European or holds settled status in the UK to take the position but were unable to. This will be shown through an online advertisement process with the company keeping notes as to who applied and why you (assuming this is the case) was the best candidate for the position.
Assuming that you were the best candidate, they will then need to apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship. How they do this will depend on whether or not your immigration status in the UK – or lack of. Generally, speaking-
1. Unrestricted CoS - this is generally applicable where the candidate is already in the UK and permitted to submit their Tier 2 application from within the UK. This CoS can be applied for at any time.
2. Restricted CoS - this must be applied by the 5th of a month in order to know within the same month as whether or not the CoS has been granted. There is a restriction of around 1000-2000 per month but given the proposed salary on offer, I would expect the company's CoS to fall within the quota for the large majority of months.
As part of this application, the Home Office will ask what SoC code you seek to rely on. The SoC code is important as it determines two key details-
1. Is the role one which sponsorship is accepted for; and
2. What is the appropriate (or minimum) salary that must be offered. Unless you are a student, generally speaking those over the age of 26 will be deemed as 'Experienced' as oppose to 'New Entrant'.
Once the CoS has been issued and assigned in your favour, you can then submit your Tier 2 visa. In addition to the CoS, you will need to evidence maintenance (unless your sponsoring company is willing to certify maintenance on your behalf). In evidencing maintenance, you will need to show you have held at lest £945 for 90 days as well as an additional £630 for any and each dependant applying with you. Further you will need to show evidence of your English Language which can be through one of the following methods-
1. You are a national of a majority English speaking country;
2. You have at least a degree obtained from the UK;
3. You have at least a degree (or the equivalent) taught in a majority English speaking country;
4. You have at least a degree (or the equivalent) taught in English and UK NARIC provides the certifications required to confirm; or
5. You sit the B1 General examination and score 4.0 in each of the 4 fields: speaking, listening, reading and writing.Please contact us so that one of our Senior Associates can discuss any specific questions you have as well as to confirm our fees.
Unfortunately, in regards to arranging a biometric appointment with the Home Office's third party Sopra Steria, things are subject to availability. However, there are now more locations and we would suggest that you look at other locations to see if there is availability elsewhere.
We, as like with any other legal representatives have access to the same system as yourself and therefore we would not be able to have access to appointments. The system as managed by Sopra Steria and has a three tiered 'status' level'-
Core Centres – these are free to use centres
Enhanced – there is an additional fee in order to attend these centres
Premium Lounge – generally speaking there will be less people and you have more 'comfort' whilst you wait for your appointment
However, the status of the centres does not provide extra appointments. Many immediate appointments are blocked behind a paywall where you will have to pay an extra fee in order to have access to those appointments. Given your sister-in-law's need to start work as soon as possible, she may need to take advantage of the paid appointments (if available) in order to ensure she starts work on 3 April. We would also strongly advise that she uses the Super Priority service (where a decision is made the following business day) in order to give her the best chance to commence employment on the start date on her CoS. Please further note, that it can take anywhere between 3-10 working days for the BRP to be delivered after receiving a decision.However, in the worse case scenario, if your sister-in-law is simply unable to book any appointments and start employment on 3 April, we would suggest that her sponsoring company accesses the Sponsor Management System (SMS) and issues a Sponsor Note against your sister-in-law's CoS and explain that she cannot start work as stipulated on her CoS and provide a new employment start date. This is because a Tier 2 Sponsor has a duty to report a sponsored employee if they do not report to work on the date set out in the CoS. By issuing a Sponsor Note, there will be no breach of their duties and obligations.
You are correct to observe that as a Tier 2 (General) holder, you are entitled to work separate to your sponsoring employers. There are two basis in which you can do so.
The provisions relating to supplementary employment are regulated by the following provisions-
1. That you are undertaking work as you are currently being sponsored as per your Certificate of Sponsorship.
2. That the work is for less than 20 hours a week.
3. The work is conducted outside of your sponsored working hours.
In the event that you meet these requirements, you will not need a new Tier 2 (General) visa to undertaken such work.
Because you will be undertaking work in a different SoC code to which you are currently being sponsored for, you unfortunately will need to apply for another Tier 2 (General) visa to run concurrently with your current visa.
Other ways to potentially work in both roles would be applying for a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa. An application for a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa has two stages-
Stage 1
You will first need to obtain an endorsement from the designated competent body. These bodies are as follows-
Stage 2
Once you have received an endorsement, you can either submit an application with the endorsement letter and await for the Home Office to invite you to submit further documents (stage 2) or you can elect to submit an application later with documents for both stage 1 and 2 in one go.
The documents the Home Office expect will vary on the industry you are in but generally speaking they will assess your application as to whether you are an-
1. Exceptional Talent - that you are a leader of your field; or
2. Exceptional Promise - that you have the potential to be a leader of your field.
Please feel free to contact one of our Senior Associates who will be happy to discuss your options in more detail and advise you further.
In order to apply for an extension of a Tier 2 (General) visa, you will need to show that your Employee is continuing to be employed in a role which the Home Office accepts sponsorship for. This is known as the 'SoC' code. Once the relevant code has been identified, we can assess whether or not the Employee's salary is sufficient to meet the requirements for an extension of leave. Once this has been established an Unrestricted Certificate of Sponsorship will need to be applied for (unless the company already has an Unrestricted Certificate of Sponsorship which has not yet been assigned) and assigned to the Employee in question.
There is no need to carry out a Resident Labour Market Test if the Employee is currently being employed in the same SoC code. If the role is to be varied, than a new Resident Labour Market Test will need to be undertaken (unless the role falls within a Shortage Occupation role) before the Employee can take that new role.
Once this has been established, we will need to ensure that the Employment has held £945 for 90 days and £630 for each dependant unless the company is willing to certify maintenance on the Employee's behalf. Certification of maintenance can be confirmed on the Certificate of Sponsorship which will need to be assigned to the Employee.
In relation to the requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain, the Employee's salary will need to be £36,900 or £37,900 (depending on whether or not the Employee has reached 5 years as a Tier 2 (General) visa holder before or after 6 April 2022) or the one on their SoC code, whichever one is higher.
The company will also need to confirm that the Employee's continued employment is required for the foreseeable future. This will be confirmed by way of letter.
Finally, the Employee will need to have sat and passed the Life in the UK examination.
Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss any of the issues raised in this email in more detail.
Please find below a summary of the Tier 2 visa process.
Vacancy
The first step would be to identify the relevant Code for sponsorship. We attach a link to the relevant Codes-
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-j-codes-of-practice-for-skilled-work
Please feel free to have a look at Tables 1 and 2 to see if there is a Code that suits the vacancy.
The starting point for this vacancy would be that the company will need to advertise the vacancy on two platforms for at least 28 days. The general exemptions to this requirement are if-
1. The successful candidate is currently a Tier 4 student;
2. The vacancy is on the Shortage Occupation List.
Once we have established the Code and assuming any advertisement campaign has gone live, the company can begin preparing the documents relevant for the Sponsor Licence.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Once the Resident Labour Market Test (if one is required) has been completed, your sponsoring company will then need to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) in your favour.
There are two different types of CoS and the main difference between the two types is when the company can make a request for the CoS-
1. Unrestricted CoS - this is generally applicable where the candidate is already in the UK and permitted to submit their Tier 2 application from within the UK. This CoS can be applied for at any time.
2. Restricted CoS - this must be applied by the 5th of a month in order to know within the same month as whether or not the CoS has been granted. There is a restriction of around 1000-2000 per month but given the proposed salary on offer.
Tier 2 application
Once you have received your CoS, The successful candidate will be required to satisfy the requirements:
A Tier 2 application will take somewhere in the region of roughly 5 - 30 working days depending on whether or not the Priority Service is paid for.
In order to apply for an extension of a Tier 2 (General) visa, you will need to show that your Employee is continuing to be employed in a role which the Home Office accepts sponsorship for. This is known as the 'SoC' code. Once the relevant code has been identified, we can assess whether or not the Employee's salary is sufficient to meet the requirements for an extension of leave. Once this has been established an Unrestricted Certificate of Sponsorship will need to be applied for (unless the company already has an Unrestricted Certificate of Sponsorship which has not yet been assigned) and assigned to the Employee in question.
There is no need to carry out a Resident Labour Market Test if the Employee is currently being employed in the same SoC code. If the role is to be varied, than a new Resident Labour Market Test will need to be undertaken (unless the role falls within a Shortage Occupation role) before the Employee can take that new role.
Once this has been established, we will need to ensure that the Employment has held £945 for 90 days and £630 for each dependant unless the company is willing to certify maintenance on the Employee's behalf. Certification of maintenance can be confirmed on the Certificate of Sponsorship which will need to be assigned to the Employee.
In relation to the requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain, the Employee's salary will need to be £36,900 or £37,900 (depending on whether or not the Employee has reached 5 years as a Tier 2 (General) visa holder before or after 6 April 2022) or the one on their SoC code, whichever one is higher.
The company will also need to confirm that the Employee's continued employment is required for the foreseeable future. This will be confirmed by way of letter.
Finally, the Employee will need to have sat and passed the Life in the UK examination.
Your Dependants will be able to apply to accompany you to the UK or join you at a later stage and so long as you continue to meet the requirements, they should also continue to have the right to remain in the UK.
We right further to your enquiry.
It appears that a previous application was refused on the basis that the wrong appropriate salary was calculated. The SoC code 2421 Chartered and Certified Accountants' appropriate salary is £20,800 (new entrant) or £30,000 (experienced) is based on a 39 hour working week.
We would advise you that a new Certificate of Sponsorship is assigned to the Employee in question and a new Tier 2 application is submitted within 14 days of the refusal of the initial Tier 2 application - unless the Employee continues to have valid Leave. In the Tier 2 application, it is fundamental to explain that the salary was miscalculated and that the appropriate salary is now correct. We can assist you in calculating the appropriate salary as well as drafting representations on your behalf to explain the misunderstanding as well as to set out the reasons why the application should now be submitted.
Our opinion is that so long as the salary has been calculated properly, using either the postal priority or super priority service would be suitable as the issue raised in the refusal of the previous application is relatively straightforward and easily rectified.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you feel you need further representations or assistance.
We write further to your enquiry.
The starting point for this vacancy would be to idenitfy the relevant code. We believe that the code 2419 Legal professionals not elsewhere classified would be the best code to sponsor any successful candidate on. However, we provide a link to the Codes below-
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-j-codes-of-practice-for-skilled-work
Please review Tables 1 and 2 only to see if there is a better code that suits the vacancy.
Once a code is confirmed, the strating point would be that the company will need to advertise the vacancy on two platforms for at least 28 days. The general exemptions to this requirement are if-
1. The successful candidate is currently a Tier 4 student;
2. The vacancy is on the Shortage Occupation List.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Once the Resident Labour Market Test (if one is required) has been completed, you will then need to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) in the canddiate's favour.
There are two different types of CoS and the main difference between the two types is when the company can make a request for the CoS-
1. Unrestricted CoS - this is generally applicable where the candidate is already in the UK and permitted to submit their Tier 2 application from within the UK. This CoS can be applied for at any time.
2. Restricted CoS - this must be applied by the 5th of a month in order to know within the same month as whether or not the CoS has been granted. There is a restriction of around 1000-2000 per month but given the proposed salary on offer.
Tier 2 application
Once you have assigned the CoS, the successful candidate will be required to satisfy the requirements:
A Tier 2 application will take somewhere in the region of roughly 5 - 30 working days depending on whether or not the Priority Service is paid for.
We would be happy to arrange a consultation to discuss these requirements further and advise you accordingly.
We write further to your enquiry.
The starting point for this vacancy would be to idenitfy the relevant code. We provide a link to the Codes below-
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-j-codes-of-practice-for-skilled-work
Please review Tables 1 and 2 only to see if there is a better code that suits the vacancy. Alternatively, please feel free to send us the Job Description and we can help identify a Code on your behalf.
Once a code is confirmed, the strating point would be that the company will need to advertise the vacancy on two platforms for at least 28 days. The general exemptions to this requirement are if-
1. The successful candidate is currently a Tier 4 student;
2. The vacancy is on the Shortage Occupation List.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Once the Resident Labour Market Test (if one is required) has been completed, you will then need to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) in the canddiate's favour.
There are two different types of CoS and the main difference between the two types is when the company can make a request for the CoS-
1. Unrestricted CoS - this is generally applicable where the candidate is already in the UK and permitted to submit their Tier 2 application from within the UK. This CoS can be applied for at any time.
2. Restricted CoS - this must be applied by the 5th of a month in order to know within the same month as whether or not the CoS has been granted. There is a restriction of around 1000-2000 per month but given the proposed salary on offer.
Tier 2 application
Once you have assigned the CoS, the successful candidate will be required to satisfy the requirements:
A Tier 2 application will take somewhere in the region of roughly 5 - 30 working days depending on whether or not the Priority Service is paid for.
We would be happy to arrange a consultation to discuss these requirements further and advise you accordingly.
The Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) is essentially an advertisement campaign. The campaign will need to be live for at least 28 days and be posted on Find a Job (unless the salary is circa £80,000 or higher) as well as one other online portal.
The Home Office's requirements on the RLMT also dictates that the advert specifies the salary on offer, the opening and closing dates for the adverts. It is also best practice to identify the relevant SoC code before the advert goes 'live'. We provide a link to the Codes below-
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-j-codes-of-practice-for-skilled-work
Please review Tables 1 and 2 only to see if there is a better code that suits the vacancy. Alternatively, please feel free to send us the Job Description and we can help identify a Code on your behalf. The Codes will not only ensure that the vacancy is one that can be sposnored, it will also dictate the relevant minimum salary that must be paid. Once we have idenitfied the code, we can advise you on the minimum salary. However as a broad idea, the salary will be as follows-
New Entrant - where the candidate is under the age of 26 or is currently a Tier 4 (General) student
Experienced - where the candidate is over the age of 26 or is being sponsored for more than 3 years and 4 months
Screenshots with specific information such as the full URL of the advert on the date it was posted and the day it was closed will also be required.
By the end of the 28 days, the company will then finish interviewing all relevant candidates and should keep all notes taken in order to explain who was selected and why they were the best candidate for the position. Although these notes are not strictly required for the Certificate of Sponsorship ('CoS') application, it is common for the Home Office to ask to see the selection process before making a decision on the CoS application. This is for the Home Office to ensure the there is a 'genuine vacancy' and that the position was not one which was tailored to a specific person in mind.
Please feel free to contact us for further advice or assistance in the Resident Labour Market Test or in the CoS or Tier 2 application.
Yes, leave whilst on section 3c of the Immigration Act 1971 does not as lawful residence in the UK.
Generally speaking in order to be successful for Indefinite Leave to Remain under the 10 years Long Residence application, you will firstly need to demonstrate 10 years 'lawful residence'. This includes time spent on section 3c. any breaks in visas for 14 days or less (or 28 days before November 2016) will be disregarded and therefore will not break continuous residence. Further you will need to establish 'continuous' residence. This means your absences must be under 540 days in the 10 years relied on (absent exceptional circumstances) and no one absence of 180 days or more (again absent exceptional circumstances).
There must not be reasons why your application should be refused such as criminal convictions (whether previous or pending), cautions or warnings or any immigration breaches whilst in the UK.
You will need to provide evidence to meet the English Language requirement. This requirement can be met in one of the following ways-
1. Passing the B1 Life Skills examination with Trinity College
2. Obtaining a degree or higher from the UK;
3. Being a national of a majority English peaking country
4. Obtaining the equivalent of a degree or higher from a majority English speaking country (as certified by UK NARIC)
5. Obtaining the equivalent of a degree or higher in a course that was taught in English (as certified by UK NARIC)
You will also need to provide evidence that you have passed the Life in the UK examination.
We would be happy to discuss your specific circumstances in more detail and advise you further. If you require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
In order to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain as a Tier 2 (General) visa holder, you must demonstrate that you are currently receiving a salary of £35,800 or the appropriate salary on your SoC code - whichever is higher. Your sponsor must also provide a letter to confirm that your employment is required for the foreseeable future.
You will need to meet the English Language requirement. You should have passed this in your initial Tier 2 application, but generally speaking you will provide evidence of one of the following-
1. Passing the B1 Life Skills examination with Trinity College
2. Obtaining a degree or higher from the UK;
3. Being a national of a majority English peaking country
4. Obtaining the equivalent of a degree or higher from a majority English speaking country (as certified by UK NARIC)
5. Obtaining the equivalent of a degree or higher in a course that was taught in English (as certified by UK NARIC)
You will also need to provide evidence that you have passed the Life in the UK examination.
We will be able to assist you in advising and preparing your application. We will also complete the online application form and prepare written representations on your behalf. Please feel free to contact us to arrange a free consultation so that we can advise you further.
We write further to your enquiry.
In order to qualify for a PBS Dependant visa (that is being a dependant of a Tier 2 visa holder) you will first need to establish that you are either married or have lived together with your partner for at least 2 years. In order to marry in the UK (if this is something you are currently considering) you will need to contact your Registry Office to deposit your notice of intention to marry. Because both yourself and your partner are subject to immigration control, there will be a referral to the Home Office who will then decide whether or not they want to investigate your relationship to determine whether or not the proposed marriage is one of convenience. If no investigation is made by the Home Office than you will be free to marry 28 days after. This period will be extended to 70 days in the event that the Home Office do wish to conduct an investigation - of which will normally be a request for further documents and/or an interview.
Assuming you are married or have lived together for 2 years you then have the option to submit a PBS Dependant application. You will need to show that you have held £630 for 90 days unless your partner's sponsoring company has or is willing to certify maintenance on your behalf. If the sponsoring company has already certified maintenance, this would have been confirmed in your partner's Certificate of Sponsorship. However, if this has not been confirmed but the company has since changed its mind, the company can provide a letter to confirm that it is now willing to certify maintenance on your behalf.
Depending on your circumstances, it does appear this can be achieved by 17 September 2019. Please feel free to contact us so that we can take further instructions from you in order to advise you further as well as to confirm what needs to be done in order to meet this timeframe.
In respects to your visa expiring and booking an appointment to submit your biometric information, the relevant date of application is the date you submit and pay for your online application - your appointment can be after the date your visa expires. Consequently, the most time sensitive matter is ensuring you submit and pay for the application.
In doing so, when your visa expires, section 3c of the Immigration Act 1971 essentially extends your visa day by day until a decision is made in your application. You will also keep your rights and entitlements during this period. This will therefore allow you to continue to work for your sponsoring company. Once you submit your application you will be given a case ID number. Please provide this to your sponsor so that they can carry out a right to work check. Upon carrying out a right to work check, they will be given amber permission. This means that you do have the right to work but your sponsor will need to re-do the right to work check within 6 months unless your visa has been issued - something which we would expect long before the 6 months have passed.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions or if you require legal representations.
Now, you refer to your most recent immigration status as a "relative" of an EU member. If you were married to this EU national, and are currently taking steps to initiate a divorce, following the breakdown of a marriage, as the soon-to-be ex-partner of an EEA national, you may be eligible for Retained Rights of Residence. There are requirements that you must meet to qualify that our team can discuss with you.
From the immigration history that you have outlined, there seems to be a clear option for you.
Whilst you are in the UK on Tier 2 General visa, there are rules as to your working activities outside of your sponsored role. The Home Office guidance is relatively silent on this area - however, the little guidance they provide states as follows, applicants would be allowed to take supplementary employment that must meet the following criteria: is outside of their normal working hours; is no more than 20 hours per week; is within the same profession at the same professional level as the work for which the certificate of sponsorship was issued. In addition to the supplementary employment, the applicants are also allowed to take unpaid voluntary employment.
What is not allowed?
Tier 2 (General) workers are not allowed to enter self-employment, set-up a business or join another business as a director or partner without obtaining further permission from the Home Office. They are also not allowed to hold more than 10% shares in the company they are working for. Please note that this restriction is not on those workers who are working for a Partnership / Sole Proprietor business.
From the information above, there is very little we can add to advise. If you want to understand more about this, please contact the Home Office directly.
Under the old immigration rules, an Au Pair application was made under a specific category that applied to nationals of particular countries.
The Au Pair scheme came to an end in late 2008 and a new Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme had been introduced. For those who had a valid leave under the old immigration rules were allowed to remain in the UK for the entirety.
If you need more information regarding either of these two visa types, do not hesitate to get in touch with our team to discuss further.
Most, if not all, jobs to the level of RQF level 6 (roles which can be sponsored) will require a Bachelor's degree to confirm the applicant's English fluency.
Once you have obtained your degree, you will be able to speak with your employer about obtaining sponsorship.
Should you wish to discuss this further, we can arrange for your level 1 user to speak with their representative within our team.
There is a particular process that you will need to follow to be lawfully employed by a UK company as a foreign skilled migrant.
Currently, you will need to apply online for the job and proceed through the application stages amongst other applicants including UK/EU nationals who must be considered for the job first if they have the relevant skillset.
Our team can follow up with you to navigate you through the process.
This enquiry has been dealt with in a private email by one of our immigration solicitors
If the employer has previously been noted to have incorrectly advertised the position, we will need to ensure that the advertising for this role has been done correctly.
Please get in touch with our team to discuss further
Sure.
Now, with respect to the process, we are able to liaise with yourself and your potential employer so that we are completely compliant.
We also offer regulatory and compliance services to ensure that the immigration rules are continually adhered to throughout the employment of the foreign skilled migrant.
Our team of business immigration specialists are on hand to discuss your current situation and the potential next steps that would need to be taken in order to proceed with the application itself.
Sure. We are able to assist you with the process of completing a Tier 2 General visa application.
We are able to act with your employer so that the CoS can be assigned and we are able to assess, prepare and submit the Tier 2 General application.
The start date for the CoS will indicate the day that you should essentially start your job. If those two dates do not match, then there needs to be a good reason as to why.
Our team are business immigration specialists and we are able to assist you with your enquiry.
Not only do we assist in obtaining the sponsor licence and hiring the foreign skilled migrant, we also have a regulatory and compliance service which will allow you to consult our team at your convenience.
Thank you for your enquiry.
When Croatia joined the EU in 2013, they were subject to restrictions. During this time, Croatian nationals needed to apply for permission to obtain a card to confirm their right to reside and work in the UK. We are pleased to advise that these restrictions ended on 30 June 2018. You therefore do not need to obtain permission to work.
With Brexit on the horizon, we would recommend that once you are residing in the UK, you apply for Pre-Settled Status, which is under the new rules created by the government for EU nationals once the UK leaves the EU.
You can read more about this here - https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/what-settled-and-presettled-status-means.
Thank you for your enquiry.
When Croatia joined the EU in 2013, they were subject to restrictions. During this time, Croatian nationals needed to apply for permission to obtain a card to confirm their right to reside and work in the UK. We are pleased to advise that these restrictions ended on 30 June 2018. You therefore do not need to obtain permission to work.
With Brexit on the horizon, we would recommend that once you are residing in the UK, you apply for Pre-Settled Status, which is under the new rules created by the government for EU nationals once the UK leaves the EU.
You can read more about this here - https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/what-settled-and-presettled-status-means.
Thank you for your enquiry.
You may be able to apply to remain in the UK as the partner of a British citizen under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. In order to show that you are a partner, you will need to provide evidence that you have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for two years or more. Evidence should ideally be from official third party sources. Examples of this will include tenancy agreements, utility bills, bank statements and payslips. The burden of proving that you satisfy this is upon you. If you are able to provide this evidence, the Home Office will accept you are an unmarried partner.
In order to satisfy the specific Rules, you will need to show that you satisfy the other requirements for this specific immigration status.
These in a nutshell are as follows:
We recommend that you seek our legal advice in order to confirm whether you will satisfy the Rules.
Thank you for your enquiry.
If you partner wishes to work in the UK, she will need to find a company that will be willing to sponsor her as a Tier 2 migrant. The employing company will need to have a Tier 2 Sponsor Licence which is issued to companies that apply for them. In order to be sponsored, the employment she wishes to undertake must be one that can be sponsored. Generally, it needs to be a skilled (usually graduate) role that is on a list of approved roles published by the Home Office.
There are potentially other options available besides the Tier 2 visa option. We will be happy to discuss this further.
Thank you for your enquiry.
As an EEA national, as it stands you are still free to enter and exit the UK freely under EU free movement rights. In addition, as you were resident in the UK between 2001 and 2014, if you were exercising treaty rights (e.g. working, self-employed, self-sufficient or a student) for a continuous period of five years or more, you will have automatically become a permanent resident (meaning you are settled) in the UK under the EEA Regulations. If you have not been away from the UK for more than two years without returning, you may therefore still be considered to be settled here in the UK. If this is the case, you can apply for Settled Status under the Post-Brexit rules brought in by the government.
You can read more about Settled Status here - https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/what-settled-and-presettled-status-means.
We recommend that you seek our legal advice in order to confirm whether the above is relevant to your circumstances.
Thank you for your enquiry.
An EEA residence card and permanent EEA residence card are both issued under the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006. The difference between the two is that an EEA residence card is generally issued for a limited period (usually five years) whilst a permanent residence card is issued once someone has completed the limited period (usually after they have completed the limited period of five years). Generally, in order to obtain a permanent EEA residence card, you will need to show that the EEA national has exercised their treaty rights (for example working, self-employed, self-sufficient or a student) for a continuous period of five years. If the EEA national has not been in the UK for continuously exercising treaty rights for at least five years or there has been a break of more than six months without a good reason, they will not be eligible for a permanent EEA residence card.
With Brexit on the horizon, we recommend that you apply for Settled Status under the government's Post-Brexit rules. To obtain Settled status, the EEA national will need to show that they have been in the UK for at least five years or more. If this is the case, then they will be granted Settled Status, meaning that they are no longer subject to time restrictions on their visa.
Our advice is based on the law as it currently stands. We recommend seeking up to date and tailored legal advice if you intend to make any applications.
Thank you for your enquiry.
An EEA residence card and permanent EEA residence card are both issued under the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006. The difference between the two is that an EEA residence card is generally issued for a limited period (usually five years) whilst a permanent residence card is issued once someone has completed the limited period (usually after they have completed the limited period of five years). Generally, in order to obtain a permanent EEA residence card, you will need to show that the EEA national has exercised their treaty rights (for example working, self-employed, self-sufficient or a student) for a continuous period of five years. If the EEA national has not been in the UK for continuously exercising treaty rights for at least five years or there has been a break of more than six months without a good reason, they will not be eligible for a permanent EEA residence card.
With Brexit on the horizon, we recommend that you apply for Settled Status under the government's Post-Brexit rules. To obtain Settled status, the EEA national will need to show that they have been in the UK for at least five years or more. If this is the case, then they will be granted Settled Status, meaning that they are no longer subject to time restrictions on their visa.
Our advice is based on the law as it currently stands. We recommend seeking up to date and tailored legal advice if you intend to make any applications.
Thank you for your enquiry.
As you obtained Indefinite Leave to Remain ('ILR') under Tier 2 of Immigration Rules and your wife was granted Leave To Remain ('LTR') on the basis of being a Tier 2 Dependent, she will be able to continue on her five year route to ILR as a Tier 2 Dependent. The time she has completed so far will continue towards the five years needed for ILR. This will continue to be the case even if you were to become a British citizen.
Our advice is based on the law as it currently stands. We recommend seeking up to date and tailored legal advice if you intend to make any applications.
With regard to supplementary employment, the Home Office's guidance states that prior permission is not required as long as it is the following:
In addition, you must continue to work for your sponsor in the job recorded on your Certificate of Sponsorship. If any prospective additional work does not satisfy all of the above, you will need to obtain permission from the Home Office to undertake the work.
Our advice is based on the law as it currently stands. We recommend seeking up to date and tailored legal advice if you intend to make any applications.
Thank you for enquiry.
PLEASE USE ANDY'S ANSWERS FROM HIS FAQ's.
Thank you for your enquiry.
With regard to supplementary employment, the Home Office's guidance states that prior permission is not required as long as it is the following:
In addition, you must continue to work for your sponsor in the job recorded on your Certificate of Sponsorship. If any prospective additional work does not satisfy all of the above, you will need to obtain permission from the Home Office to undertake the work.
Our advice is based on the law as it currently stands. We recommend seeking up to date and tailored legal advice if you intend to make any applications.
Tier 4 (General)
Depending on your level of study, you may be able to extend your visa to remain in the UK to further your studies in the UK. The following is some of the scenarios that may apply depending on your last grant of visa:
The exception to this rule may apply if you have completed a degree course which has lasted 4 academic years and will progress to studying a higher qualification and not lead to the applicant being granted 6 years in the UK since the age of 18, the course leads to a PhD level course or will be pursuing a course in Law, Architecture, Medicine or Dentistry.
Tier 2 (General)
As a Tier 2 (General) migrant you will also be required to satisfy the requirements that you:
In the foreseeable future for those who start a new course of study in the 2020/21 intake, may be able to apply for a 'post-study' work visa which will enable you to work and in future obtain a Tier 2 (General) work visa. It is at present which levels of study this will apply to or who will be eligible. More details will be released by the Home Office which is likely to be post conclusion of 'Brexit'.
If you would like to speak with an immigration specialist for a free consultation, you can reach us on 0203 540 7770.
We would require more detail to answer your query and it would be advisable to contact one of our specialist immigration advisors for a free consultation. You can reach us on 0203 540 7770.
Thank you for your enquiry regarding an entry clearance application as a Tier 2 (General) applicant. As an overview, you must first find and be offered a job role by a UK company. If the UK Sponsor does not already have a sponsor licence, we can also assist them to get this. If they do have a sponsor licence, the company must be able to advertise the role first to establish that there is no suitable settled person that is available to fill the job. The general exemptions to this requirement are if-
1. The successful candidate is currently a Tier 4 student;
2. The vacancy is on the Shortage Occupation List.
Tier 2 (General)
As you employee will be applying to remain in the UK as a Tier 2 (General) migrant your Sponsor will have to conduct a Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) to give the settled/ British workforce a chance to apply for the job it wishes to recruit for. The RLMT will involve advertising the job for a period of 28 days on two sources. Only if a suitable settled worker cannot be found, then the job may then be offered to a non-settled person. We can assist the sponsor that they conuct the RLMT in complaince with the Home Office requirements.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Once the Resident Labour Market Test (if one is required) has been completed, your sponsoring company will then need to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) in your favour.
There are two different types of CoS and the main difference between the two types is when the company can make a request for the CoS-
1. Unrestricted CoS - this is generally applicable where the candidate is already in the UK and permitted to submit their Tier 2 application from within the UK. This CoS can be applied for at any time.
2. Restricted CoS - this must be applied for by the 5th day of each month in order to know within the same month as whether or not the CoS has been granted. There is a restriction of around £1000-£2000 per month
As a Tier 2 (General) migrant you will also be required to satisfy the requirements that you:
A Tier 2 application will take somewhere in the region of roughly 1-30 working days to be processed depending on whether or not the Priority Service is paid for.
If you would like to speak with an immigration specialist for a free consultation, you can reach us on 0203 540 7770.
Unfortunately you will not be able to switch to apply for ILR on the same basis and particularly so that you are now on a Tier 2 (General) visa which is independent of the family.
Tier 2 (General) ILR
In order to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK you will have to satisfy the following requirements:
Long Residence - 10 Year ILR
This option will largely depend on when your Tier 2 (General) visa expires but if you are able to evidence that you have lawfully resided in the UK for a continuous period of 10 years, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. If your Tier 2 (General) expires before then, you will want to extend your visa to take you beyond this date so that you are eligible to apply.
If you would like to speak with an immigration specialist for a free consultation, you can reach us on 0203 540 7770.
Thank you for your enquiry. You are correct in that if you are not able to satisfy the Job Creation criteria, you will not be able to extend your Tier 1(Entrepreneur) Visa. One solution would be to apply for a Tier 2 (General) work visa of which I have provid8ed an overview as below. As you currently have leave in the UK as a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route, you will be able to submit your application from within the UK, provided that it is submitted before the expiration of your current visa. I've set out in summary the process to obtaining your Tier 2 (General) application below.
Tier 2 Sponsor Licence
The UK business will have to apply for and be granted a Tier 2 Sponsor Licence before it will be able to employ a foreign migrant. As part of this application, the Sponsor will have to provide evidence that it is genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK. It must also demonstrate that it is 'suitable' to carry out its duties as a Tier 2 Sponsor.
We will guide the Sponsor through this process to ensure that it is aware of its Sponsorship duties. The application is made online and will involve sending to the Home Office documents that it is operating lawfully in the UK. If the Sponsorship Licence is granted, then it will be able to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to you in order to make your application to enter the UK as a Tier 2 (General) migrant.
Tier 2 (General)
As you will be applying to remain in the UK as a Tier 2 (General) migrant your Sponsor will have to conduct a Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) to give the settled/ British workforce a chance to apply for the job it wishes to recruit for. The RLMT will involve advertising the job for a period of 28 days on two sources. Only if a suitable settled worker cannot be found, then the job may then be offered to a non-settled person. We can assist the sponsor that they conuct the RLMT in complaince with the Home Office requirements.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Once the Resident Labour Market Test (if one is required) has been completed, your sponsoring company will then need to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) in your favour.
There are two different types of CoS and the main difference between the two types is when the company can make a request for the CoS-
1. Unrestricted CoS - this is generally applicable where the candidate is already in the UK and permitted to submit their Tier 2 application from within the UK. This CoS can be applied for at any time.
2. Restricted CoS - this must be applied for by the 5th day of each month in order to know within the same month as whether or not the CoS has been granted. There is a restriction of around £1000-£2000 per month
As a Tier 2 (General) migrant you will also be required to satisfy the requirements that you:
A Tier 2 application will take somewhere in the region of roughly 1-30 working days to be processed depending on whether or not the Priority Service is paid for.
If you would like to speak with an immigration specialist for a free consultation, you can reach us on 0203 540 7770.
As a sponsor licence holder, there are strict duties to report such issues within 10 working day of the event happening. Failure to notify the Home Office of such a change could result in the Home Office taking action against you. In the circumstances, if there is no current level 1 user or Authorising Officer it is likely that action could be taken against the company. Until this is resolved, it may be best to place on hold any application for a CoS. You should also note that a Key Contact does not have automatic access to the SMS and they should under no circumstances use another users credentials to log-in.
To report the change of the Authorising Officer it must be completed using the SMS system however if there is no one available with clearance to use the SMS, the sponsor will have to contact the Home Office directly.
Failure to comply with the Home Office rules may result in one or more of the following:
For a Tier 2 (General) skilled worker to change employers an compliant RLMT must be conducted unless it would fall within a Shortage Occupation List which set out job roles which are in shortage in the UK.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Once the Resident Labour Market Test (if one is required) has been completed, your sponsoring company will then need to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) in your favour.
There are two different types of CoS and the main difference between the two types is when the company can make a request for the CoS-
1. Unrestricted CoS - this is generally applicable where the candidate is already in the UK and permitted to submit their Tier 2 application from within the UK. This CoS can be applied for at any time.
2. Restricted CoS - this must be applied for by the 5th day of each month in order to know within the same month as whether or not the CoS has been granted. There is a restriction of around £1000-£2000 per month
As a Tier 2 (General) migrant you will also be required to satisfy the requirements that you:
A Tier 2 application will take somewhere in the region of roughly 1-30 working days to be processed depending on whether or not the Priority Service is paid for.
If you would like to speak with an immigration specialist for a free consultation, you can reach us on 0203 540 7770.
It would be open to you to reapply for this visa but the difficulty with the application is that the Home Office may question if the vacancy is genuine or not since the work hours have changed. Additionally, if the work hours are changed, a Resident Labour Market Test must be completed again before the job can be offered to you. If the hours are to remain at 40 hours, then the application may proceed if the application is submitted within the 24 hour period.
Our advice would be to discuss your case with one of our specialist advisors. You can reach us on 0203 540 7770.
As the Home Office have confirmed that you can use the old application, it would be best to have this confirmed in writing. However, the Sponsor must ensure that the CoS is issued correctly and a note made on the SMS accordingly to explain the error. We can assist you with the application process.
If a Resident Labour Market Test has not been completed, the Sponsor company must take steps to satisfy this and that no suitable person has been identified. Only then can a job be offered to an overseas person. Only after this process has been completed can the Sponsor take steps to issue a CoS to you.
We would be happy to assist you with your enquiry. All of our lawyers are experienced across all areas of immigration and specifically Tier 2. As you will be switching from a Tier 4 (General) visa to Tier 2 (General), your will be able to offer you a job right away without the requirement to conduct a Resident Labour Market Test.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Once the Resident Labour Market Test (if one is required) has been completed, your sponsoring company will then need to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) in your favour.
There are two different types of CoS and the main difference between the two types is when the company can make a request for the CoS-
1. Unrestricted CoS - this is generally applicable where the candidate is already in the UK and permitted to submit their Tier 2 application from within the UK. This CoS can be applied for at any time.
2. Restricted CoS - this must be applied for by the 5th day of each month in order to know within the same month as whether or not the CoS has been granted. There is a restriction of around £1000-£2000 per month
As a Tier 2 (General) migrant you will also be required to satisfy the requirements that you:
A Tier 2 application will take somewhere in the region of roughly 1-30 working days to be processed depending on whether or not the Priority Service is paid for.
If you would like to speak with an immigration specialist for a free consultation, you can reach us on 0203 540 7770.
Tier 1 Investor Visa - Business Immigration
Investing
over 2 million pounds is defintely not a routine decision. We had to make sure that the Tier 1
investor immigration lawyers that we'd be picking
has to be one of the best within the Tier 1 investor category. We contacted Reiss Edwards and they
were able to get us not only the Tier 1 investor visa but
also suggested profitable investment portfolios in addition to what we already had in mind.
Indefinite Leave to remain - UK Settlement and
Naturalisation
I am glad that i instructed Reiss Edwards on my visa matter. It started with a 20 minutes free
immigration advice. I met with Amar to discuss my ILR refusal. He gave me a great deal of
quality advice and decided to take on my messy case. I had doubts on the merits of my case by he was
relatively convinced
he could win it. That made me quite secure. To be honest, things did not start as quick as I would
have wanted, but they kept on communicating the process and state of things
to me.A big thank you to Verusha and Foram. They were also very helpful. Brilliant and informative.
Their fee was fair and reasonable, especially if you compare them to other law firms and immigration
law firms in London; some of whom even told me that i would not be able to get an indefinte leave to
remain in this country.
The process was long but was worth it. In the end, a big thank you to Reiss Edwards.
Citizenship Application - UK Naturalisation
TI have just had British Citizenship application approved. Prior to making the application, i was not
sure which law firm
i should hire to facilitate the paperwork. After a few hours of research, i decided to go with Reiss
Edwards and i must confess that
i wasnt disappointed. The immigration lawyers at Reiss Edwards handled my case well and they really
knew what they were doing. They were fully
aware of what documents I needed and it was easy for them to tell if my case was going to be easy or
not. At the end of the day, I have not received my British citizenship within 3 months. If anyone is
looking for a good immigration lawyer to handle thier case, contact Reiss Edwards.
Spouse Visa - Appeals and visa refusals
Fantastic Solicitors!!!
My wife's spouse visa extension application was refused by the Home Office and they gave her 14 days
to leave the country.
We contacted Reiss Edwards and they said "OK don't worry we will sort this out". They put together the
list of documents
for me to obtain and they prepared a bundle which was as thick as the printer it came out from.We
followed everything they asked us to do and in the end we won our appeal and got our spouse visa. We
can't recommend them enough and we have promised ourselves never to make any more UK visa applications
without them.
Immigration Visa - Citizen of United Kingdom
The team of lawyers at Reiss Edwards are very professional and friendly people. Their experience in
and around UK immigration law is quite extensive; be sure that you application is in safe and
competent hands. My immigration matter was an indefinite leave to remain application based on Tier 1
on a self-employment basis. The immigration lawyers at Reiss Edwards made sure that the application
was perfect and ready to be accepted. I got a positive decision and I recommend them highly for anyone
who needs a UK immigration help.
UK Settlement Visa
I contacted Reiss Edwards to help me with my wife�s UK settlement visa. They acted with utmost
professionalism throughout the entire application. I spoke with Joe Dinh, he is an immigration
solicitor and he is one of the best solicitors out there. He ensured that there was little to no room
for error. At some point I thought he was over cautious. He remained calmed and continued to assure us
on our immigration matter. Most people in his position would have panicked but he was calmed and
continued to assure us. We received out positive outcome very quickly.
Cheap Immigration Lawyers in London
I have been using Reiss Edwards for three years now for my family's immigration application. Both for
my initial application and extension. They are really affordable. The team of solicitors at this firm
are probably one of the most efficient and economical in terms of cost. They offered free advice over
the phone and spent good time with us before inviting us for consultation.
Top Notch Immigration Service
Reiss Edwards is a top notch immigration service company. The way they handled our documentation and
also the list of documents they sent was efficient and top quality. They helped us professionally
throughout the process. We are very happy with the immigration advice we received from the team. We
highly recommend them.
Best Immigration Solicitors
I used Reiss Edwards� immigration lawyers to assist with my immigration matter and that of my family.
It was an EX1 application. They dealt with the matter properly and even when complications were coming
up from the Home Office, they helped resolve the issue properly. They are very professional and are
very popular in London. I am happy to have worked with them.
Indefinte Leave to remain - Individual Immigration - UK Settlement
visa
It's a shame that you dont have an 'Excellent' star rating on here, as my experience with Reiss
Edwards is nothing short
of an excellent rating. They handled my application for an Indefinite Leave to remain in April 2014
and did my husband's one
very recently including my daughter. Every time i have approached them, they have continued to treat
me with courtesy,
respect and patience. Amar was indeed a very thorough and professional gentleman. He is very
knowledgeable, corporative and
engaging. He responded to my emails, calls and enquiries promptly. He was always reassuring. I could
not have asked for a better
Immigration service. I would recommend them over and over again for anyone looking for an immigration
advice.
They gave me a free immigration advice when i called them, and the quality of the advice was something
other charge thousands for.
If you need a particular, name, Amar would be it. He exemplifies, for me, the true, professional
gentleman.
He is a valuable asset to Reiss Edwards.
Tier 2 Visa application - UK Work Visas
This is the only firm that i spoke with that didn't ask for money before listening to me, will be
using them again.
I used Reiss Edwards for my Tier 2 visa application and it was successful. The team was ever present
and happy to answer my question. The caseworker that dealing with my case went on holiday yet by case
did not suffer one bit. Another lawyer stepped and took
over the case without any hassle.
Tier 1 Investor Visa - Business Immigration
My Tier 1 Investor Visa was dealt with quickly and without issue. Would recommend Reiss Edwards as an
Immigration law firm in London. Thank you to the team.
info@reissedwards.co.uk
