UK Immigration News

Non-EU workers applying for Tier 2 visas to work in Britain were dealt a blow recently as the UK’s immigration health surcharge looks set to double from £200 to £400 per year some time in 2018. The National Health Service (NHS) is set to net £220 million as a result of the fee increases.

Following the first Tier 2 visa allocation meeting of 2018, the number of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) available for February 2018 stands at 1,615, according to UK Visas and Immigration data. The department published its January report citing that its figures were correct as of 18 January, 2018.

New UK visa rules are now in effect that make it easier for Tier 4 student visa holders to switch to a Tier 2 (General) visa. A raft of rule changes enforced on January 11 2018 allow Tier 4 visa students to file an application to switch to a Tier 2 visa immediately upon completion of a degree course without having to wait for their exam results.

Employers hoping to sponsor non-EU workers under Tier 2 (General) visas during the winter season are being warned to expect delays. A report published by Personnel Today states ‘there is no guarantee that an application for a restricted certificate of sponsorship will be successful. You need a restricted CoS to apply for a tier 2 visa for someone who needs to apply for a visa from abroad.

Non-EU doctors hired by NHS hospitals scrambling to fill skills gaps, are being denied entry into Britain by the Home Office. The NHS blames the blockade on a Tier 2 visa restricted certificate of sponsorship quota for non-EU immigrants set seven years ago, which has already reached its limit.  To employ overseas nationals on tier 2 visas employers also need to have a tier 2 sponsorship licence.

The UK visa changes contains some good news and some bad news. It is now easier for tier 2 visa holders to gain indefinite leave to remain. Previously many tier 2 visa holders who experienced significant delays in obtaining a new job and new tier 2 visa during the five year qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) no longer met the requirements for ILR.