The UK is a global leader in business, financial services, science, engineering and a cultural centre for the arts. Since 2010, the UK’s migration system has become demand driven and in 2010 the government introduced measures to reduce net migration, including that of skilled professionals with the purpose of protecting the domestic labour force. The measures included caps limiting the number of people admitted in the highly skilled categories (Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the Points Based System). In 2011, the Shortage Occupation list was reduced but in 2012 after requests from businesses and employers, some of the conditions for entry were made more flexible. Here, we will explore visa routes for those intending to come to the UK for the purposes of work.
Tier 2 General Migrant Visa Route (Work Permits)
Statistics published last year by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicated that the number of foreign born people finding jobs in the UK had increased by 225,000 to 4.26m in a year, compared with a rise of just 192,000 British born workers.
The Tier 2 General migrant visa route is designed for skilled migrants who have a job offer to come to the UK to work for up to six years in a role that cannot be filled by a British born worker. The job must be at graduate level and have a minimum salary of £20,300 per year. It is important to note that the government have capped this route at 20,700 per year but there is no limit for those paid above £152,100 per year. Under this route, dependents can join the worker and they can also work in the UK.
Statistics released by the Home Office show that from October 2012 to October 2013, only 10,179 Tier 2 General visas were granted; this was despite 20,700 visas available. It seems that 11,145 visas were granted to their dependents.
Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer (ICT) Visa Route
The Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer (ICT) visa route of the Points Based System is for multi-national company employees who are transferred to the UK based branch of their organisation. Employees may either be transferred on a long term basis or be frequently sent to the UK on short term visits. The company sponsoring the employee will need to issue their worker with a certificate of sponsorship and will need to ensure that the salary on offer and their employees qualifications will enable them to satisfy the immigration rules.
Statistics released by the Home Office show that from October 2012 to October 2013, 30,939 ICT visas were granted, 17,337 of which short term ICT’s and 11,409 were long term. It seems that a further 19,739 dependents were also granted with visas.
Successful UK Tier 2 Visa Applications
Our team of experienced and professionally qualified immigration solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process of making a Tier 2 General migrant visa application step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of law.
We also undertake a great deal of appeal work before the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal and have a successful track record of successful results for our clients. We have the experience and the knowledge required to take your case forward successfully. If you have had a Tier 2 General visa refused, contact us to discuss your case so that we can provide you with a case assessment.
Contact us so that we can review your case and provide you with an assessment.