UK Immigration News

Following the latest Tier 2 visa allocation meeting, the number of restricted Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) available for November 2018 stands at 2,153, according to UK Visas and Immigration data.  This type of Certificate of Sponsorship is required by Tier 2 sponsors to employ those resident outside the UK who need to apply for entry clearance, and t

The controversial Immigration Health Surcharge is likely to double in December 2018, which was originally announced in February 2018. If you wish to avoid the new healthcare surcharge you should make sure you apply for a Tier 2 visa before December 2018.  If you need a Tier 2 sponsor licence first you should apply as soon as possible. 

There have been complaints that MPs have reported suspected illegal immigrants to the Home Office.  According to the Independent MPs have reported 723 suspected illegal immigrants to the Home Office.  Unfortunately, there is also the possibility that migrants such as Tier 2 visa migrants working for an employer with a Tier 2 Sponsor licence could be affected as well.  Mistakes can be made.

As we reported recently if you are an employer with a Tier 2 Sponsor Licence and wish to apply to employ Tier 2 visa migrants based outside the UK you should consider applying soon.  It is possible that it could become more difficult in future. 

The situation has improved enormously for many Tier 2 visa employers with a Sponsor Licence and Tier 2 visa migrants since August 2018.  From December 2017 to June 2018 the points requirement for a restricted CoS to employ someone based outside the UK was very high.  This meant that many employers simply could not afford to pay the salary required to gain enough points which was about £50,000 plus. 

Amid plans to force landlords to check the UK visa and immigration status of prospective tenants, the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) fears that non-UK nationals face ‘serious discrimination.’ The JCWI has in the past challenged the plans in court, arguing that visa and immigration status checks will result in landlords favouring British passport holders.