UK Immigration News

A series of changes under the Immigration Act, 2016 will substantially increase the cost of applications for Tier 2 Visas by employers with Tier 2 Sponsorship Licences who allocate Tier 2 Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) on or after 6 April, 2017.

According to a report published in the Hindustan Times, Indian nationals secured almost 60% of the Tier 2 skilled worker visas granted by the UK in the year ending September 2016, despite UK visa numbers falling to their lowest level since 2014.

March 29 is the date UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, looks set to trigger EU exit talks under Article 50, following an announcement made by Downing Street. A letter written by Mrs May will formally notify the European Council of Britain’s intention to withdraw from the EU, setting in motion a two-year negotiation process.

UK visas and immigration policy is thrust back into the spotlight following the aftermath of the London terrorist attack, which left five people dead – including police officer, PC Keith Palmer - and more than 40 people injured, messages of condolence poured in from around the world. However, some have used the tragedy as an opportunity to slam UK Visa and immigration policy.

Some important changes to the Tier 2 visa system came into force on 24 November, 2016.  The Home Office has announced that the Tier 2 intra-company transfer (ICT) route will be subject to the immigration health surcharge (IHS).

The controversial Immigration Skills Charge for many Tier 2 Visa holders is about to be introduced from 6 April 2017.  This change to UK visa policy will make it even more expensive and difficult for employers with tier 2 sponsorship licences wishing to employ non-EEA migrants on Tier 2 visas.   To potentially save thousands of pounds it may be worth consid