Statement of Immigration Rule Changes
The latest statement of Immigration Rule changes brings only two notable announcements in relation to Tier 2 which are:
1. THE TIME LIMIT TO SUBMIT A TIER 2 GENERAL AND TIER 2 ICT VISA APPLICATION
The rules have made it clear that an entry clearance and an in-country visa application must be filed within 3 months of the assigned Certificate of Sponsorships’ work start date. This has in fact always been the position under the Sponsor Guidance, however, the rules now clarify this point.
2. TIER 2 GENERAL RESTRICTED CERTIFICATE OF SPONSORSHIP (RCOS) MONTHLY ALLOCATION
There are changes introduced to the number of restrictive certificates of sponsorship made available each month. The new monthly allocations are set out in the table below.
Last summer the monthly allocation cap was reached for the first time, resulting in hundreds of RCOS requests being refused if the position was not for a PHD SOC Code, a Shortage Occupation position or if the role failed to meet the required salary threshold to earn sufficient points. The rejig of the monthly allocation should work in favour of Tier 2 General sponsors, since the system will now be ‘front loaded’ to take in to consideration the busy and quiet periods in the immigration calendar.
| Month | Allocation |
| 6 March – 5 April | 2,200 |
| 6 April – 5 May | 2,000 |
| 6 May – 5 June | 2,000 |
| 6 June – 5 July | 2,000 |
| 6 July – 5 August | 2,000 |
| 6 August – 5 September | 2,000 |
| 6 September – 5 October | 1,500 |
| 6 October – 5 November | 1,500 |
| 6 November – 5 December | 1,500 |
| 6 December – 5 January | 1,500 |
| 6 January – 5 February | 1,500 |
| 6 February – 5 March | 1,000 |
With this being the first Statement of Changes we do anticipate further statements or announcements to be published soon.
We will of course continue to keep you updated. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to any of the above please do not hesitate to contact on 0207 329 9090 and ask for a member of the Business Immigration Team or email info@doyleclayton.co.uk
The articles published on this website, current at the date of publication, are for reference purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your own circumstances should always be sought separately before taking any action.