Monday 1 February 2016

Immigration News: February 2016





Working in the UK



Right to Rent checks

For all tenancies starting on or after 1 February 2016, landlords will need to check that the person has the right to rent before letting them a property.

Further information about the Right to Rent checks can be viewed and/or downloaded here.

A guide for landlords on right to rent, also published by UKVI, can be viewed here.




Guidance for Tier 2/5 sponsors

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have published updated guidance on how to apply for a Tier 2 or 5 sponsor licence and how to sponsor a migrant worker.

The revised guidance can be viewed here.



Biometric residence permits (Working in the UK)

UKVI have published updated guidance for overseas applicants, employers and sponsors about biometric residence permits.

The updated guidance can be downloaded here.



New immigration and nationality fees for 2016 to 2017 (Working in the UK)

The government has announced a 2% increase for work visas, as well as targeted increases for premium services, such as the priority visa service, for 2016-17.

However, the fees for all sponsorship categories will remain the same.

The new fees table can be downloaded here. 





Tier 2 and 5 sports governing bodies

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have published updated details and contacts for all Tier 2 and 5 sports governing bodies.

The revised information can be downloaded here.





Approved English language tests (Working in the UK)

UKVI have published an updated list of test and test centres approved by them to show that applicants have the required level of English for their visa.

The updated list can be viewed here.

The restricted certificates allocation for January 2016 published by UKVI can be viewed here. The figures show that all valid applications for restricted Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) which scored at least 21 points were granted with carry-overs from the previous month(s) indicating that more applications with lower salary levels had been successful than in recent months.


Education


Post-study work visa

The University of Edinburgh has written to the devolution committee to call for the reintroduction of the post-study work visa, as Scotland was "attracting, developing and then losing some of the brightest minds".

South Lanarkshire College has also written to condemn this policy.

The UK Home Office has previously stated that there are no plans to reinstate the post-study work visa, however, the Scottish political parties are united in wanting to see a return of this visa.


New immigration and nationality fees for 2016 to 2017 (Studying in the UK)

The government has announced a 2% increase for study visas, as well as targeted increases for premium services, such as the priority visa service, for 2016-17.

However, the fees for all sponsorship categories will remain the same.

The new fees table can be downloaded here. 


Approved English language tests (Studying in the UK)

UKVI have published an updated list of test and test centres approved by them to show that applicants have the required level of English for their visa.

The updated list can be viewed here.



Biometric residence permits (Studying in the UK)

UKVI have published updated guidance for overseas applicants, employers and sponsors about biometric residence permits.

The updated guidance can be downloaded here.


General Immigration Matters


New immigration and nationality fees for 2016 to 2017 (Other)

On 11 January 2016, the government set out its proposed changes to the fees for visas, immigration and nationality applications and associated premium services for 2016-17.

The key changes are:

  • 2% increase for visit, study and work visas
  • 25% increase for settlement, residence and nationality applications
  • In addition, targeted increases have also been applied to premium services, such as the priority visa service
However, the fees for all sponsorship categories will remain the same.

The new fees table can be downloaded here. 





Home Office response to a report on the minimum income threshold

The Home Office has published its response to the Children's Commissioner's report on the impact on children of the minimum threshold for sponsoring family migrants.

The full response by the Home Office can be downloaded here.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-office-response-to-a-report-on-the-minimum-income-threshold




Approved English language tests (Other)

UKVI have published an updated list of test and test centres approved by them to show that applicants have the required level of English for their visa.

The updated list can be viewed here.




Biometric residence permits (Other)

UKVI have published updated guidance for overseas applicants, employers and sponsors about biometric residence permits.

The updated guidance can be downloaded here.




Application to transfer indefinite leave to remain in UK (form NTL)

Updated form NTL and guidance has been published by UKVI for those applying to transfer an existing settlement visa from an old passport to a biometric residence permit.

The updated form and guidance can be downloaded here.






HR Immigration Services



Audits and Inspections


HR Immigration has been providing audits/inspections of compliance for Tier 2/5 during the past 6 years. We have worked with numerous employers, including well-known brands, on Tier 2/5 and "right to work" requirements. We are now also operating in association with John Vine, formerly the first Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration.

Our audit/inspection service is fully flexible and can be tailored to individual requirements. And our approach is based on sound practical experience of the reality of the UKVI system.

We offer inspections of Tier 2 compliance in whatever level of detail is required, as well as on-site inspections (which can be announced or unannounced to simulate a UKVI visit) of compliance with "right to work" checks and requirements.

Our audit/inspection service is fully flexible and can be tailored to individual requirements. And our approach is based on sound practical experience of the reality of the UKVI system.

On completion, we provide a comprehensive, evidence-based report together with an assessment of how well the institution or business is prepared to withstand scrutiny by UK Visas and Immigration. We will support the introduction of change if required and offer a 'spot check' follow up service at a later date to reassure management that recommendations have been implemented.

Contact us today to talk over any issues or concerns you have, confidentially and without obligation.
T: +44 (0)12 763 6011
E: enquiries@hrimmigration.co.uk
W: www.hrimmigration.co.uk


Training for employers


We are increasingly being asked to provide training on Right to Work and/or Tier 2 sponsor duties. These are normally half day courses conducted on your premises for a standard charge of under £600 regardless of the number of people attending so that the charge per person will generally be less than £100 without them having to spend the day away from the office.

We also offer an online review of employer right to work checks with a self-assessment.

If you think your organisation would benefit from training in any of these areas, please contact us for a no commitment discussion of your requirements at enquiries@hrimmigration.co.uk


LinkedIn 'HR Immigration' Group


We have set up a 'HR Immigration' group on LinkedIn, which aims to provide a networking space for UK employers and HR/recruitment professionals to share and discuss news and best practice about current UK immigration issues.

To join this group please go to http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=6537658


Support for migrant projects


We are supporting MIGFUNDER, a crowdfunding platform dedicated solely to migration, refugee and human rights projects worldwode. Please see www.migfunder.com and share with your colleagues and networks.



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