UK
United Kingdom: Interim Caps on Economic Migration
The UK government’s temporary cap on the number of foreign workers that it admits took effect on July 19, 2010 and will last until April 1, 2011. The UK Border Agency (UKBA) released new policy guidance detailing how the caps will apply to cases under Tier 1 (General) and Tier 2 (General) of the... »
United Kingdom: Significant Delays in Visa Processing
The UK Border Agency has reported significant delays in visa processing at British diplomatic posts worldwide. An unexpectedly large influx of student visa applications is causing the delays, which are affecting British posts in every country to some degree. Some of the most significant delays are in China, where the processing of applications for... »
United Kingdom: Immigration Application Fees Increase
Effective April 6, 2010, the UK Border Agency raised fees for immigration applications, including those for visa and resident permit applications, following Parliament’s recent approval of the UK Border Agency’s proposed 2010-2011 fee tables. The fee for employer-sponsored Certificates of Sponsorship under Tier 2 of the Points Based System will remain the same, but... »
United Kingdom: Upcoming Changes to Tiers 1 and 2 of the Points Based System
Several changes to Tiers 1 and 2 of the UK’s Points Based System will take effect on April 6, 2010. Select foreign nationals with only a bachelor’s degree will be able to earn points under Tier 1. Two new subcategories of Tier 2 intra-company transferees will be introduced for short-term placements, while requirements for... »
United Kingdom: New Work Restrictions and Other Changes for Foreign Students
Effective March 3, 2010, foreign nationals applying to enter the UK or to extend their stay as students enrolled in courses below a degree level will only be allowed to work for 10 hours per week rather than the current 20 hours. In addition, the dependents of students enrolled in courses below degree level... »
United Kingdom: Upcoming Immigration Changes in 2010
This spring, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) is expected to introduce more stringent overseas employment requirements for new intracompany transferees and limit their ability to apply for permanent residence. The UKBA will also introduce new internship and work experience categories for foreign nationals and is also expected to loosen compliance requirements for foreign nationals... »
Worldwide: Holiday Season May Delay Work Permit, Visa Application Processing
Government offices generally are short-staffed or closed during the holiday season. Clients should plan ahead as processing delays are expected for visa and work permit applications during the months of December and January. »
UK: Pre-Budget Report Published
The United Kingdom’s 2009 Pre-Budget Report (PBR), “Securing the recovery: growth and opportunity,” was published on 9 December 2009, together with associated documents.1 (For coverage of last year’s PBR, see Flash International Executive Alert 2008-203, 24 November 2008.) The PBR is intended to provide an annual update on the government’s economic and budget forecasts,... »
United Kingdom: Migration Advisory Committee Announces Tier 1 Recommendations
The United Kingdom’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended a number of changes to the country’s immigration programs for highly skilled foreign nationals under the Points Based System, including adjusting the points allocation for previous salary figures and lowering the minimum education requirement. The MAC’s recommendations will not take effect without further action by... »
United Kingdom: Labor Market Test Advertising Requirement Extended to Four Weeks
Effective December 14, 2009, advertising requirements for Tier 2 of the UK’s Points Based System will become more stringent. Employers seeking to sponsor a foreign worker to fill any Tier 2 position requiring a resident labor market test will be required to advertise the position for four weeks. »