Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has announced several changes to its points-based system. Changes include (PDF):
- Under Tier 2 (General), employers will no longer need to post job vacancies at JobCentres if the position is that of a director, chief executive or legal partner where the salary package exceeds £130,000 or where stock exchange disclosure will be required;
- Migrant workers applying for a Tier 2 visa based upon an intra company transfer (“Tier 2 (ICT)”) must not be directly replacing a settled worker; and
- Establishment—exclusively for University Vice-Chancellors and Academic Registrars—of a UKBA email inbox to address urgent immigration-related matters that have not been resolved by other agencies. Responses will be guaranteed within 72 hours.
In addition, the UKBA has updated information it provides to employers wishing to sponsor foreign employees for a Tier 2, 4 or 5 visa. The 191-page packet (PDF) can be downloaded at UK Border Agency’s website.