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Recently there have been several developments, both positive and negative, which are of interest to employers and prospective migrants to the United Kingdom and the United States. In this newsletter you will find stories about the UK's highly popular Tier 2 visa for skilled workers -- including an in depth report about July's Tier 2 Certificate of Sponsorship allocation cap, and another on the recent increase in Tier 2 Sponsorship License compliance audits.
We've also provided a report advising you on how you might use a franchise business model to meet the US's E2 Treat Investor Visa requirements. Finally, we analyse how Donald Trump's 'extreme vetting' may adversely affect some US H1B and L1 visa applicants.
Every day about 25,000 people visit a workpermit.com site. By visiting our site and either using our services or visiting our advertisers, you are helping to fund our site. It is extremely important for millions of people around the world that we continue to provide accurate and informative news and information about visas.
Tier 2 Sponsorship Licence and Tier 2 UK Visa compliance tightened for IT service providers
The Home Office has increased the number of unannounced Tier 2 Sponsorship Licence audits in recent months. It’s understood that especially, though not exclusively, the Home Office is targeting employers judged to have scored highly in the Home Office’s risk assessment protocol.
The IT service industry in particular has been subject to a high number of unannounced audits. To obtain a Tier 2 Sponsorship Licence from the Home Office, IT service providers and others are obligated to sign up to a series of duties and meet certain criteria in accordance with the compliance regime.
2,321 Tier 2 UK Visa Certificates of Sponsorship Available for Allocation in July by employers with a Tier 2 Sponsorship Licence
Following the latest Tier 2 visa allocation meeting, the number of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) available for July 2017 stands at 2,321, according to UK Visas and Immigration data. The department published its June report citing that its figures were correct as of 19 June, 2017.
An employer with a Tier 2 Sponsorship Licence needs to apply for Certificates of Sponsorship for immigrants they wish to employ. Under the current UK visa system, unused Tier 2 restricted CoS to employ people who are currently based outside the UK can be reclaimed after three months. This increases the availability of restricted CoS.
US E2 treaty investor visa even under Trump is an excellent route for many overseas investors and employees
Franchise portal, All State Franchise Finders, claim that the franchise business model is the ideal way to meet US E2 treaty investor visa requirements. Company CEO, Derek Cafferata, said that an established franchise makes meeting the criteria for an E2 visa ‘much easier’.
Sanwar Ali of workpermit.com comments: Yes, the franchise route can be an easier route. Hopefully taking over an existing business will make success more likely. Also, setting up a new business will probably require more time and effort than buying a franchise. However, franchises can be expensive. The Franchisor has to make a profit. Perhaps there is also a dealer who also want a commission. In many cases opening a new business is far cheaper than buying existing business including franchises.
Trump’s Extreme US visa vetting could affect some H1B and L1 visa applicants
US President Donald Trump took to Twitter on Sunday, June 4 posting an ominous tweet stating “we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the US in order to keep our country safe.” Trump used the phrase ‘extreme vetting’ throughout his presidential campaign, but until now, it had never been defined.
Now, it’s understood that ‘extreme vetting’ applies to a wide range of people wishing entry to the US, including those entering for work related reasons or for tourism. Meanwhile, some of those wishing entry to the US can expect their social media accounts to be heavily scrutinised. Trump’s ‘extreme vetting’ regime comes as he attempts to reinstate the Muslim travel ban.
Thank you for reading our immigration newsletter,
You can keep up to date on the latest news on top immigration destinations worldwide via our website workpermit.com. If you would like help with your visa application complete an online assessment form or give us a call!
