Immigration updates
Important updates have been made to the University’s immigration website to reflect changes to immigration legislation made in April and June, 2012.
Recruiting managers are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with these changes and check the website.
Staff should take note of the Recruiter FAQs and the Guidance on Engaging External Examiners sections, which have been updated.
Key changes
Changes of particular relevance to University staff include:
- Changes to the Resident Labour Market Test rules for PhD-level posts with an extension from six to 12 months from the date of advert.
- For PhD-level posts employers can now recruit the most suitable person for the role, rather than appointing a suitable settled worker if one applies.
- The creation of a new visitor route for ‘permitted paid engagements’ to allow external examiners and visiting lecturers to come to the UK to undertake short-term remunerated activities, for up to one month without formal sponsorship.
- Introducing new post-study arrangements for graduates switching into Tier 2.
- Periods of stay: limiting the total amount of temporary leave that may be granted to a Tier 2 migrant to six years (which applies to those who entered after 6 April 2011).
- Periods of stay: introducing a “cooling-off period” across all the Tier 2 routes (Tier 2 migrants whose current Certificate of Sponsorship is not extended or who do not apply for indefinite leave to remain and who leave the UK will need to wait for 12 months from the expiry of their previous visa before they may apply for a further Tier 2 Visa.)
Dedicated website
University HR Services launched the immigration website last year.
The website offers information, advice and guidance relating to immigration issues.
The website is regularly updated to respond to ongoing developments in immigration best practice.