UKVI intends to update the salary rates set out in the codes of practice for skilled employees on 6 April 2014. At the same time they will replace the following Standard Occupation Classification (SOC) codes with multiple options to correspond with the various job levels within those occupations, as set out in the codes of practice:
2123 Electrical engineers
2211 Medical practitioners
2213 Pharmacists
2219 Health professionals not elsewhere classified
2231 Nurses
2442 Social workers
The transition to the new salary rates means that UKVI needs to adjust the arrangements for Restricted Certificate of Sponsorship applications (‘RCoS’) in April and May 2014.
Allocating a RCoS before 6 April 2014
If you were or will be granted a RCoS at the January, February or March 2014 allocation meetings, UKVI recommends that you consider assigning it by 5 April 2014. If it is not assigned by this date you will need to ensure that the salary is in line with the revised salaries set out in the code of practice for the SOC code in question.
However, the introduction of multiple options for the SOC codes listed above will not prevent you from assigning CoS after 6 April, based on RCoS applications submitted before that date.
Timing of the monthly allocation of restricted certificates of sponsorship
Because of this update UKVI is also be making changes to the timings of the monthly allocation of RCoS for April and May 2014.
April 2014 allocation: it will only accept applications for the April allocation period from 6 April to 16 April 2014. Decisions on these applications will be made on 18 April 2014.
May 2014 allocation: it will accept applications for the May allocation period from 17 April to 5 May 2014. Decisions on these applications will be made on 12 May 2014.
Urgent restricted certificates of sponsorship
If you urgently need to request a restricted certificate of sponsorship between 6 March and 16 April, you must submit an application and request exceptional consideration. To do this you must email the reasons for exceptional consideration to Tier2Limits@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.
The request for exceptional consideration must be made on the same day that you submit your application or your application for exceptional consideration may be rejected.
If you need any legal advice or assistance in relation to these measures, please contact us.
