UK Immigration Blog, Thoughts and Opinions

In light of the several enquiries received from employers as well as employees facing difficulty in establishing which changes to the terms and conditions of migrant's employment constitute changes of employment we have prepared brief summary.

A change of employment application is required if a Tier 2 migrant wishes to work for a different sponsor.

One of the significant changes introduced in April 2010 concerns those who are changing jobs, but remaining with the same sponsor and within the same Standard Occupational Classification (SOC). From 6^th April 2010,  these applicant will not need to submit a fresh change of employment applications as sponsors will be able to notify any change to their employment’ record via the SMS on the UKBA website.

However, there are two exceptions:

·         Those who salary reduces below the level stated on their Certificate of Sponsorship (other than company-wide reductions or reductions due to maternity, or adoption leave) will require a change of employment application. Please note that a change of employment application is not necessary for increases in salary in line with the market rate.

·         Job changes within the SOC code from a job on the shortage occupation list to a job that is not on the shortage occupation list will require a change of employment application.

It is a sponsor’s duty to report any changes in your pay, other than those due to annual increments or bonuses, and to report any changes in start / end dates of employment or changes in working location.