Apply in-country or wait for Priority?

[Deral]

Hi all,

My friend has been made redundant a few months ago. She has not yet received a curtailment letter. She has found a new job and already received the UCOS. This means she is ready to apply for Tier 2 visa.

However she is faced with a dillemma - either to wait for Priority Service to re-open or to apply for Tier 2 through general procedure. She is aware that she can start working as soon as she applies for visa, but would still prefer to get the visa sorted as quickly as possible.

A few questions:
- What is the maximum processing time for general process? Does the timeframe still apply given the COVID situation?
- If she decides to wait for priority service to re-open, are there any risks? What if she receives the curtailment letter? Or could UCOS become void due to time passed since the job was posted, RMLT, or UCOS was issued?
- I would appreciate any other suggestions!

Thanks a lot!

[CR001]

- What is the maximum processing time for general process? Does the timeframe still apply given the COVID situation?

Up to 8 weeks normally. There are massive delays due to the large backlog currently.

- If she decides to wait for priority service to re-open, are there any risks? What if she receives the curtailment letter? Or could UCOS become void due to time passed since the job was posted, RMLT, or UCOS was issued?

It is unlikely that the priority service will be available until the huge backlog is cleared. No one can tell you/her how long that will take. The curtailment letter will give her 60 days from the date of the letter. She has 3 months to apply using the UCoS.

[Deral]

The curtailment letter will give her 60 days from the date of the letter.

Does this mean she is safe if she applies for the new visa after she receives the curtailment letter (within 60 days, of course)? I just read somewhere that "Applicants are permitted to submit their extension application up to 60 days before the current visa is due to expire".

Thank you so much for you help!

[CR001]

Does this mean she is safe if she applies for the new visa after she receives the curtailment letter (within 60 days, of course)? I just read somewhere that "Applicants are permitted to submit their extension application up to 60 days before the current visa is due to expire".

These are TWO completely separate issues, neither reliant on the other. If she receives a curtailment letter, she has 60 days within which to find and apply for a visa she qualifies for. The second point, is relevant to anyone on a tier 2, ie applying for an extension with the same employer.l

[Deral]

Does this mean she is safe if she applies for the new visa after she receives the curtailment letter (within 60 days, of course)? I just read somewhere that "Applicants are permitted to submit their extension application up to 60 days before the current visa is due to expire".

These are TWO completely separate issues, neither reliant on the other. If she receives a curtailment letter, she has 60 days within which to find and apply for a visa she qualifies for. The second point, is relevant to anyone on a tier 2, ie applying for an extension with the same employer.l

Ah, got it! Thank you for the clarification. You're amazing!