Salary change

[Megekiwi]

Can anyone share knowledge on this situation please,

I am on tier 2 sponsored as a contractor. My one year contract is just about finished. I have another one to start but it's in a different location and it's quite a drop in salary. Due to change in economic climate I can not get the same rates. My employer stays the same, their address does too, even my job title will be the same.

I realize due to the drop in salary I probably have to get a new certificate of sponsorship but because it's the same job I won't have to have it pass the resident market test. Is that correct?

Also how does one go about the change of employment application? Is it in fact an entirely new tier two application? If so do I need to return to NZ to apply?

Thanks for your help.

[manci]

see the tier 2 policy guidance about change of employment applications (paragraph 188 onwards):
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... idance.pdf
(there will be a new guidance from June 2012).
If a change of employment application is needed you will also need a new CoS but you can apply in-country.
If your job remains the same but the salary will be lower you need to watch the minimum salary requirement for the appropriate SOC code.

[Megekiwi]

Thanks for that. What did you mean by watch the salary drop? My rate will still be over the going rate but less than what my current cos lists. I am thinking that means a new application for tier 2 is needed is that correct? Is a change of employment application the same as ( minus some documentation not needed the second time) the first tier two application? ie at a cost of 1500 pounds?

[manci]

this is the application form for in-country tier 2 leave to remain applications which also lists the current fees.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... nform1.pdf

Your new pay may be above the going rate but you need to check if it is at least the same or higher than the minimum set out in the codes of practice. The SOC code for your occupation is stated in your CoS. You can check what the minimum pay for your SOC code is here:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... /nvq3-cop/

note that there will be some changes to Tier 2 after 13 June:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... ce-changes
also the minimum qualification level will change from NQF4 to NQF6, see:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publicatio ... iew=Binary