Tier 2 (General) Sponsor Address Change

[ymas]

Hello everyone,
First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for this invaluable resource on immigration advice. Your effort is much appreciated.

My question is in line with several previous posts, however (as is always the case), there is a little twist.

I received my Tier 2 (General) visa in 2009, my sponsor is A-Rated. We have completed all the necessary paperwork and there are no problems on that front.

My employer changed their registered address in March and, accordingly, we have sent a notification to the UKBA regarding this change. We have a written response from the UKBA (dated 29 March 2012) acknowledging that the request was received. The request has yet to be processed. We have requested urgent consideration and the UKBA Customer Service Advisor has forwarded it to the relevant department for urgent consideration.

My Visa is due to expire on 01 Nov 12 and my employer is launching their flagship product during that month (I was a core developer on it), consequently, it is critical that I am in the UK so I can support the release.

I would be grateful if anyone could advise on how I could avoid having to leave the country on 01 Nov 12, I am aware of the 28 days I have, however, if I have interpreted the law correctly, it would appear that my sponsor is not allowed to employ me during that period.

Many thanks for reading my enquiry, I am very grateful!

Regards,
ymas

[manci]

if your sponsor has an available T2G CoS allocation they can assign it to you immediately and you can then apply for leave to remain before your current leave expires on 1 November.

[ymas]

if your sponsor has an available T2G CoS allocation they can assign it to you immediately and you can then apply for leave to remain before your current leave expires on 1 November.

Many thanks for taking the time to read my enquiry and for responding.

Apparently (and this is from the UKBA), my employer cannot issue a CoS unless the address is up to date.

Many thanks for help!

[manci]

[Apparently (and this is from the UKBA), my employer cannot issue a CoS unless the address is up to date.

I find this difficult to believe and suggest you pursue it with HR. What happens when they go into the SMS? Provided they have an available T2G CoS allocation is the assignment of a CoS blocked? In the CoS your work address must be stated and this should be the address where you actually work, not necessarily the registered address of the company.

However, if for whatever reason what they say is correct I would still submit your application for the extension by 31 October latest without a CoS number but with your sponsor's licence number, accompanied by a letter from your employer explaining the circumstances why they couldn't assign a CoS. Applications are only dealt with by caseworkers after you have provided biometrics and this will give you some leeway.

The UKBA employer helpline is 0300 123 4699. Not all people on that number are well trained, and I would suggest your HR calls them again and insist on speaking to a senior person.

Suggest to HR to send emails to the following addresses requestiing urgent resolution of the problem (if there is a problem) explaining that your visa expires on 1 November:
sponsorlicensing.support@ukba.gsi.gov.uk
scoc@ukba.gsi.gov.uk