I am currently in the UK waiting for a decision to be made on a tier 2 (shortage occupation) visa that I applied for more than 11 weeks ago.
The job applied for was a secondary school teacher of chemistry. I was given that title because my degree was in chemistry. I have recently finished a PGCE course in secondary school education at a university in England. The course was completed at UWE in Bristol. The course qualifies me to teach all areas of science. I have been appointed to teach all areas of science at a secondary school however I am still not employed because I have not yet got my visa.
The HO sent me a letter to say that my job role "teacher of chemistry" is no longer on the shortlist, and that it is now "teacher of science (where elements of physics will be taught)" and that a top up fee needs to be paid because the job title did not reflect an occupation on the shortlist any longer.
The new shortlist occupation "teacher of science (where elements of physics will be taught)" would still be relevant to me because my job role would encompass teaching all areas of science, and I have sent a letter to the home office to inform them of this. However, having paid the top up fee I am wondering whether my application is still for a tier 2 (shortage) or if it is for a tier 2 (general) now because the top up payment made the total fees paid the same as the cost for a tier 2 (general)? I also don't know if this means I have to edit my application, I don't think this is possible though?
I am also wondering how much longer it may take for a decision to be made because the job was supposed to begin on September 1 (this is stated in the application) and I am still unemployed and unable to work and without my passport. Waiting. Thankfully I have family who are able to help me with money, otherwise I do not know what sort of position I would be in. I am currently in personal debt because of this situation.
If there is anyone who has had to pay this top up fee or knows anything regarding tier 2 (shortage) or tier 2 (general) visas, I would be very appreciative to receive advice.
Thank you.