Tier 1 General Ext only until 2014

[samira_uk]

I asked my adviser about this matter and he sent an email to ILPA which is expert in such matters. It is the response he received from them:

This was discussed at the last sub-committee after another member had also spotted this in John Vine’s report. We’re not aware of any such proposals and members at the meeting were satisfied that the report had misstated the position. What it probably means to refer to is the fact that in 2014 it will be five years since Tier 1 General closed, by when the majority of people in that category will have qualified for indefinite leave to remain.

[samira_uk]

I myself sent an email to Chief Inspector and it seems that they made a mistake:

Thank you for your enquiry.



Our inspection took place earlier this year and the Home Office may have changed their rules relating to Tier 1 applications. Therefore, I am referring you to the Home Office’s current position regarding Tier 1 (General) extensions which can be found at:



http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas ... /applying/



Best Regards,



Addeel



Addeel Khan

Communications Manager, Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration

[rpsarangi]

Does this reply means that they have made the mistake in the report and tier 1 extension will be allowed ??

[dandm]

I myself sent an email to Chief Inspector and it seems that they made a mistake:

Thank you for your enquiry.



Our inspection took place earlier this year and the Home Office may have changed their rules relating to Tier 1 applications. Therefore, I am referring you to the Home Office’s current position regarding Tier 1 (General) extensions which can be found at:



http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas ... /applying/



Best Regards,



Addeel



Addeel Khan

Communications Manager, Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration

That's interesting, very smart of you to contact them directly.

Bit of a weak explanation though, doesn't ring very true. If they do this I'm not sure they'd really want people to know in advance.

Still, fingers crossed it's a mix up.

[Go12]

Thanx samira_uk for you effort..

[syedimran74]

Is there any further update on this? are Tier 1 extensions closed or still open? I need to know this since I am not 100% sure about my eligibility for ILR which is due in Oct 2014.
Many Thanks

[UKBALoveStory]

The Tier 1 (General) category, in which applicants scored points for their
qualifications, previous earnings, age and UK experience, was closed to new
applicants in April 2011 but remains open for extension and settlement
applications. The following changes are being made to this category:

changes are being made to signal the Government‟s intention to close the
category for extension applications on 6 April 2015, and for settlement
applications on 6 April 2018. This should give enough time for applicants who
entered the category before its closure to apply for settlement if they can meet
the requirements to qualify;

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/289857/HC_1138_EM_Web_Accessible.pdf

[Jasim1]

is there any update about tier 1 extension only till 2014?

i still have 3 more years before i can apply for ILR, my initial visa was(2+3) i was wondering how much my second extension will be 3 years or 2 years? on the gov.uk website under tier 1 category it very clearly states any visa applied after 6th april 2010 will have maximum 3 years but there are posts in this forum which says alternate extension are provided.

that is if initial visa was for 2 years first extension will be 3 years and second will be for 2 years can anyone shed more light on this please.

[abhisheks9]

check https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... ssible.pdf

and especially following paragraph i.e. 7.5

Changes are being made to signal the Government‟s intention to close the
category for extension applications on 6 April 2015, and for settlement
applications on 6 April 2018. This should give enough time for applicants who
entered the category before its closure to apply for settlement if they can meet
the requirements to qualify;

[Jasim1]

thanks abhishek i think this is the same link which UKBAlovestory also uploaded.

i need some info on my second query which is how long my second extension will be 3 years or 2 years?

i was granted visa on 8th of august 2010 so i am under (2+3) scheme.

[abhisheks9]

sorry didn't realize that @UKBAlovestory already shared it, sorry my mistake for overlooking it

@jasim1 as for extension search this forum, and you will come to know that everyone now getting 3 yrs extension irrespective of situation. few did get 2 yrs "by mistake", but got corrected by writing to UKBA.

like you i am also on 2+3 scheme, and for our case there should be no doubt at all, as policy clearly states anyone after 6 April 2010 will get 3 yrs

[tier1_arun]

Its little confusing....
Is this a confirmed rule change? Or just a proposal to parliament?
from when it will be effective from?

[nks]

Words like 'signal' and 'intention' does indicate that it may not be a direct rule change but if they are signalling now, I see little doubt it won't come into practice in 2015.

[Go12]

It's very confusing.
Hope somebody posts some clear picture about
Tier 1 extensions.

[Go12]

I mean,if they intend to close extension in 2014,then why are they increasing the ext fees from April 2014

[tier1_arun]

I mean,if they intend to close extension in 2014,then why are they increasing the ext fees from April 2014

Hi Go12,

Current issues is not for Tier-1 extension till 2014.

Please read the link posted by "UKBALoveStory"

"The Tier 1 (General) category, in which applicants scored points for their
qualifications, previous earnings, age and UK experience, was closed to new
applicants in April 2011 but remains open for extension and settlement
applications. The following changes are being made to this category:

changes are being made to signal the Government‟s intention to close the
category for extension applications on 6 April 2015, and for settlement
applications on 6 April 2018. This should give enough time for applicants who
entered the category before its closure to apply for settlement if they can meet
the requirements to qualify;"


https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... ssible.pdf

[dandm]

I think the closing dates they are suggesting are fair. Very few will be caught out. We entered late (9 months after our visa was one of the last granted, back in nov 2010) and should be able to get ILR. I appreciate their fairness. 2014 would have been a disaster for many.

[abhisheks9]

I think the closing dates they are suggesting are fair. Very few will be caught out. We entered late (9 months after our visa was one of the last granted, back in nov 2010) and should be able to get ILR. I appreciate their fairness. 2014 would have been a disaster for many.

Fair?? UKBA is never fair with us i.e. Tier-1 (General) applicants. Why?
-keep on increasing fees and now keeping timelines so tight.
-There can be cases wherein applicants may not be able to go for ILR and may need further extension. These worst case scenarios can be due to Criminality rules OR Continuous period break because of out of country absence.
IMHO, UKBA lose nothing by stopping Extensions, but in fact are earning profit due to already exorbitant fees.

[ram80]

This is why we need to fight all retrospective changes that the government is making - when we got the visa, we were not led to believe that Tier 1 renewal would only be allowed until a particular date.

Four people including me have agreed to contribute £500 each to pursue a JR against these retrospective changes... and unless we receive support from at least 100-200 people who are on Tier 1 Visa, we wont be able to stop the government from abusing immigration law according to their own whims and fancies... see https://www.facebook.com/groups/UKITF/

[rpsarangi]

What I think that they have only suggested to close extensions but it is not yet a rule. But I too agree that it could happen..I dont think its fair to close in April 2015. The last batch of visas was received may be in April 2011 so they should add 5 years to it and the closing date should be April 2016 in case somebody in that last batch might need a 2nd extension. They should keep this in mind then it will take care of all 2 nd extensions.

[Go12]

I guess it's not fair for people who got tier 1 in 2011 ,since they might need 2 nd extension,and because of this sudden rule change.what are their options?

[rpsarangi]

I guess it's not fair for people who got tier 1 in 2011 ,since they might need 2 nd extension,and because of this sudden rule change.what are their options?

I do agree the same , the extension should at least be allowed till April 2016 for the last set of candidates who got their visas in April 2011. But as you know UKBA have a strange way of enforcing the rules.

[na2316]

Hi rpsarangi

Can you please advise on my situation... as per below link? My wife needs to apply for tier 1 dependent ext asap.

http://www.immigrationboards.com/uk-tie ... 60871.html

Thanks in advance. we are very worried

[O_Relly]

Even for the ones who entered, in the last batch in April 2011, I think they can go in for a second extension in April 2015, which will give them 3 years, and hence settle in April 2018. Giving them 4 years time for a second extension, isn't so bad after all IMHO.

But I can't help but wonder why UKBA is doing this, coz, the "Tier 1 General" category is a profit making cash cow for them, with the fees being the highest? how much of administration overhead is this for them really to put an end date on extension and settlement routes.

The only reason I can think of with the recent introduction of the 'Genuineness test' is the amount of verification overhead with complicated multiple income source self-employed applicants.

[na2316]

Hi O_Relly/ rpsarangi

Can you PLEASE Advice re my wife Tier 1 General dependent extension situation.

I am currently on ILR (received after 5 years on Tier 1 general+WP)

My wife came here as Tier 1 dependent in December 2012 (needs to complete 5 year to be eligible for settlement-ILR) and her CURRENT leave will expire in May 2014 (When she would have only completed 1.5 years)

A quick question:

What Visa she should apply to extend her visa, Tier 1 dependent ext or FLR (m)?

IF TIER 1 Dependent ext, then as the next extension will be 3 years, which will take her to 4.5 at the end of that ext. So she will be 7 months short at that time. I read on THE forums that extensions are closing NEXT YEAR APRIL 2015.

So what will happen to her, when her new extension will expire in 2017? how will she renew in 2017 (when she will be 7 months short of 5 years required stay) as the TIER 1 extensions are closing next year 2015.


PLEASE ADVISE, i cant find answer to this on the forum

PLEASE ITS URGENT.