Immigration Skills Charge on shortage occupation

[tokyodrift]

I am switching from a graduate visa to a skilled worker visa for 3421 graphic designers, which is a shortage occupation, so the Immigration Skills Charge does not apply, but I still received an email from the Home Office stating that we are currently awaiting confirmation of the requirement for your work sponsor to pay the Immigration Skills Charge. What should be done in this situation?

Thank you for your application for permission to stay in the UK as a skilled worker

Although we would normally decide your application within 15 working days from the date it was submitted, unfortunately this is not going to be possible in your case.

This is because we are currently awaiting confirmation of the requirement for your work sponsor to pay the Immigration Skills Charge.

I am sorry for the delay in dealing with your application and for the inconvenience this is causing.

Please be assured that we are doing all we can to make a decision on your case as quickly as possible.
Kind Regards,

UK Decision Making Centre

[secret.simon]

3421 graphic designers, which is a shortage occupation, so the Immigration Skills Charge does not apply,

That may not be completely accurate.

The list of occupation codes for which there is no Immigration Skill Charge is quite short and not tied to the whole Shortage Occupation List.

You will not have to pay the charge if you’re sponsoring someone with one of the following occupation codes:

chemical scientists (2111)
biological scientists and biochemists (2112)
physical scientists (2113)
social and humanities scientists (2114)
natural and social science professionals not elsewhere classified (2119)
research and development managers (2150)
higher education teaching professionals (2311)
clergy (2444)
sports players (3441)
sports coaches, instructors or officials (3442)

You also might not have to pay the charge if you’re sponsoring a worker who was assigned a certificate before 6 April 2017 - there’s more information in the immigration skills charge guidance for sponsors.

You will not need to pay the charge for any of the worker’s dependants, for example their partner or child.

If you’re sponsoring someone who has a UK student visa to switch to a work visa

You will not have to pay the charge if they switch to either a Skilled Worker or Senior or Specialist Worker visa and then extend their stay on the new visa.