Unemployed during wait for visa. Is there anything I can do?

[whythewait]

Hello. I am writing to see if anyone has been in a similar situation or could offer some advice.

On February 1, I applied for a tier 2 visa (changing employers). I submitted my biometrics on February 23. My work contract with my old employer ended at the end of February. Since then, I have been unable to start work with my new employer because I am still waiting for my visa.

I've written to UKBA explaining my situation and asking them if they could give me an estimate of how much longer I might have to wait. I haven't received any response.

I am concerned with how long my visa is taking to process, both because of my financial situation and because it seems to be taking much longer than what is being reported in the timelines on this board. I thought my application would be straightforward. Does this delay mean that it is likely to be rejected?

[ksadoc]

Hello. I am writing to see if anyone has been in a similar situation or could offer some advice.

On February 1, I applied for a tier 2 visa (changing employers). I submitted my biometrics on February 23. My work contract with my old employer ended at the end of February. Since then, I have been unable to start work with my new employer because I am still waiting for my visa.

I've written to UKBA explaining my situation and asking them if they could give me an estimate of how much longer I might have to wait. I haven't received any response.

I am concerned with how long my visa is taking to process, both because of my financial situation and because it seems to be taking much longer than what is being reported in the timelines on this board. I thought my application would be straightforward. Does this delay mean that it is likely to be rejected?

Hi,

I am in the same situation. finished employment in Jan. got a job offer in March. got CoS end March, applied end of March Tier 2 G, change of employment. Did Biometric in end April. No update until now. Called HO, they said it takes 4-14 weeks after Biometric enrollment!

i too am running out of funds as i am just paying rent and taxes since January 2012. spending all the savings. dont know what to do except wait...

[sinha]

Hi

My advise is if ur company HR writes letter keep follow up often it can work bit faster this helped me bit and it depends on what explantion is made

there is something employers sponsors hotline

[manci]

on this board. I thought my application would be straightforward. Does this delay mean that it is likely to be rejected?

The delay does not mean that your application is likely to be rejected, it is simply that it hasn't reached a caseworker yet.

Note that once you have your approval letter, and your employer agrees, you could start working, see the Tier 2 policy guidance:

194. It is recommended that you do not commence employment until you have received your biometric residence permit (BRP). However, on the basis of your approval letter, if you and your sponsor agree to commence the employment before you have your BRP both you and your sponsor carry the risk of having no statutory excuse against a civil penalty if the BRP card is incorrect or withdrawn by us.

[whythewait]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I wasn't aware that I would be able to begin work with just the approval letter (whenever I may finally get it).

I have a question about the advice below:

Hi

My advise is if ur company HR writes letter keep follow up often it can work bit faster this helped me bit and it depends on what explantion is made

there is something employers sponsors hotline

Is this likely to be helpful? I asked my HR if they could do anything, and they said that they didn't think they could contact UKBA on my behalf. Should I apply more pressure?

[johnjkjk]

In the same boat. Savings being depleted. Nothing can be done. Best remain calm and keep yourself occupied.

IMHO, they should allow people in this situation the option to work without a salary during the interim period, with a view to be paid in arrears once the paperwork comes through. But then that would open the gate to abuse by being able to temporarily hire slave labour/illegal migrants.

It's always the hard working legal migrants that are affected.

[yaojiximalong]

I suggest that you ask your HR to push through UKBA for processing your visa....

Good luck.