Just a heads up to other Tier 1 (General) holders, when returning to the UK yesterday from a two-week holiday abroad, I was properly grilled by LHR passport control in a manner I've never before experienced in the 6+ years I've lived in the UK. This may have been an anomaly, but judging by how long individuals were questioned at each immigration desk, it appears to be not just me.
I was asked all of the below questions, and my answers to each question were notated on my landing card:
- Details of current employment (job, employer, salary, length of employment and specific details of my job duties)
Details of previous 2 jobs, including employers, job titles and exact dates of employment
Previous earnings over past 2 years
Reason for leaving my last job
History of my immigration to the UK including original entry date, all visas I have been on, and my motivations for being on Tier 1
Plans for extending my Tier 1 visa
Relationship status
When I asked the agent why I was being questioned so extensively, he said "because this visa category is open to massive abuse," and then something to the effect of "I will only let you in once I am satisfied with your answers." I know it is within the border agent's right to ask these questions, but I have never before been asked so many detailed questions, nor have I had my answers noted so thoroughly.
Just wanted to give everyone a head's up, in case anyone doesn't have their recent employment history committed to memory.
