20th July, 2009

The latest version of the national shortage occupation list for Tier 2 points based system visas was released on the 15th June 2009. We were not surprised to discover that there have been a number of revisions to the occupation list.

Where occupations have been removed from the 2008 list employers must now complete the labour residency test when recruiting a migrant from outside of the EU. This is to ensure that there is not a British national that can undertake the position in the first instance. To complete the test, employers must advertise their position in a Jobcentre Plus office for a period of 2 weeks, along with advertising the vacancy in another medium. Positions on the shortage occupation list are not required to complete the test.

For more information on Tier 2 applications please contact the Smooth Migration team on 0845 644 1871.