Immigration News, Individuals, News, Sponsorship, Students, Visas
Delays to processing times
With impending changes to the Immigration Rules on the horizon, the Home Office is currently battling to keep up with the overwhelming demand for immigration application-related services. The upcoming increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge and revisions to the Skilled Worker and Partner routes have caused a surge in applications, putting pressure on UK Visas and Immigration.
Due to an unprecedented volume of applications, processing times for all immigration applications may experience delays.
This includes the Skilled Worker route, where services essential for submitting an immigration application are being impacted.
These services include sponsor licence applications, applications for defined Certificates of Sponsorship for Skilled Workers applying for entry clearance from outside the UK, as well as difficulties in accessing the Worker and Temporary Worker priority change of circumstance service, specifically for additional or annual undefined Certificate of Sponsorship allocations for Skilled Workers seeking permission to remain in the UK, and requests to modify key personnel on a sponsor licence.
Additionally, standard sponsor change of circumstances services may take up to 18 weeks to process.
For individuals planning to make an in-country application under the Skilled Worker route before their current immigration permission expires, a delay in obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship is a critical concern. As each situation is unique, it is crucial to consider options on a case-by-case basis.
Stay informed and prepared amidst these processing delays as changes loom.