Visa renewal problem - the new point system

[paleobones]

Just wondering if anyone else will be experiencing this problem.

I'm here on a visa under the International Graduates Scheme, it is up in February. I need to renew it and the only way I see to do it is under the Skilled Migrant Worker Programme. Here in lies the problem. They have implemented a new point system based on things such as age, prior earnings, earning potential, and whether or not you have a good amount of money in your account when you apply. Well since I'm 28, I already lose half the potential age points because I'm not 27. You start getting points for your earnings only if it is over 17K, and that only gives you 5 basically useless points. Essentially, in order to get the amount of points for the visa I would need to make over 20K. Obviously, this is impossible for a digger.

So, I'm wondering if any other diggers are or will be running into this problem. Is there any way an archaeology company would actually bother helping out and applying for a work permit for you instead? Suck it up and get a nights and weekend job to get up to 20K? I'm at a loss!

[BAJR Host]

This is indeed a worry... and we have been holding back on looking at this properly... BAJR was working with an American archaeologist to come up wity a sensible guide to work permit requirements, and just as we were about ready... this happened..

I am waiting until I return from Jordan to deal with it.. but if you or others could look at the system... ask about, talk, discuss.. and come up with some sort of... What to do as a Digger and a What to do as an Employer... please keep writing here!

This does affect people... so please get this one discussed.

thanks paleo for raising this here... I would appreciate any views.

"I don't have an archaeological imagination.."
Borekickers

[Gilraen]

This is the case where I work, and we have opted - to keep this person - for a specific work VISA via the company (as any company in the UK of any profession would who wanted to employ a non-EU member).

However, for this you of course have to be attached to a specific employer, so they would have to be happy to help you apply for this. I wish you luck and hope you manage to stay here and get the right VISA. Needless to say, in the case of archaeology, it helps enormousdly if you have chosen to study here and have been working on an graduate Visa over here already.

Obviously, I don't want to talk openly about our individual case without the person's permission, but please message me if you want to know more about this (talking US Visa), I can try and get some information.

[BAJR Host]

Thanks so much for that Gil.. and I hope they get in touch, as you will be looking at a real case..

good luck

"I don't have an archaeological imagination.."
Borekickers

[kevin wooldridge]

I have looked at the new system and it is very loaded against anyone who does not have a doctorate. As I understand it even with a doctorate, Paleobones is likely to only score 70 points in the new system and needs at least 75 to qualify.

However, there is a ray of hope. Apparently if you lodge an apoplication for an extension of your current visa and it is granted (as I understand that, it requires you be in paid employment) under the new scheme you could qualify for an extra 20 points which may take you through the 75 point barrier.

Failing that....any chance you have a parent or grandparent from another EU nation that might qualify you for a work permit in that EU country and thus enable you to also work in the UK...

Don't want to really comment on the logic of the new system, but I have heard it described as a Charter to Protect Idiots i.e The UK and EU has enough resident underachievers, why import more. I personally can't see that restricting workers in a low paid but highly skilled vocation such as archaeology is of any value at all. Maybe the IFA could take this up as their next challenge after sorting out our tax problems!!

[Gilraen]

Now - just like to say I am no expert and have not looked at the full points system and guidelines as closely as my colleague - but it seemed the point system wasn't viable, despite having studied for 2 Masters degrees in 2 British Universities. A lot of it has to do with salary apparently although in the case of some Visas, they can be appealed and this can take time, by which you can apply again. I believe they are obliged to tell you the reason in the case of an unsuccessful application? Again, I am no expert, but I believe this to be the case.

One thing that does crop up is that - when applying for a work Visa - then the employer has to prove why they did not give a particular job to an EU-member. Which means including 'where did you advertise the job?' etc. BAJR of course! )

[paleobones]

Well I've looked into it further and it seems I can extend my International Graduate Scheme VISA due to their putting in a transitional program. The only thing I have to worry about now is getting and keeping the 800 pounds in my account to satisfy that requirement... for the new points system the most I could get was 55 out of the 75, due to very low pay and my age... It hasn't helped that I have worked for the same company for nearly a year since I can't get a contract longer than a month at a time. I do have a masters luckily, so in the next year I'll just have to find another better paying job or a second one, but at least I'll have a year to figure that out.I really don't want to go back to the states until I absolutely have to!

[kevin wooldridge]

One of the things that Paleobones employer might be able to do to help here is to change the monthly contract to an open ended contract with a fixed period of notice on both sides. If they don't feel at the end of any given month they can employ Paleobones anymore they can give the required notice.

Up until Paleobones has been employed 2 years, there is little difference between a fixed period contract and an open-ended contract with a notice period. But it might swing hearts and minds at the immigration office....

[BAJR Host]

Maybe the IFA could take this up as their next challenge after sorting out our tax problems!! Indeed it would be good if hey could comment.

"I don't have an archaeological imagination.."
Borekickers

[BAJR Host]

http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/employe...pport/ecs/

I see it as this:

Tier 2 Visa Overview
Under the United Kingdom's new points based system there are five tiers that cover employment and student-based immigration into the country. Tier 2 visas cover skilled migration into the UK for those who have a job offer from a UK employer, replacing the current UK Work Permits scheme. Tier 2 is only for foreign workers are citizens of countries outside the European Economic Area.


The Tier 2 Points Test
The following information concerns immigrating to the UK as a general skilled worker under a Tier 2 visa. To be successful in your application as a Tier 2 skilled worker, you will be required to score 70 points from three sets of criteria:

Attributes (sponsorship, qualifications, and future earnings)
Maintenance (your ability to support yourself and any dependants
English Language Ability

Position is on the shortage occupation list ......50 points
Position is not on the shortage occupation list ...30 points

No Qualification .....0
NVQ Level 3 ...........5
Bachelors or masters ....10
PhD ....................15

Earnings (in GBP per year) Points
17,000 - 19,999 .........5
20,000 - 21,999 .........10
22,000 - 23,999 ..........15
24,000 + .................. 20


and 10 points for speaking English



So based on a typical Digger

30 + 10 + 0 + 10 = 50

SO we would have to get the rates raised aboove 17k (its possible, but only adds another 5 points) OR get archaeologists onto the shortage occupation list (adding 20 points ... BINGO) otherwise... no more North American shovelbums... :face-thinks:


"I don't have an archaeological imagination.."
Borekickers