IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The U.K. government has added four digital technology occupations to its Shortage Occupation List, thus allowing non-EU professionals to fill them without employers having to test the resident labor market by advertising the positions.

What does the change mean? Employers in the IT sector may apply for Tier 2 restricted certificates of sponsorship (RCoSs) for specific jobs designated under four IT-related occupation codes without first advertising the role and proving that no suitable resident workers have applied. Please see below for specific jobs.

  • Implementation time frame: Applications submitted on and after Nov. 19.
  • Visas/permits affected: Tier 2 (General) work permits.
  • Who is affected: Employers recruiting non-EU workers in the designated tech jobs.
  • Business impact: The addition of several tech jobs will mean that employers no longer have to advertise for suitable resident workers to fill these positions before considering a non-EU national. This will reduce the preparations involved in a hire and allow Tier 2 permits to be obtained faster.
  • Next steps: Employers should work with their BAL team to determine eligibility criteria.

Background: The additions were announced today in changes to the Immigration Rules. Only the following jobs listed under the four designated occupation categories have been added to the Shortage Occupation List:

IT specialist managers

  • IT product manager employed with qualifying company, where the job requires at least five years of relevant experience and experience leading a team.

IT business analysts, architects and system designers

  • Systems engineer in visual effects and 2D/3D computer animation for film, TV or video games sectors.
  • Data scientist employed by a qualifying company, where the job requires at least five years of relevant experience and experience leading a team.

Programmers and software development professionals

  • Senior developer employed by a qualifying company, where the job requires at least five years of relevant experience and experience leading a team.
  • Software developer, shader writer, or games designer (in the visual effects and 2D/3D computer animation for film, TV and video games sector).
  • Driver developer or embedded communications engineer (in the electronics system industry).

IT and communications professionals not elsewhere classified

  • Cyber security specialist employed by a qualifying company where the job requires at least five years of experience and experience leading a team.

BAL Analysis: The addition of several jobs in the tech industry is positive news that gives employers greater flexibility in recruiting talent from abroad in the specified jobs.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in the United Kingdom. For additional information, please contact uk@bal.com.

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