The UKBA are making changes to the codes of practice for skilled employers. This includes updating the list of skilled occupations to reflect the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2010 system.
This transition means that the UKBA need to adjust the arrangements for restricted certificates of sponsorship (RCoS) in March, April and May 2013.
Granting a restricted certificates of sponsorship (RCoS) before 6 April 2013
If you are granting a restricted certificate of sponsorship (RCoS) before 6 April 2013, it must be assigned by 5 April 2013, or when the Standard Occupation classification (SOC) system is updated the ‘job type’ details will be lost. If this happens you will need to make a new application for a new restricted certificate of sponsorship.
Timing of the monthly allocation of restricted certificates of sponsorship
Because of these updates, the UKBA will also be making changes to the timings of the monthly allocation of restricted certificates of sponsorship (RCoS) for April and May 2013.
April allocation 2013
The UKBA will accept applications for the April allocation period from 6 April to the 17 April 2013. Decisions on these applications will be made on 19 April 2013.
May allocation 2013
The UKBA will accept applications for the May allocation period from 18 April to the 5 May 2013. Decisions on these applications will be made on 13 May 2013.
The summarised changes can be viewed here.
Urgent restricted certificates of sponsorship
If you urgently need a restricted certificate of sponsorship between 6 March and 18 April, you must submit an application and request exceptional consideration. To do this you must email the reasons for exceptional consideration to [email protected]. The request for exceptional consideration must be made on the same day that you submit your application or your application may be rejected.
Examples of valid reasons for exceptional consideration include:
- where the UKBA have caused delays resulting in a newly licensed sponsor needing a CoS for a migrant who is due to start work before the next monthly allocation; or
- a consultant surgeon has been recruited and needs to be appointed immediately because they have patients listed for life-saving surgery before the next monthly allocation.
Source (UKBA Site)