Immigration cap to affect number of architects

Architect practices outside of London may be affected after skilled worker immigration cap changes were allocated this month… Simon Kenny, Head of Immigration at law firm Moore Blatch, has warned that this month’s allocation of restricted Tier 2 visas, which allow entry of skilled migrant workers into the UK, could potentially affect architect firms outside of London, or those that rely on international graduates. The process has an annual cap of 20,700, with only around 1,700 Certificates of Sponsorship available per month. Last month, in order to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship, the minimum qualifying criteria meant that those who do not fit into the priority category would need a salary of £46,000 or above in order to enter the UK and work. Priority categories include roles on the shortage occupation list and roles requiring a PhD. “This is most likely to affect architect practices outside of London that rely on skilled workers with salaries lower than £46,000, many of whom will have had their permission to work refused in June,” commented Simon. “Many businesses will be concerned about the knock-on effects on growth and the economy and if this is allowed to continue, there could be long term risks to British business, with some opting for overseas operations. “The Government came under considerable pressure during the election campaign to ensure that future immigration targets they committed to were met.” “Whilst this is being followed, there does seem to be an inherent bias in the points-based system, which could see architect practices outside of London missing out on key workers for business growth and must be reviewed as a matter of urgency,” concluded Simon. http://www.developmentfinancetoday.co.uk/article-desc-4146_immigration-cap-to-affect-number-of-architects#