The monthly limit on Tier 2 visas was reached for the first time this month, prompting harsh criticism of the visa cap from business and immigration experts.
Tier 2 (General) visa for skilled migrants
Employers employing Skilled migrants with a job on the Tier 2 shortage occupation list do not need to show there is no resident worker able to do the job.
UK Tier 2 (General) visas limited to 20,700
In April 2011 the coalition government introduced an annual limit of 20,700 on Tier 2 Visas, which is split into monthly limits. The quota for June was 1,650 visas which was reached just 11 days into the month.
The cap only applies to those who need a Tier 2 Restricted Certificate of Sponsorship; workers living outside of the UK who do not already have a long term UK visa allowing them to switch to a Tier 2 visa. Those exempted from the cap include:
- Migrants on Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer visas
- Migrants applying to extend their Tier 2 visas
- Migrants already in the UK under a visa category that allows them to switch to a Tier 2 visa.
- Migrants filling vacancies paying £150,000 a year or more
- Tier 2 Sports people and Ministers of Religion
http://www.workpermit.com/news/2015-06-20/uk-tier-2-visa-limit-reached-for-first-time