Support for existing staff

If you are relocating from outside the UK and meet the qualifying criteria, you will be able to make a claim towards these expenses. The relocation expenses policy can be viewed below. Relocation expense claim forms are processed by the relevant School HR Adviser.

The relocation expenses policy can be viewed below. Relocation expense claim forms are processed by the relevant HR Adviser.

Your HR Adviser will contact you approximately 3 months prior to your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) expiry date. You will be issued with a new Certificate of Sponsorship for your visa application. It is important to ensure you submit your application before your current CoS expires and the HR Adviser will support you with this. If you are on a Tier 2 (General) visa, you will be supported to switch to a Skilled Worker visa (the new name for a Tier 2 (General) visa). An overview of the UKVI’s Skilled Worker application process can be found below. The University also has some brief guidance on Skilled Worker sponsorship on the Immigration website which can be found below.

Applications for their visa renewals can be submitted with yours. We can provide links to UKVI guidance. If you require any support when completing their applications, you should seek independent legal advice. An overview of the UKVI’s Skilled Worker application process including dependent visas can be found below. 

Provided the correct steps are followed you should be able to continue to work whilst your visa extension application is being processed. It is important that you apply for your new visa before your current visa expires to ensure you have submitted an 'in time' application. UKVI’s information on extending your visa can be found below.

You should provide the HR Adviser with the acknowledgement from the UKVI containing your Unique Application Number. With your permission, the HR Adviser can use this unique reference to complete an Employer Checking Service application. This must be done before your visa expiry date. This check should result in the UKVI issuing a Positive Verification Notice valid for 6 months which will serve as your right to work whilst your visa application is being progressed. You should inform the HR Adviser as soon as your new visa is granted so that a right to work check can be completed and our HR records updated.

The Recruitment and Resourcing Team or HR Adviser can offer advice on questions relating to the content of the Certificate of Sponsorship and can provide useful links to the UKVI website guidance. If you are in any doubt regarding the content of your visa application, it is recommended you seek independent legal advice as any rejection of your application could result in the loss of any visa application fees. UKVI have some guidance on locating an Immigration Adviser.

Human Resources can look at the letter from the UKVI rejecting your application and may be able to suggest why the UKVI have rejected your application but are unable to contact them on your behalf. UKVI has some information on their website in relation to visa rejections and appeals, however it is recommended that you either contact the UKVI directly or seek independent legal advice. 

When joining the University’s employment you are issued with a ‘Compliance Responsibilities Form’ which sets out your responsibilities and those of your line manager. This includes recording details of your absences in your Outlook calendar and keeping your address and contact details updated in my.HR. The Recruitment and Resourcing Team also send out an annual reminder including a guidance document on the UKVI compliance responsibilities. You will be required to confirm that your address and contact details are correct.

If you are unsure of the visa conditions, please contact Hrimmigration@lboro.ac.uk. 

To find out whether you are eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK or information on the application process and criteria please, use the link below.

For additional guidance on calculating your continuous period of residence within the UK please visit the link below. 

If you are preparing to apply for ILR, please contact the HR Adviser who will be able to support you with some of the documentation required. 

To be eligible to apply for ILR you must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period of a five-year qualifying period. All absences from the UK are counted.

For additional guidance on calculating your continuous period of residence within the UK please visit the link below.

Under a new rule, which took effect from the start of October 2019, periods of research outside the UK are no longer counted against the limit on absences. The new rule only applies to Tier 2 (General)/Skilled Worker visa holders who are sponsored under the Researcher and Lecturer occupation codes.

If you require confirmation of your occupation code, this can be found on your Certificate of Sponsorship or alternatively contact your HR Adviser. 

To find out whether you are eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain or information on the application process please use the link below. 

If you are preparing to apply for ILR please contact your HR Adviser who will be able to support you with some of the documentation required.  Absences covering the 5-year period will be required. These are not recorded centrally so you will need to provide these details. Payroll can also provide you with certified payslips to include with your application. If you require assistance with completion of the application form it is recommended you obtain your own legal advice.

UKVI have some guidance on locating an Immigration Adviser, this can be accessed via the link below.

Yes, you will need to re-apply after you have completed five years of residence in the UK. Once you have settled status you can stay in the UK as long as you like. You may also be able to apply for British citizenship if you’re eligible. Further information can be obtained below.

There are two specific areas that you will need to prove:

a) Your identity, as evidenced by your passport.

b) Your residence in the UK. This can be evidenced by bank statements, bills etc. Your National Insurance number will also allow an automated check of your residence based on tax and certain government records.

Unfortunately, you will need to provide this proof again when you apply to change from pre-settled status to settled status. More information on the documentation required can be found at the UKVI website. 

There is a 5-year qualifying period of continuous residence in the UK, for at least 6 months in any 12-month period. There are some exceptions and further information can be found on the UKVI webpage. You must not have left the UK or the Common Travel Area for more than 6 months in any 12-month period.

Yes, your details must be kept up-to-date. The link below will enable you to do this. Please also remember to update my.HR with any changes to contact details.