Staff handbook

VISA INFORMATION

Important Information for YWAM VISA holders

When you first arrive or when you are issued with any new visa, please take all your documents (passport / visa) to the personnel office to be copied and kept in your file.

Information on Renewal

It is possible to renew both Tier 2 and Tier 5 visas.

Tier 2 visas

• Normally issued with 3 year validity, unless a shorter period is specifically asked for.

• Generally renewed for 2 years, which will give the applicant a total of 5 years in the UK and allows them to then apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Resident visa).

• Should a shorter period of validity have been originally granted (say 2 years) it may be possible to extend the validity period up to the 5 year mark when renewing.

Tier 5 visas

• Can only be renewed up to their maximum period of validity, which is 1 year for a Tier 5 Charity Worker and 2 years for a Tier 5 Religious Worker.

• You cannot renew beyond this date under any circumstances and the holder will be required to leave the UK.

Ask for advice from the Personnel Department 2 months before the time of renewal.

Renewal Process

Contact the Personnel Department at least 8 weeks before visa expiry to allow the system to issue you a fresh certificate of sponsorship in time for your renewal. Do not leave it too late!

It is essentially the same process as for an initial application, but is simplified somewhat as the maintenance (and English requirements for Tier 2) are taken as read because of the successful initial application.

• You first need to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship Number from Personnel – there is a fee for this – see personnel for details.

• After you have been issued a Certificate of Sponsorship Number, along with your supporting letter from Personnel, you can proceed with your renewal.

• For more information on renewals, try the following links:

Tier 5: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier5/religiousworkers/

Tier 2: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier2/ministersofreligion/app lying/extending/

YWAM HARPENDEN STAFF HANDBOOK (Edited April 2013) page 35