Breaking News.... changes affecting Tier 1 Self Employed clients

If you are planning to apply for a Tier 1 (General) visa for the first time or are planning for your Tier 1 visa extension and are planning on using Self Employed earnings – you must read this update.

On 14th December 2010, the UK Border Agency amended the Tier 1 (General) policy guidance with particular focus being placed on changes for Self Employed applicants.  There have been two primary changes to policy. All clients that wish to claim for Self Employed earnings MUST now provide evidence that they have paid their National Insurance contributions for the period they are claiming.

The second and most detrimental change states that all applicants CAN ONLY claim for self employed earnings for the period AFTER they have registered with HMRC (i.e. Revenue and Customs) as self employed!  When a client registers as self employed, HMRC will send through a letter confirming a clients Unique Tax Reference (UTR Number).  This document MUST now be provided.

To summarise, this change has been brought about to try and restrict the number of clients claiming self employed earnings and in an attempt to reduce Fraud.  All clients whether they are applying to beat the closure of the scheme or are already on a Tier 1 visa planning for their extension MUST plan for this change.  Here at First Migration, we are determined to ensure that no client’s life in the UK is ruined as they are not aware of a policy change.  More updates to follow...