Important Updates
Important Updates
September 30, 2025 | United KingdomThe Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences
September 30, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: Major Changes Announced for Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
September 30, 2025 | United StatesPartner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"
September 30, 2025 | PolandPoland: Mandatory Online Processes Implemented for Work Permits and Contract Submission
September 30, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Board of Investment Work Permit Application Process Consolidated
September 30, 2025 | United KingdomThe Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences
September 30, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: Major Changes Announced for Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
September 30, 2025 | United StatesPartner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"
September 30, 2025 | PolandPoland: Mandatory Online Processes Implemented for Work Permits and Contract Submission
September 30, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Board of Investment Work Permit Application Process Consolidated
September 30, 2025 | United KingdomThe Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Honesty Is The Best Policy: Tier 2 Visa

June 2, 2016

Marco Deutsch

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Rajiv (Raj) Naik

Rajiv Naik

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9261

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Rajiv (Raj) Naik

Rajiv Naik

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9261

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Rajiv (Raj) Naik

Rajiv Naik

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9261

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Rajiv (Raj) Naik

Employers often assist their employees in the process of obtaining visas that will allow them to live and work in the UK. The relevant visa category is typically Tier 2 if this involves company sponsorship. It is important that all of the corporate requirements are met when applying for a Tier 2 visa, as well as the strict requirements placed on the individual and their personal circumstances.

Meeting the requirements for personal circumstances can often prove problematic and it is important for companies to be aware that in some cases this can result in visa applications being refused. For example, have you ever had an employee who overstayed the length of their UK visa, or who has previous convictions for driving without a licence? Perhaps you have encountered an employee who failed to disclose important information when applying to enter the UK?

Grounds for refusal

Visa applications can be refused on the basis of character, conduct, behaviour or associations, even if the employee satisfies all other requirements to enter the UK.

There are several general grounds for refusal which can be applied to any visa application. These grounds are relevant whether it is an initial application to enter the UK, a request to extend a current visa, an application to remain permanently in the UK or an application for variation. An employee may have committed an offending act yesterday or several years previously, perhaps even prior to submitting an application. There is also no guarantee a ground for refusal will not be called into question, even if previous applications have been successfully filed.

Government departments working together

We often receive queries from new clients seeking assistance after their employees’ initial applications have been refused. In our experience we have noticed that government departments are now working more closely together and are willing to compare information provided by applicants. This is particularly true of the Home Office and the UK tax authorities, the HMRC. Whilst a tax return, for example, is not a mandatory document for certain types of applications, a previously submitted incorrect return might still have an adverse effect on a future application. This is because the individual’s character may be called into question.

There is scope for government departments to cross reference information. A government caseworker may check the visa application details against information the applicant previously provided to HMRC, when reviewing a submitted application and assessing an applicant’s self employment earnings. If these figures do not match, the caseworker may ask why.

UKVI caseworkers can exercise their discretion when considering an application. They may not necessarily accept the provided information and documentation on face value alone, even if all the application requirements appear to have been met in the first instance. The UKVI will be making subjective decisions on an applicant’s character and conduct, when reviewing previous documents and information received from other government departments.

Importance of accurate applications

Whilst it may sound obvious, it is vitally important for both employers and employees to properly prepare before an application is submitted. Given the potential impact, we champion the need to provide correct and full information at all stages of an application, in order to provide the best opportunity for success.

 

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Rajiv (Raj) Naik

Rajiv Naik

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9261

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Rajiv (Raj) Naik

Rajiv Naik

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9261

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Rajiv (Raj) Naik

Rajiv Naik

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9261

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Folha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções

Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Lawyers Try to Make Sense of Trump’s Confusing H-1B Fee Hike

Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Learn more

Media mentions

Kommunal topinform: Staatsdienst am Limit

Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.

Learn more

Blog post

UAE Golden Visa: Work Permit Requirements for Employers and Professionals

Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: Trump's $100,000 Visa Fee Threatens Wall Street's Pipeline of Junior Bankers and Tech Talent

Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.

Learn more

Media mentions

Asharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد

Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Spotlighted in Financial Times for 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.

Learn more

Media mentions

Investopedia: ICE Crackdowns Are Changing Workplaces: 37% of Americans Report Feeling Less Safe at Work

Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.

Learn more

Awards

The Best Law Firms™ in Germany 2026 Recognizes Fragomen

Fragomen has been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms™ in Germany, earning a Regional Tier 1 ranking in Hessen for Labor and Employment Law.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Folha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções

Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Lawyers Try to Make Sense of Trump’s Confusing H-1B Fee Hike

Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Learn more

Media mentions

Kommunal topinform: Staatsdienst am Limit

Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.

Learn more

Blog post

UAE Golden Visa: Work Permit Requirements for Employers and Professionals

Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: Trump's $100,000 Visa Fee Threatens Wall Street's Pipeline of Junior Bankers and Tech Talent

Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.

Learn more

Media mentions

Asharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد

Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Spotlighted in Financial Times for 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.

Learn more

Media mentions

Investopedia: ICE Crackdowns Are Changing Workplaces: 37% of Americans Report Feeling Less Safe at Work

Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.

Learn more

Awards

The Best Law Firms™ in Germany 2026 Recognizes Fragomen

Fragomen has been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms™ in Germany, earning a Regional Tier 1 ranking in Hessen for Labor and Employment Law.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.