Important Updates
Important Updates
October 20, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS Issues Guidelines on the New H-1B Fee
October 21, 2025 | DenmarkDenmark: New Online System for Foreign Service Providers’ Requirements Forthcoming
October 21, 2025 | GeorgiaGeorgia: Authorities Request Police Clearances on Ad Hoc Basis 
October 21, 2025 | HungaryHungary: Easier Process for Study/Research Residence Permit Holders to Convert to EU Blue Card
October 21, 2025 | SingaporeSingapore: Permanent Residents Will Need to Apply for a Re-Entry Permit to Maintain Permanent Residence Status
October 20, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS Issues Guidelines on the New H-1B Fee
October 21, 2025 | DenmarkDenmark: New Online System for Foreign Service Providers’ Requirements Forthcoming
October 21, 2025 | GeorgiaGeorgia: Authorities Request Police Clearances on Ad Hoc Basis 
October 21, 2025 | HungaryHungary: Easier Process for Study/Research Residence Permit Holders to Convert to EU Blue Card
October 21, 2025 | SingaporeSingapore: Permanent Residents Will Need to Apply for a Re-Entry Permit to Maintain Permanent Residence Status
October 20, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS Issues Guidelines on the New H-1B Fee
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 AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese 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
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • 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

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Times: Bye bye, Dubai: why families are heading for Abu Dhabi

Fragomen is featured in The Times as a key immigration adviser highlighting Abu Dhabi’s rising demand for golden visas, especially among UK nationals seeking long-term, self-sponsored residency.

Learn more

Video

Important Update for Brazil-Bound Visitors | #MobilityMinute

Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s visitor visa rules and what travelers should know.

Learn more

Blog post

Changes to Skilled Worker Dependants: How UK Government’s July 2025 Rules Affect Tech Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev and Paralegal Emily Whalley discuss how upcoming UK visa changes will affect skilled worker dependants and reshape tech sector mobility.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Contributes to Third Edition of Einwanderungsrecht

Partner Marius Tollenaere provides key insights on labour migration, procedures and employer obligations in the latest edition of "Einwanderungsrecht".

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Times: Bye bye, Dubai: why families are heading for Abu Dhabi

Fragomen is featured in The Times as a key immigration adviser highlighting Abu Dhabi’s rising demand for golden visas, especially among UK nationals seeking long-term, self-sponsored residency.

Learn more

Video

Important Update for Brazil-Bound Visitors | #MobilityMinute

Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s visitor visa rules and what travelers should know.

Learn more

Blog post

Changes to Skilled Worker Dependants: How UK Government’s July 2025 Rules Affect Tech Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev and Paralegal Emily Whalley discuss how upcoming UK visa changes will affect skilled worker dependants and reshape tech sector mobility.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Contributes to Third Edition of Einwanderungsrecht

Partner Marius Tollenaere provides key insights on labour migration, procedures and employer obligations in the latest edition of "Einwanderungsrecht".

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.