Question on date came to the UK and NI contribution for Form AN

[sparks_yulu]

Hi all,

I came to the UK with Tier 2 ICT visa and later switched to Tier 2 general visa. I had NI exempted for the first year in the UK with Tier 2 ICT visa.

I wonder while asked to submit all P60 forms, I need to write a cover letter to HO explaining why I didn't pay NI for the first year? And also for the date of arrival (with a view to stay in the UK long term) that I should put the date when I switched visa to Tier 2 general?

Many thanks in advance for all your advice,

Yu

[IcikePicike]

I'm only responding to your NI question.

I would do one of two things: either pay the NI contribution for the year that I was exempt or I would include the explanation in a cover letter. Everyone should write a cover letter with their application and should explain items such as yours that can lead to confusion and/or delay in approving an application.

There will be people here telling you not to bother because HO staff SHOULD know rules and regulations. Ignore them, do no take HO staff competency for granted.

Personally, I paid all outstanding NI contributions going back. It wasn't that much and I wanted the largest number of continuous years possible.

[CR001]

You don't need a covering letter.

Simply include a brief explanation about the ICT time in the 'Additional Information' section.

No issue if you state the ICT date of entry.

[CR001]

I'm only responding to your NI question.

I would do one of two things: either pay the NI contribution for the year that I was exempt or I would include the explanation in a cover letter. Everyone should write a cover letter with their application and should explain items such as yours that can lead to confusion and/or delay in approving an application. There is no reason for the OP to pay the NI as the Immigration Rules under the Tier 2 ICT (inter company transfer) permits this period of exemption due to the visa holder being deputised to the UK by a foreign company.

There will be people here telling you not to bother because HO staff SHOULD know rules and regulations. Ignore them, do no take HO staff competency for granted. Interesting observation given that you have followed the EU route (albeit with ILR since 1995) and not the far more complex Tier 2 Work visa route under the UK Immigration Rules.