restricted CoS question

[satya123]

1) How much time it take for UKBA to decide on approval of COS application
2) How to find out how much point I can earn for my case. I read that I needed at least 32 points.
3) Is it possible to visit UK (with tourist visa) when employer has applied for my COS.

[Jeeves]

1) They're issued on the 11th of the month.
2) 32 is indeed the minimum, as far as I know they've never run out so 32 has always been enough.
3) Yes but you'll need to return home to apply for Entry Clearance as a Tier 2 migrant. You might get question by an Immigration Officer about what you intend to do here if they can see you're about to be sponsored.

[grif-fin]

Hi guys, anyone knows if you have applied for CoS between 11th of the month and lets say on 12th is there any urgent treatment to get the CoS before the start of the next month?

[satya123]

Thanks Jeevs for the response. You mentioned that 32 is needed I would like to know how much point I will get.

Are these points same as tier 2 points. Please let me know.

[grif-fin]

satua123, here: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/busin ... icted-cos/ shows the pointing system. Please correct me if I'm wrong Jeeves.

[trueblue19]

Thanks Jeevs for the response. You mentioned that 32 is needed I would like to know how much point I will get.

Are these points same as tier 2 points. Please let me know.

Yes they are. Basically, if you're scoring 70 points on the points based calculator, you'll be fine. Anything under 70 points (for Tier 2 general category) does not qualify for a Visa anyway. I'm not sure of UKBA's '32 points or above applications were approved for CoS' relevance but its surely not relevant to Tier 2 General.

Additionally, regarding your question about 'whether to travel on tourist visa to the UK while your Tier 2 CoS approval is in progress', here's what my solicitor had told me (In my case I had asked if I can travel to the UK as a business visitor while the formalities for applying for a CoS are going on):

"You may travel to the UK / apply for entry clearance as a business visitor prior to the submission of your visa application but we strongly recommend you consult us and take advice prior to doing so. You may not engage in productive work as a business visitor. Please also note that your Tier 2 entry clearance visa application cannot be submitted in the UK whilst you are here as a business visitor. "