The government has imposed an interim limit of Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas that may be issued between now and April next year.  This limit will come into effect from 19th July 2010 and will ensure that the number of Tier 1 and Tier 2 points-based system visas issued are below that issued in 2009.  These interim measures include:

* introducing a limit on the number of Tier 1 (General) applications that will be considered each month and raising the number of points needed to qualify from 95 to 100 (unless you are extending your stay in the UK under Tier 1 (General) or HSMP, or are a writer, composer or artist, or a self-employed lawyer).  Once the monthly limit is reached all outstanding Tier 1 (General) applications will be put in a queue for consideration the following month.

* limiting the number of certificates of sponsorship under Tier 2 (General) that licensed employers can issue to those who wish to come to fill skilled job vacancies. Requests for additional certificates will only be considered under exceptional circumstances - the sponsor must have used up its existing allocation and show that it has a pressing need to issue further certificates of sponsorship