York accountant’s frustration after employee feared being deported over visa delays
David Chan, director of Atrium Accounts (Image: Seven Video)
A York accountant has voiced his frustration after an employee feared she would be deported over delays in processing her visa.
David Chan, director of Atrium Accounts, said he spent weeks on the process to allow his employee, accounts assistant Gileesha Katuwana, to remain in the country.
Gileesha, 31, a Sri Lankan national, said the situation resulted in her feeling “really stressed” and not knowing whether to start packing her bags.
The Home Office has been contacted for comment.
David said he applied to the Home Office on July 30 to sponsor Gileesha so she could obtain a skilled worker visa.
Gileesha Katuwana, accounts assistant at Atrium Accounts, who feared being deported due to delays in obtaining her visa (Image: Supplied)
Gileesha, who started working at Clifton Moor-based Atrium Accounts after graduating from Leeds Beckett University in July 2024, had been on a two-year graduate visa which expires on Sunday (October 18).
David said he was aware of the looming October 18 deadline so applied to sponsor Gileesha using the Home Office’s priority service at a cost of £1,361 (comprising an application fee of £611 and a priority service fee of £750) and received an automated response saying his application was received.
But on August 4, David said he received a reply from the Home Office asking for six months of bank statements which he provided on August 6.
David said the Home Office declined the application on August 19, saying it was not satisfied that David could “maintain the prospective salary” and it was “inappropriate” to have an accounts assistant role.
David said an accounts assistant is a key role at his practice and Gileesha was already a staff member, so felt the Home Office “picked up the wrong conclusion and then added it onto my file”.
He appealed the Home Office’s decision on August 31 but said he had not received a response to the appeal by October 8.
David said that, due to Gileesha’s visa expiring on October 18, he was left with “no alternative” but to submit another sponsorship application for Gileesha on October 7, again paying £1,361 for this application to be made through the Home Office’s priority service.
David said he contacted the Home Office twice to say they were fast approaching the October 18 expiry date of Gileesha’s visa.
The Press contacted the Home Office for comment about Gileesha’s situation on the evening of October 8 and David said his sponsorship application was approved the following day.
David also contacted York Central MP Rachael Maskell about the application who said she contacted the Home Office “asking them to immediately look into the matter”.
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David said he was “extremely grateful for the combined efforts of everyone involved in helping us reach this stage” but raised concern over the lengthy visa process.
He said the process risked “disincentivising future people coming into the country” to study, adding: “Universities need that income from international students. I’ve worked in a university before, I know international students pay more.”
Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central (Image: UK Parliament/PA Wire)
“For approximately seven weeks, I spent each day wondering where to turn,” David said. “Ultimately, my immigration adviser, Jennie Chau of Elite Immigration, Rachael Maskell and her team, and the York Press have provided invaluable support.
“They came to our aid when I was struggling to find a resolution but remained determined to support an individual who has invested considerable time and funds, as well as her career, in the UK.
Jennie Chau of Elite Immigration, who advised David Chan about the situation (Image: Supplied)
“I have always sought to adopt an altruistic approach, and the combined support of the like-minded individuals and organisations named above reinforces the importance of helping those in need. Together, we have helped this individual build a life in York.”
Gileesha said she was “really dedicated” to her job in York, commuting five hours a day for shifts before moving to the city.
Speaking before her visa was approved, she said: “I’m currently in a position where I cannot take a decision on whether I need to go back [to Sri Lanka].
“I’m not sure what I need to do. I really love working in the UK."
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After her visa was approved, Gileesha said: “I am feeling much better and really relieved now.
“It was a very stressful time for me, especially with my visa expiry date getting closer, so getting the sponsor licence approved on October 9 has taken a huge weight off my shoulders.”
Rachael Maskell said: “I share the concerns that the business-owner and sponsor, Mr Chan, raises. The business needs clarity and the assurance to be able to plan for its future work.”
“The number of delays and the backlog of cases has historically been high at the Home Office and new staff are now employed to get through the workload,” the MP added.