Scotland assistant coach Todd Blackadder will be forced to re-apply for his post when his work permit expires in May.
The former New Zealand captain was handed the number two role by head coach Matt Williams three months ago.
However, under Home Office regulations, the Scottish Rugby Union will have to advertise the position. An SRU spokesman told Scotland On Sunday: "From the Home Office perspective we have to be absolutely transparent on this. The job will be re-advertised in the week following the last fixture against Ireland and Todd will have the opportunity to re-apply.
"Both Matt Williams and the SRU obviously hope that he will be successful, but who knows what the advertisement could throw up in terms of other applicants?"