What is a UK Tier-2 Visa?
The Tier 2 Visa (General) route, part of the UK's Points-Based System, is designed for skilled workers from outside the
European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland who have a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 sponsorship licence.
It is a key route for highly skilled individuals looking to work in the UK.
In essence, the Tier 2 Visa (General) is crucial for skilled workers from outside the EEA and Switzerland who have a job offer from a licensed employer in the UK. It enables skilled individuals to fill gaps in the UK labor market, particularly in sectors facing shortages.
Eligibility Criteria:
To successfully apply for the Tier 2 (General) Visa and work in the UK, you must meet specific criteria and obtain the necessary documentation.
- Secure a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship license.
- Obtain the Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer.
- Ensure your job is eligible under the Tier 2 General Visa, either by skill level or placement on the Shortage Occupation List.
- Meet the salary requirement, ensuring your pay meets the minimum thresholds.
- Collect at least 70 points based on the points-based system, combining sponsorship, salary, English language skills, and maintenance funds.
Tier 2 Visa Point Attributes
| Characteristics | Mandatory/Tradeable | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Offer of job by approved sponsor | Mandatory | 20 |
| Job at appropriate skill level | Mandatory | 20 |
| Speaks English at required level | Mandatory | 10 |
| Salary of £20,480 to £23,039 or at least 80% of the going rate for the profession (whichever is higher) | Tradeable | 0 |
| Salary of £23,040 to £25,599 or at least 90% of the going rate for the profession (whichever is higher) | Tradeable | 10 |
| Salary of £25,600 or above or at least the going rate for the profession (whichever is higher) | Tradeable | 20 |
| Job in a shortage occupation as designated by the Migration Advisory Committee | Tradeable | 20 |
| Education qualification: PhD in a subject relevant to the job | Tradeable | 10 |
| Education qualification: PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job | Tradeable | 20 |
Documents Required for UK Tier-2 Visa:
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number - employer will give this
- English Language Evidence (CEFR level B1)
- A valid passport with atleast 1 blank page
- Your job title and annual salary
- Your job’s occupation code
- The name of your employer and their sponsor license number - this will be on certificate of sponsorship
Other Documents might need
- Proof of funds (Bank statements) atleast £1,270 - (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you)
- Marriage Certificate
- Tuberculosis test results
- Police Clearance Certificate(PCC)
- A valid ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme)
- Certificate - if your job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher
Cost involved in UK Tier-2 Visa
- Application Fee : ranges from £610 to £1,408 depends on the circumstances
- Healthcare surcharge : this is usually £624 per year
Application Process
- It is an online application to be submitted after paying the fee
How long you can stay:
- The UK Tier-2 visa can remain valid for up to 5 years before it requires an extension. You will need to apply for an extension or update your visa when it lapses or if you switch jobs or employers.
Processing time
- You can submit a visa application up to 3 months prior to the date you are scheduled to begin employment in the UK. This date is specified on your certificate of sponsorship.
Your Dependants (partner and children)
Your spouse and children can apply to accompany you or remain in the UK as your ‘dependents’ if they meet the requirements. If their application is approved, their visa will expire on the same date as yours.
Dos and Don’ts in UK
With a Skilled Worker visa you can:
- work in an eligible job
- study
- bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible
- take on additional work in certain circumstances
- do voluntary work
- travel abroad and return to the UK
- apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years and meet the other eligibility requirements
You cannot:
- Apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
- Change jobs or employer unless you apply to update your visa
- If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Skilled Worker visa.