Tier 2 Visa for Skilled Workers
The new UK points system was introduced on 1 December 2020 and included a number of significant changes to the points based system. The Tier 2 visa allows skilled workers to enter the UK on a long term basis to fill a skilled job vacancy in a wide range of skilled occupations including in IT, accountancy, teaching, and healthcare. The occupation needs to be on the Tier 2 occupation list.
If the occupation is on the Tier 2 Shortage Occupation List it is easier to gain enough points under the points system. Before they apply, Tier 2 visa applicants must have a job offer and a Tier 2 Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 sponsor licence.
Tier 2 Visa categories
- Tier 2 Skilled Worker visa For workers who have a skilled job offer and a certificate of sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 sponsor licence. The Tier 2 visa applicant will need to gain enough points under the Tier 2 points system.
- Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) visa For employees of a multinational company who are being transferred to the business's UK branch. Applicants must have a valid certificate of sponsorship from their employer. There are two sub-categories:
- Long term staff
- Graduate trainee
- Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa For workers who've been offered a job, such as missionary or minister of religion, within a religious community organisation in the UK.
- Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa For elite sportspeople and coaches. The applicant must be recognised or endorsed by their sport's governing body.
Tier 2 Shortage Occupations List
It should be easier to gain enough points under the points system if the occupation is on the shortage occupation list.
Jobs found on this list include IT people, engineers, nurses and many other occupations.
Documents
Tier 2 applicants must provide several documents with their application, these include:
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Current passport and/or other travel documents
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Proof that they can meet the maintenance funds requirements for their visa. Usually the Tier 2 A rated sponsor guarantees maintenance in the UK. Another way to show this is to have bank statements over 28 days showing maintenance funds.
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Proof that they meet the Tier 2 English Language requirements, such as qualification equivalent to a bachelors degree or higher taught in English or English language test results.
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A clear tuberculosis (TB) test result letter, if the applicant is from one of the countries on the Home Office's TB testing list
