Work in the UK

Tier Two General Skilled Worker Visa

If you are an individual with a definite offer of a skilled job (at NQF Level 6) (including to fill shortage occupations) in the UK from a Tier 2 Sponsor then the Tier 2 General visa category is an option.

For a Tier 2 Visa you will need to show the following:

• A Tier 2 Sponsor License holder has offered you a job offer in the UK;
• The job offer is a genuine vacancy;
• You are appropriately qualified or registered to do the job.
• Job is at least graduate level (NQF Level 6) or a specified creative profession;
• The job is on the Home Office’s list of skilled occupations;
• A minimum salary of £30,000 (£20,800 for some applicants) or the minimum for the exact job you are doing, whichever is higher;
• You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking);
• Have adequate financial means without having to rely on public funds.

For a Tier 2 Visa the Sponsor will need to show the following:

• There is no suitable settled worker to fill the role;
• They have advertised the role for at least 28 days in two places and no suitable settled worker has applied (unless on the Shortage Occupation List or switching from Tier 4 General Student);

Dependents:

• Any partner and children under 18 years old can accompany you as your dependents.

Switching:

• Switching into the Tier 2 General immigration category is possible if you are already in the UK under Tier 1, 2, or 4 of the point-based system;
• If you have been in the UK under some other immigration categories you might be able to combine the time spent to count towards settlement;
• You may not be able to apply to re-enter the UK if you have held a Tier 2 visa within the previous 12 months and may be subject to a ‘cooling off period’;

Tier 4 General Student:

As a Tier 4 General Student Visa holder, in order to be eligible to switch into the Tier 2 General category you will need show:

• You have completed and passed your degree course; or
• Are applying within 3 months before the expected completion date.

Meeting the financial requirement:

• Guaranteed allowances can be included to show you meet the minimum salary criteria (provided this would also be paid to a settled worker);
• You must not own more than 10% of the share capital of the sponsoring company, unless your gross salary over £159,600.

Conditions of Employments:

• Usually only work for your Sponsor will be permitted;
• You may be able to do some additional part time work in certain circumstances;
• Criminal record checks for some health, education or social work roles may be required from any country that you have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.