Tier 2 Visas
What is it?
Tier 2 is for the employment of skilled, sponsored workers from outside the EEA. It replaces most categories of work permits from the previous system, including Intra-Company Transfers (ICT).
Who should apply?
Companies with a Sponsor's License can issue Certificates of Sponsorship for Tier 2 employees.
Basic requirements
To qualify as a Tier 2 employee, the individual must have the 70 points required.
• 50 points are allocated for having a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for a position which is on the Shortage Occupation List.
• If the Certificate of Sponsorship is for a position that is NOT on the Shortage Occupation List, the sponsor will need to test the resident labour force in order to acquire 30 points, and the other 20 points can be made up through the applicant's qualifications and prospective salary.
• The remaining 20 points must be achieved through having the requisite English language skills and available maintenance funds.
• For positions not on the Shortage Occupation List, you must show that the company has performed the Resident Market Labour Test (RMLT) to ensure no UK resident workers are suitable for the position.
What information do I need to provide?
You will need to provide evidence of the applicant's sponsorship, and evidence to support that they meet all other points requirements.
How can Visas For Companies help me?
Visas For Companies have the knowledge and experience to help you gain and maintain your Sponsorship license, and can use their expertise to put together the strongest application for your prospective workers. We can also assist with both issuing the certificate of sponsorship and providing support to the applicant during their application to enter or remain in the UK.
Common Questions
How can I transfer an individual from our branch overseas?
You can transfer an employee under Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer). Your employee will still need to be sponsored, and meet the experience and earnings requirements, and they will have had to be working at your overseas branch for a minimum of 6 months to be eligible.
Is the job of a suitable level?
Tier 2 jobs should be either on the Shortage Occupation List, or be judged to be equivalent to NVQ Level 3 or above. The Home Office provide a Code of Practice for employers to judge whether the post is of a sufficient level, and that the salary is in line with the Code of Practice.
Does my employee need entry clearance?
Tier 2 applicants coming to the UK will need entry clearance. If your employee is currently within the UK and is switching categories, then entry clearance is usually not required.
How long is the visa valid for?
Tier 2 visas are valid for up to 3 years and one month. After 3 years of working in the UK under a Tier 2 visa, workers will be eligible for extending their visa for an additional 2 years. After 5 years working in the UK under a Tier 2 visa, employees will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, which allows them to settle permanently in the UK.
Can my employee bring dependents with them?
Yes, they can bring a dependent partner or family members with them under a Tier 2 visa. Each dependent will need to have gained a dependency visa and entry clearance in order to travel with them to the UK.