Do you have the dream of working in the United Kingdom with your professional expertise? There is no better opportunity than the Tier 2 visa program in the UK. This visa category enables employers to take foreign workers to fill up positions that are difficult to fill with local citizens.
It’s easy to agree that getting this Tier 2 visa presents exciting career prospects in one of the most developed economies in the world. Although several procedures need to be followed for applying for a job, knowledge of these can ease the process. Now, you will learn about the details of the type of visa that you are eligible to apply for and the things you have to meet to be able to secure a Tier 2 visa to work in the United Kingdom.
Which Visa is the Tier 2 Visa?
What do you know about Tier 2 Visa? But first of all, one has to understand what a Tier 2 Visa is, how one applies for the Visa, and what documents are required.
The Tier 2 visa or the General Work Visa, is classified for non-EEA citizens to obtain a job in a certified UK organization. Some of the immigration permissions in this category are Tier 2 (General) permission to work; Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) permission to work; and Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) permission to work.
The Tier 2 visa is available for the following categories: Employment, Skilled workers, Ministers of religion, international sports Persons, and Creative Workers.
Eligibility Criteria/Requirements for Tier 2 Visa
It is important to make sure that one will qualify to get the Tier 2 visa before going for the visa application process. The primary requirements include:
- Job Offer: To be considered for this route, you need to have a verified job offer and that job offer has to be from an employer in the United Kingdom, the type of job must be skilled and the salary you are required to earn must also meet a specific amount.
- Sponsorship: There are certain conditions that your prospective employer has to fulfill according to the immigration system of the United Kingdom and one of them is that he or she has to be licensed.
- English Language Proficiency: You need to document your English competency to meet certain requirements.
Maintenance Funds: You must also have enough money for yourself and any dependents that you have accompanying you to support yourselves in the UK.
How to Apply for a Tier 2 Visa in the United Kingdom
Now that we have understood what you need to do to be considered for the Tier 2 Visa, you must understand how you can apply for the visa. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Publish a ”Certificate of Sponsorship”
It is also important to note that your UK employer is bound by law to issue you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is indeed a reference number that your employer will give you to show that he or she intends to sponsor you.
Step 2: Preparation of Supporting Documents
Make sure you have collected all the necessary documents such as your passport, educational certificates, test scores for English proficiency, and the documents supporting your finances for the trip.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
The application process requires a candidate to visit the official site of the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to submit an online form. It is crucial that all the information which is supplied is indeed true and pertains to the documents that are tendered as exhibits.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
You will be expected to pay the fees for the visa depending on your circumstances; the amount varies as well. Still, the UKVI official website provides information as to when such fees may be raised or altered; however, the actual fees are depicted on the UKVI website.
Step 5: Attend a Biometric Appointment
At this stage, it is possible to pass through a biometric enrollment that involves taking fingerprints and a digital photograph from the applicant.
Step 6: Apply Now
After going through these steps you may submit your application with relevant documents to the UKVI for further processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common questions that applicants have regarding the UK Tier 2 Visa.
What are the eligible occupations for the Tier 2 visa?
It can be determined by the NQF Level 6 or higher for a specific job and has a minimum wage standard of £30,000 per year or the average rate of the occupation.
What amount should I show for maintenance funds?
You should have at least £1,270 of your cash available to pay for living expenses after entering the UK for 90 days.
What is the validity period of the Tier 2 visa?
The first and the most basic Tier 2 visa is usually issued for up to five years. It can also be renewed for an additional 6 years if needed.
Can my spouse/partner and children accompany me on the Tier 2 visa?
Yes, dependent relatives such as your spouse/partner and children below the age of 18 years may join you in the UK under a Tier 2 visa.
Is it possible to study while working on a Tier 2 visa?
Yes, there are no study restrictions. You can proceed with education studies in tandem with your work.
What are the requirements for applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settlement?
If you have stayed in the UK for 5 years on a Tier 2 visa, then you are eligible to apply for settlement in the UK or be granted an ILR.
Which English tests are accepted for the Tier 2 visa?
Tests such as IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration and other approved English language tests for the UK with a score of at least 4. This means that low scores of 0 in each component are allowed.