Tier 2 Visas for Skilled Workers

Foreign nationals can work in the UK, subject to immigration control measures, as long as they obtain the relevant visa. Through the use of a points based system, the UK Border Agency works alongside other organisations to set the requirements for international workers to enter the UK under the rules of Immigration.

One of the visa options for skilled workers is a Tier 2 visa. The following article explains this type of visa and who is eligible to apply, the requirements of applicants and the categories included in this visa type.

Who can apply for a Tier 2 Visa?

Skilled workers from foreign countries who have been given an offer of a job in the UK from a licensed sponsor who holds a valid certificate of sponsorship can apply for a Tier 2 visa. The visa will allow the individual to enter the UK and work for the sponsoring employer as long as they meet the points-based evaluation.

Tier 2 Visa Categories

A Tier 2 visa is made up of 4 categories of skilled worker under the points-based system as described below:

Tier 2 General Visa – This category of visa can be applied for by skilled workers who have been awarded a job offer in the UK to fill a gap in the employer's workforce that cannot be otherwise filled by an already settled worker. In order to apply for a Tier 2 general visa, the applicant will need to have 70 points, with 50 points coming from them presenting a certificate of sponsorship as well as proof of an appropriate salary. The balance of 20 points should be from their English language ability and maintenance funds.

Tier 2 Sportsperson Visa – Workers are eligible to apply for this category of visa if they are an international elite established sportsperson or a coach who can make a substantial positive impact to the development of their sport in the UK. Applicants are required to score a total of 70 points, 50 of which should come from a certificate of sponsorship along with an endorsement from the governing body of their sport. The remaining 20 points should come from their English language skills and through having an appropriate salary.

Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa - If an individual has received an employment offer in the UK as a minister of religion, a missionary or member of a religious order, they will be eligible to apply for a Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa. Again, a score of 70 points is required, with 50 points coming from a certificate of sponsorship, and the balance being achieved through satisfying English language ability skills and having an appropriate salary.

Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer Visa – This type of visa can be applied for by employees of multinational organisations that are being transferred to the UK from a foreign part of the business. The transfer can be on a long-term basis or for several short stays. Individuals can apply for this skilled worker visa type if they are going to fill a post that can't be filled by a new employee who already resides in the UK. Applications can also be made as a graduate trainee who intends to partake in an established training programme which is arranged with the aim of the candidate progressing towards specialist or managerial roles. Alternatively, applications may be received for skills transfer purposes, and this allows graduates to gain experiences and improve skill sets to continue the role overseas or to allow the employee to share their skills and knowledge with the UK workforce.

Applicants are required to have 60 points for a Tier 2 company transfer visa, 50 of which must come from presenting a certificate of sponsorship as well as proof of an adequate salary, and the balance of 10 points will come from maintenance funds.