UK Tier 2 Visa

​A Tier 2 visa is a type of visa that gives allowance to non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals to work in the UK. This visa is designed for skilled workers who have been offered a job in the UK and have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer with a licensed Tier 2 sponsorship. 

The Tier 2 visa is divided into four categories: General, Intra-Company Transfer, Minister of Religion, and Sportsperson.

There are different benefits to holding a Tier 2 visa. 

• Firstly, it allows an individual to live and work in the UK, gaining valuable work experience and earning a salary.
• It also provides a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship, which can be especially appealing to those looking to settle in the UK long-term. 
• And also enables you to bring dependents with you, including spouses, civil partners, and children under 18 years old, who can also work or study in the UK.

The UK job market is competitive but diverse, with opportunities available in various industries, including finance, technology, healthcare, and education. The country has a strong economy, and London is one of the world’s leading financial centres. However, the job market has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with the impact of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic leading to job losses in some sectors. Nevertheless, many opportunities are still available for skilled workers, and the UK continues to be an attractive destination for international talents.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for a Tier 2 visa, an individual must meet certain criterias, including:

• Job offer requirements; An individual must have a valid job offer from a UK employer with a Tier 2 sponsorship license. The job offer must be for a skilled position that a resident worker cannot fill.

• Skill level requirements; The job offer must meet the required skill level, typically at RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) level 6 or above.

This meant that the job must require a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in any stream.

• English language proficiency; An individual must prove English proficiency by passing an approved English language test or demonstrating that you have a degree that was taught in English.

• Maintenance funds; An individual must have a good financial background to support themselves without relying on public funds. The amount required depends on their circumstances, including whether an individual brings dependents.

And also, the individual should not fall under any prohibited categories, such as having a criminal record, having been deported from the UK before, or posing a threat to national security etc.

Types of Tier 2 Visas:

There are four types of Tier 2 visas available;

Tier 2 (General) Visa

This is the most common type of Tier 2 visa and is designed for skilled workers who have been offered a job in the UK and have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer with a licensed Tier 2 sponsorship. The visa is valid for up to five years and can be extended.

Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) Visa

This visa is designed for multinational companies that need the transfer of skilled employees to the UK from an overseas branch or subsidiary. There are two categories of Intra-Company Transfer visas;

Long-term Staff

 The visa is valid for up to five years for Long-term Staff.

Graduate Trainee

One year for Graduate Trainees.

Tier 2 (Sportsperson) Visa

This visa is designed for elite athletes and coaches endorsed by their sport’s governing bodies. The visa is valid for up to three years and can be extended accordingly.

Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) Visa

This visa is designed for religious workers who have been offered a job in the UK and have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer with a licensed Tier 2 sponsorship. This visa is valid for up to three years and can be extended.

Application Process:

The application process for a Tier 2 visa involves several steps;

Step 1: Get a job offer from a UK employer with a licensed Tier 2 sponsorship.

Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.

Step 3: Complete an online application form on the UK government website.

Step 4: Provide the required documents, which include your passport, CoS, English language test results, and proof of maintenance funds.

Step 5: Pay the visa fee, which can vary depending on the duration of your stay.

Step 6: Book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide biometric information like (fingerprints and photographs).

Step 7: Attend an interview at the visa application centre (if asked).

Step 8: Wait for a decision on your visa application.

Required documents and fees may vary depending on your specific circumstances but usually includes the following:

. Passport or travel document

. Certificate of Sponsorship

. English language proficiency test results

. Proof of maintenance funds

. Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if required)

. Visa application fee

Visa processing times and waiting duration varies depending on the country where you are applying from. Usually, the standard processing time for a Tier 2 visa is usually three weeks. However, you may be able to pay for expedited processing to receive a decision more quickly. Once you decide on your visa application, you can travel to the UK and begin working.

Sponsorship and CoS:

Sponsorship is when UK employers apply to become licensed sponsors to employ foreign workers who need a visa to work in the UK. A sponsor is a UK employer willing to hire foreign workers and has been granted a licensed Tier 2 sponsorship by the government of the UK.

To qualify for a Tier 2 sponsorship license, an employer must meet certain criteria, including:

• Proving that they are a genuine and operating business in the UK.

• Showing that they are aware of their duties and responsibilities as a sponsor.

• Providing evidence that they can offer genuine employment opportunities to foreign workers.

• Ensuring they have appropriate HR and recruitment practices to avoid discrimination against UK workers.

Once an employer has been granted a Tier 2 sponsorship license, they can issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to foreign workers they wish to employ. A CoS is an electronic document containing information about the job offer and the worker’s details. The worker must provide the CoS reference number when applying for a Tier 2 visa. Each CoS has a unique reference number and can only be used once.

It’s worth noting that having a job offer from a UK employer with a Tier 2 sponsorship license does not guarantee that you will be granted a Tier 2 visa. You must still meet all the eligibility criteria and provide the required documents and fees when submitting your visa application.

Dependents and Family members:

Dependents and family members of Tier 2 visa holders may be eligible to join them in the UK. The eligibility criteria for dependents and family members are as follows:

Spouses or partners: Married or unmarried partners may be eligible to join a Tier 2 visa holder in the UK.

Children: Children under 18 may be eligible to join a Tier 2 visa holder in the UK.

To be eligible to join a Tier 2 visa holder in the UK, dependents and family members must:

• Be named on the Tier 2 visa holder’s visa application.

• Provide evidence of their relationship with the Tier 2 visa holder.

• Must meet the English language criterias (if applicable).

• Have enough money to support themselves without claiming public funds.

The visa application process for dependents and family members is similar to that of the Tier 2 visa holder. Dependents and family members must complete an online application form, provide the required documents, pay the visa fee, and provide biometric information at a visa application centre.

Dependents and family members of Tier 2 visa holders are allowed to work and study in the UK without any restrictions. However, they must provide evidence of their relationship with the Tier 2 visa holder and meet the relevant eligibility criteria for work and study in the UK.

Switching to a Tier 2 Visa:

Switching visas is the process of changing from one type of UK visa to another without leaving the UK. If you are already in the UK on a different type of visa and wish to work in the UK on a Tier 2 visa, you may be able to switch to a Tier 2 visa without leaving the UK.

To be eligible to switch to a Tier 2 visa, you must:

•  Be in the UK on a valid visa.

• Have a valid job offer from a UK employer with a Tier 2 sponsorship license.

•  Meet the relevant eligibility criteria for a Tier 2 visa, including the skill level and English language requirements.

• Have enough money to support yourself without claiming public funds.

 The application process for switching to a Tier 2 visa involves several steps:

• Complete an online application form on the UK government website.

• Provide the required documents, including your current visa, your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), proof of English language proficiency, and proof of maintenance funds.

• Pay the visa fee, which varies depending on the length of your stay.

• Book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photographs).

• Attend an interview at the visa application centre (if required).

• Wait for a decision on your visa application.

It’s very important to note that not all visa types can be switched to a Tier 2 visa, and there may be some restrictions on switching from certain types of visas. It is always a good idea to seek professional advice before starting the process of switching visas.

Visa Renewal and Permanent Residency:

​When your Tier 2 visa is about to expire, you may be able to apply for a visa renewal. The requirements for a visa renewal are similar to those for the initial visa application, including the need for a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, meeting the skill level and English language requirements, and having enough maintenance funds. You must also provide updated documents, such as a new CoS from your employer and current bank statements.

If you have been living and working in the UK on a Tier 2 visa for five years or more, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as Permanent Residency. To qualify for ILR, you must;

• Have spent a continuous period of at least five years in the UK on a Tier 2 visa.

• Meet the relevant eligibility criteria for ILR, including the skill level and English language requirements.

• Have not breached any UK immigration laws during your time in the UK.

• Have enough maintenance funds.

Once you have obtained ILR, you can live and work in the UK without any restrictions. You will also be eligible to apply for British citizenship after holding ILR for at least one year. The benefits of permanent residency include:

• The right to vote.
• Access to public funds.
• Access to the UK National Health Service (NHS) without paying surcharges.

It’s important to note that the eligibility criteria and requirements for visa renewal and ILR may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest information on the UK government website or seek professional advice.

Advantages of a Tier 2 Visa

(I) Employment opportunities: A Tier 2 visa allows you to work in the UK, which can provide an individual with valuable career opportunities and experience.

(II) Eligibility for permanent residency;

 After living and working in the UK on a Tier 2 visa for five years, an individual may be eligible to apply for permanent residency, which can provide you with greater stability and access to benefits.

(III)Dependents and family members;

Individuals can bring their spouse, partner, and children to the UK as dependents on their Tier 2 visa, allowing their family to join them in the UK.

(IV) English language proficiency: Meeting the English language requirements for a Tier 2 visa can be an advantage, as it demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively in English, a valuable skill in many industries.

Disadvantages of a Tier 2 Visa

(I) Employer sponsorship; To be eligible for a Tier 2 visa, an individual needs to have a job offer from an employer who has a Tier 2 sponsorship license, which can limit her job options.

(II) Skill level requirement; To be eligible for a Tier 2 visa, you must have a job offer that meets the required skill level, which may be difficult for some applicants.

(III) Immigration fees; The cost of applying for a Tier 2 visa can be high, and you may also be required to pay additional fees for your dependents.

(IV) Limited duration; A Tier 2 visa is typically issued for a maximum of five years and may be subject to renewal, creating uncertainty about your long-term future in the UK.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, a Tier 2 visa is a work visa that allows non-UK citizens to work in the UK for up to five years. To be eligible for a Tier 2 visa, an individual must have a job offer from an employer with a licensed Tier 2 sponsorship, meet the required skill level and English language requirements, and have enough maintenance funds.

The benefits of a Tier 2 visa include:

• Employment opportunities.
• Eligibility for permanent residency.
• The ability to bring dependents and family members to the UK.

However, there are also some disadvantages to consider, such as the need for employer sponsorship, the skill level requirement, and the cost of immigration fees.

So it is observed that overall a Tier 2 visa provides valuable job opportunities and experiences in the UK and maybe a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship. However, it’s important to carefully consider the eligibility criterias, requirements and potential drawbacks before applying for a Tier 2 visa.