APPLY FOR A TIER 2 VISA
The Tier 2 Visa
Tier 2 visas are one of the most popular categories for a skilled migrant worker entering the UK. With a Tier 2 visa, an applicant is sponsored by an employer who carries a suitable Tier 2 Sponsorship license. With many opportunities for skilled workers in Britain across various sectors, this makes the Tier 2 visa an appealing prospect for many.
Understanding Tier 2 Visa eligibility
Under the Tier 2 visa, there are multiple categories, including General, Sportsperson, Minister of Religion and Intra-Company Transfer. The General Tier 2 visa is the most popular, which is the focus of this page. For more information about any of the other categories, contact our friendly and helpful team.
- For a successful Tier 2 application, you must have:
- A current Certificate of Sponsorship from a suitably licensed employer
- Any proof of your relevant and skills and experience concerning your job
- An understanding of what constitutes a reasonable salary for your work
- At least £945 in personal savings, maintained for at least a period of 90 days
- Results confirming the successful pass of a tuberculosis test, if necessary
- A reasonable salary is determined as the minimum level of salary necessary for the visa type you're applying for, or the rate usually carried by your job titles, whichever is more. For example, the minimum experienced Tier 2 General worker salary is £30,000. However, specific jobs can carry a lower salary, such as nurses, paramedics, specific subject secondary school teachers, and medical radiographers.
Making your Tier 2 visa application
You can make your Tier 2 visa with the assistance of a suitably qualified immigration lawyer. They will give you the correct information you need in order to provide you with the best possible chance of making a successful application.
What documents are needed to apply?
You will need to provide supporting documentation with your application. This can include the following:
- A CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) reference number
- Suitable proof of meeting minimum English language requirements
- A bank/building society statement confirming £945 or more savings
- A valid current passport or travel document
- Any expired documents or passports as proof of prior travel history
- If a tuberculosis test was necessary, your proof of results
- If you will be working with the vulnerable, a criminal record certificate
This is not an exhaustive list of the possible, supporting documentation that you may need. You will be able to get more information from your immigration lawyer, as the supporting documentation necessary will vary depending on the nature of your application and your individual circumstances.
What if your application is denied?
Currently, there is no generally accepted right of appeal process if your Tier 2 visa application is denied, though it's possible in certain circumstances that you can apply to have an administrative or judicial review. Your legal representation can give you some more guidance regarding the specific options open to you if your application is denied.
How long can you stay in the UK?
If your application is successful, you will have up to six years to stay in the UK on a General Tier 2 visa. If you want to remain after five years, you can consider applying for an Indefinite Leave to Remain. Your successful application for this will depend on whether or not you earn above the minimum income threshold of £35,500.
How long does the decision process take?
Generally, you will have a decision within around three weeks. However, please understand that this is only a guideline, you could get a decision much quicker, or it could take even longer if there's a particular backlog of applications. The best thing you can do is make sure that your application and supporting documents are all completed to the best of your ability. This is because if certain information is missing and has to be chased up or verified, it may further delay your application process time. A little extra investment in making sure you get the assistance of a professional and suitably qualified immigration lawyer can help considerably by ensuring that your application is completed to the best possible standards.
Understanding the Healthcare Surcharge
Your Healthcare Surcharge must be paid upfront. The charge itself will vary depending on whether you are coming alone or if you are bringing a spouse and/or child with you. Be sure to get an accurate calculation of the exact surcharge you will be expected to pay. Otherwise, you could risk being in a situation of having your application revoked for non-payment.