Tier 2 Work Visa Information
In order to apply for a Tier 2 work visa which enables the applicant to legally reside and work in the UK, it is important to first understand the 5 tiers in UK immigration process for workers outside the EU zone. The points based 5 tier system was set up to facilitate UK immigration applications from 2010.
In order to gain a work visa and applicant must achieve the necessary number of point required for the particular visa they are applying for. Points are awarded relative to the skills, qualifications, ability, age and experience of each applicant. The number of points required for your application is decided by which tier you are applying under.
From January 2021 once the UK officially exits the EU, free movement for EU citizens in the UK will no longer be possible and the tier system will be in use for EU and non EU applicants.
If you are currently resident within or outside the UK and require a tier 2 visa allow our team of immigration specialists to help you during the application process.
Tier 2 General Visa Requirements
The Tier 2 visa application is intended for ‘skilled workers’ who have been offered employment in the UK. This includes individuals who are migrating to the UK via inter company transfers, professional sports people, ministers of religion and professions where there is a shortage of skilled labour in the UK.
If you are a spouse, civil partner, child or dependant under the age of 18 of a successful tier 2 applicant you may also be eligible for the right to remain within the UK.
- Advise on your Rights
- Assessment of your Claim Free
- Assessment of Good Character
- Prepare documents in support of claim
- Prepare your Naturalisation Application
- Keep you informed of all developments
Tier 2 General Visa Application
The tier 2 visa application process is rigorous and can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the most current UK legislation. We are able to help applicants and their families from start to finish with the tier 2 application process. From helping to collate and upload information and legal documents through to representation in the case of application refusals.
The tier 2 system has been designed to prioritise high-skilled, high paid workers and can present issues for non-English speaking low skilled applicants.
Wherever you are based in the UK, get in touch for an obligation free consultation with our Tier 2 visa advisors who will be able to explain the process and start the application on your behalf.
Tier 2 General Work Visa FAQs
You will be required to apply for a Tier 2 visa if you have been offered work by a licensed sponsor and intend to work in the UK and currently resident outside of the EEA (European Economic Area) or Switzerland.
Tier 2 general visas are available for 3 or 5 years periods. The length of your visa duration will depend on the period of time applied for by your employer.
Yes, if an employee has not checked their tier 2 status with their employers, and has not been authorised they are liable to a civil penalty and may be refused a tier 2 visa. The employer will be committing a criminal offence if they knowingly employ an illegal worker or employ an illegal worker where they have reasonable cause to believe that the worker does not have the right to work in the UK.
Home Office guidance states that employers have a “grace period” after the transfer of a migrant worker in which to carry out the appropriate checks regarding the employee status.
When transferring an employee’s right to work, the employer should, transfer a visa within a prespecified time period.
Following a visa transfer the employer is obliged to check and retain a copy of up to two legal documents, from a prescribed list, and take reasonable steps to verify their authenticity.
For employers using our visa service to check the Tier 2 status of potential employees, we are able to check the applicant’s documents in person or via the Home Office Right To Work service.
Once you have arranged a consultation with one of our Tier 2 immigration lawyers, we would advise you read the general sponsor guidance notes which are applicable to all Tier 2 and Tier 5 applicants as well as important information on assigning a certificate of sponsorship to a contract for employers. As these notes are only guidance we would recommend the meeting with us to go over your application, as despite the guidance you are unable to challenge final Home Office decisions
Yes, if you are hoping to make a Tier 2 visa application your employer, will be required to produce a sponsorship certificate on your behalf. If your employer is unsure of this process please get in touch on 01634 789 223.
Your UK Sponsor & Licence holder will assign a certificate (work permit) to you if you qualify to switch in-country; this is called an unrestrictive certificate of sponsor. If you have been offered employment as a national from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland and live outside these areas, you will be assigned a restrictive certificate of sponsor.
Tier 2 General Visa Client Testimonials
Please take a moment to read some of the testimonials we have received about our Tier 2 Visa work. Our wealth of experience and knowledge of the application process is reflected in the number of successful General Visa applications we have worked completed.
