Last Updated on March 21, 2022 by Visa Journal
Tier 2 visa (General) is a type of UK work visa issued to talented and skilled workers that belong outside of the European Economic Area and Switzerland. Tier 2 Visa is a part of the new point based visa system that was introduced in Britain on 1st December 2020. To be eligible for this work visa one should have been offered a job from a UK Visa an Immigration (UKVI) authorized employer.
This Skilled Work Visa, allows you to do multiple entries, and also allows you to bring your family along with you to the UK.
Eligibility Guide:
The employer must issue a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) to the visa applicant. Certificate of sponsorship must include details of the applicant as well as the employment. The visa, also known as a Leave to Remain (LTR), will be awarded for the period specified in the CoS.
The CoS must also affirm that the applicant will be paid an acceptable income and that the employment passed the Residence Labour Market Test (RLMT). The only exception to the the income level is if the applicant is already inside UK on a Tier 4 (General) student visa. The CoS will subsequently be used to apply for a Tier 2 (General) or LTR visa.
Within three months of receiving your certificate of sponsorship, you must apply for your Tier 2 Genral Visa. Before you can apply, you’ll need the certificate’s unique reference number.
Required Documents:
For Tier 2 Work Visa these are the following requirements as referred by UK Government Official Website, you must be careful about:
- You must have a skilled job offer from a UK employer holding a valid Tier 2 Sponsor License issued by UKVI.
- Applicant must have a verified certificate of sponsorship (CoS).
- Must clear the Resident Labour Market Test (undertaken by your employer).
- Minimum salary of £20,800 per annum
- Fulfil English language requirement at least CEFR level B1 in all aspects including reading, writing, speaking and listening.
- Showcase maintenance funds of £945 to support yourself for almost 90 days.
- If you are a citizen of one of the exception nations, such as the United States, Canada, or New Zealand, you do not need to verify your English proficiency.
- A bank or building society statement or a letter demonstrating sufficient personal funds will be required.
How to Apply for Tier 2 (General Visa)?
You must begin the application procedure for a Tier 2 General Work Visa from outside the United Kingdom, usually your country of residence. To begin, go to the UKVI website and fill out the online application. The online application form includes questions about your personal details as well as your reason for visiting the United Kingdom.
Second, gather all of the paperwork needed to apply for UK work visa. Depending on your country of origin, you may also need to take a TB test and obtain a criminal record certificate. It is also necessary to pay a health surcharge.
Finally, if this is your first visit to the United Kingdom, you must make an appointment with the nearest UK application centre, UK embassy, or consulate in your home country, where you must submit biometrics and have a photograph taken.
You must apply within three months from the the date of your certificate of sponsorship. When you apply from outside the UK, the UKVI normally takes 3 weeks to proces your uk visa application.
Duration of Tier 2 (General Visa)
The duration of a Tier 2 General Work Visa is fixed, it is either issued for 3 years or 5 years. After the you have lived in UK on the Tier 2 General Visa for a total of five (5) years, you have the possibility of obtaining an Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Tier 2 General Visa Fees
Fees for a Tier 2 General visa vary depending on whether you apply from within or outside the UK, as well as your citizenship since nationals of Turkey and North Macedonia pay separate fees.
- The normal application price ranges from £610 to £1,408, including a healthcare surcharge. The annual fee is £624.
- When you arrive in the UK, you’ll normally need at least £1,270 in your pocket (unless you’re exempt).
- If your work is on the shortage occupation list, you’ll pay a lower application price.
- When you apply, you’ll be notified how much you’ll have to pay.
Keep in mind that application fees for UK visas are subject to change regularly.