Tier 2 Visa- Working in the UK.
Any skilled workers living outside the UK require a Tier 2 visa to work in the UK – this route enables UK-based employers to hire foreign workers to fill jobs that cannot be filled by British nationals or settled workers.
The Tier 2 Visa is the main immigration route for skilled workers who wish to enter the UK to take up employment.
Eligible applicants must have a job offer and a certificate of sponsorship from a UK-based employer. Besides, they must score 70 points against several requirements, such as maintenance, appropriate salary, English language, and holding a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Will your Immigration Lawyers understand my needs?
Our immigration specialist can take conduct of your case and advise you on:
- Tier 2 (General) Visa requirements
- Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer requirements
- Tier 2 (Sportsperson) requirements
- Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) Visa requirements
- Requirements to make a Tier 2 Change of Employment
- Requirements to extend your Tier 2 Visa
- English Language requirement
- Requirements for switching from a Tier 4 Visa into Tier 2
- Maintenance requirement
- Genuine vacancy requirement
- Tier 2 to ILR
Depending on the Tier 2 Visa category you wish to apply for, you may need to meet different criteria. To ensure that your application is filed correctly, you can ask our team of immigration solicitors to help you. Get in touch with our immigration experts to find out how we can guide you through each step of your Tier 2 application.
Will your lawyers do all of the work required for me?
At SLS Solicitors, our immigration solicitors can take care of every aspect of your UK work visa application. We can liaising with you in person, via phone or Skype at a suitable opportunity; assess your eligibility for the visa; check your documents to confirm that they are satisfactory for your application; liaising with your UK Sponsor to confirm they can hire foreign workers; secure your Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK Sponsor; create a tailored Letter of Representation to accompany your application; liaise with the Home Office for the duration of your application; compile and completing your application form to an expert standard and help you prepare all the required documents for the application and submit your case in a timely manner.
Types of Tier 2 Visa Categories
Tier 2 (General) Visa
The main route for skilled workers with a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship license. Suitable for most professional and skilled occupations.
Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer
For employees of multinational companies being transferred to a UK branch of the same organization. This route does not lead to settlement.
Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
For elite sportspeople and qualified coaches recognized as internationally established at the highest level, whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport.
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
For religious workers coming to the UK to work within a faith community, such as ministers, priests, or religious order members.
Key Requirements for Tier 2 Visa Applications
Certificate of Sponsorship
A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer with a sponsorship license is essential. This electronic document contains your job details and personal information.
Salary Requirements
You must be paid an appropriate salary for your job, which is typically either the specific rate for your occupation (as listed in the immigration rules) or £30,000 per year – whichever is higher.
English Language Proficiency
You need to demonstrate English language ability at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in reading, writing, speaking and listening, unless you're exempt.
Maintenance Funds
You must show you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK. This means having £945 in your bank account for 90 consecutive days before applying, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance on your behalf.
Genuine Vacancy
The job you're applying for must be a genuine vacancy that cannot be filled by a resident worker and matches the description in your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Qualification Requirements
Most Tier 2 (General) jobs require qualifications at RQF level 6 (bachelor's degree level) or above, although some occupations on the Shortage Occupation List may have different requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tier 2 Visas
While it's not mandatory to hire an immigration lawyer for visa applications, having expert guidance can significantly increase your chances of success. Immigration laws are complex and constantly changing, and even small mistakes in your application can lead to delays or rejection. An immigration lawyer can help you navigate the process, ensure all documentation is correct, and represent you if complications arise.
The cost of immigration legal services varies depending on the complexity of your case and the type of service you require. We offer different packages tailored to different needs and budgets. For a specific quote related to your situation, we recommend booking a free initial consultation where we can assess your needs and provide transparent pricing information.
Yes, we regularly assist clients who are outside the UK. We can conduct consultations via video call (Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp) or phone, and handle your application remotely. Our team is experienced in managing overseas applications and can guide you through the entire process no matter where you are located.
Standard processing times for Tier 2 visa applications are typically 3-4 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from within the UK. However, you can opt for priority services to expedite the process. Several factors can affect processing times, including the complexity of your case, the time of year, and current Home Office workloads. Our immigration specialists can provide more specific timeframe estimates based on your circumstances and help prepare your application thoroughly to avoid unnecessary delays.
Yes, as a Tier 2 visa holder, you can bring your dependents (spouse/partner and children under 18) to the UK. They will need to apply for dependent visas and meet certain requirements. Your family members can work, study, and access healthcare in the UK. Additional financial requirements apply when bringing dependents – you'll need to show you have an extra £630 for each dependent in addition to your own maintenance funds. Our immigration lawyers can assist with these dependent visa applications to ensure your family can join you in the UK.
What Our Clients Say
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