The United Kingdom’s visa system operates on a points-based system (PBS), and it’s all about ensuring that those who come to the UK bring economic benefits to the country. Among the various tiers in the PBS, Tier 2 Visa caters explicitly to skilled workers who have received a job offer in the UK. Here, we’ll delve into the critical details of the Tier 2 visa category, obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and the eligibility criteria.
What is a Tier 2 Visa?
Tier 2 of the PBS is geared towards individuals with valuable skills who wish to work in the UK. However, it’s important to note that before applying for a Tier 2 visa, prospective migrants must secure a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-based employer. This CoS documents the job offer and the employer’s sponsorship.
Challenges for Employers
For employers looking to hire skilled workers from abroad, obtaining a CoS can be a daunting and costly task. This is especially true for small businesses. Employers must first obtain a sponsorship license from the UK government to sponsor a foreign worker. This application process can be expensive and time-consuming, with no approval guarantee.
The Point System for Tier 2
Once an employer obtains a sponsorship license, they must assign points to the worker based on their skills, qualifications, and experience. The worker must also meet a minimum salary requirement, which varies depending on the job and the applicable immigration rules.
Eligibility for Tier 2 Visa
To be eligible for a Tier 2 visa, an applicant must fulfill at least one of the following requirements:
- I have worked continuously in the UK for five years or more.
- Have worked continuously in the UK for three years or more and meet one of the following conditions:
- Hold a UK bachelor’s degree or a higher-level qualification.
- Possess a UK professional or academic qualification recognized by the Home Office.
- Work in a highly skilled occupation (as defined by the Home Office).
- Be self-employed and meet the requirements for a work permit.
- Act as the primary carer for a settled person in the UK.
- Serve as the primary carer for a person in the UK with refugee status or humanitarian protection.
- I have legally resided in the UK for ten years or more.
- Hold leave under the points-based system and have been working towards a settlement for five years or more.
To be eligible, applicants are also required to:
- Be in good health.
- Possess at least a bachelor’s degree from a reputable university.
- Be fluent in English.
- Have a good character.
- Have a job that falls under the UK skilled shortage list.
Ensuring all these criteria are met before applying for a Tier 2 visa.
How to Apply for Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship
Find a visa-sponsoring employer in the United Kingdom.
Do not look at all the employment in the UK unless you are a British, Scottish, or Welsh citizen. Even if you receive a job offer, your efforts will be futile if the firm does not support you. When you need a sponsor, always look for employment with firms in the Tier 2 visa sponsorship program.
You may be able to locate over 22,000 firms on the UK visa sponsorship companies list. If you searched each firm, it would take you a long time to discover a good work opportunity in your field.
Alternatively, FlourishTechHouse UK lists all available chances under those firms, and you may uncover job openings by filtering relevant categories.
All employment may not have sponsorship, but there is still a chance because those companies have already applied for UK tier 2 visa sponsorship. You may discover visa sponsor employers in the UK using either technique. Here is a list of U.K. Companies that are permitted to sponsor you.
Apply for a visa sponsorship position.
You will be eligible to apply if you have successfully discovered a visa sponsor employer with available work opportunities.
Before contacting the employer directly, please examine their needs, including credentials, experience, and skills. Your application will be rejected if you do not fulfill their necessary standards.
Furthermore, when you apply for a job in the United Kingdom, you must format your CV following UK CV Standards. Again, if you use your standard CV, your application has an 80% probability of rejection, even if it is not open. So, take care to build a decent CV per UK CV standards.
Get a sponsorship certificate.
When your employer agrees to hire you, your employer must apply for a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) on your behalf.
This certificate is based on your desired position, average pay (£30,000 per year), contract time, etc.
As previously stated, if your employer is registered with the Tier 2 visa sponsorship program, this procedure can be completed in a few days. However, because your employer is new to this sponsorship, he or she must register before applying, which might take 2-3 months.
You can apply for a tier 2 work visa by meeting the government’s qualifying requirements as soon as you receive your sponsorship certificate.
Requesting a Tier 2 Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re thinking about working in the United Kingdom and you’re not a UK citizen, getting a Tier 2 visa is an integral part of the process. This visa is mainly for skilled workers with a job offer from a UK employer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the essential steps you need to follow to request a Tier 2 visa. We’ll keep it simple and easy to understand.
Step 1: Finding a Sponsor
You must find a sponsor before applying for a Tier 2 visa. A sponsor is typically the company or organization in the UK that wants to hire you. It’s important to note that your sponsor needs a special license from the UK Home Office to hire workers from outside the UK. To find a sponsor, you can:
- Look for job listings on websites or in newspapers.
- Attend job fairs and networking events.
- Reach out directly to companies you’re interested in working for.
One effective way to connect with potential sponsors is through websites like LinkedIn. You can search for people who might be able to help you with sponsorship by using keywords like “sponsorship at Visa.” If you see someone with a job title with the word “sponsorship,” you can send them a personalized message expressing your interest and explaining why you’d be an excellent fit for their company. You can also include a CC (carbon copy) for other department employees that deal with sponsorship. This way, more people will see your message, increasing your chances of finding a sponsor.
Step 2: Getting a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once you have a job offer from a UK employer, they will give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is a critical document for your Tier 2 visa application. The CoS contains essential information about your job, such as your salary and the type of work you’ll be doing.
Step 3: Meeting Visa Requirements
To be eligible for a Tier 2 visa, you need to meet specific requirements:
- Valid Sponsorship Certificate: You must have a good CoS from your sponsor.
- Enough Salary: You need to show that you’ll be paid a minimum salary, which depends on your job.
- English Skills: You must prove you can speak and understand English. You can do this by taking a test like IELTS or by showing that you live in an English-speaking country.
- Money in the Bank: If you’re already in the UK, you must have at least £945 in your bank account for the last 90 days.
- Good Health: You may need to take a tuberculosis (TB) test and generally be healthy.
- Travel History: You must show where you’ve travelled for five years.
- Criminal Record: You must tell the authorities about any criminal offences you’ve committed in the last 12 months.
Step 4: Required Documents
When you apply for a Tier 2 visa, you’ll need to provide specific documents, including:
- The reference number from your sponsorship certificate (CoS).
- Proof of your English language skills.
- A bank statement showing that you have enough money.
- A valid passport with space for your visa.
- A certificate that demonstrates your criminal record.
Step 5: Applying for the Visa
You can start the visa application process once you have all the necessary documents and meet the requirements. You can apply online whether you’re inside or outside the UK. The cost of your visa application varies depending on where and how long you want your visa to be valid.
In summary, getting a Tier 2 visa for the UK involves finding a sponsor, meeting visa requirements, and providing the required documents. Effective networking and communication with potential sponsors can greatly improve your chances of securing sponsorship and applying for a Tier 2 visa.
For more detailed information and to start your application, please visit the official UK government website for Tier 2 visas: UK Tier 2 Visa Information.
