Tier 2 - Skilled Workers

General Skilled Migrants

The Tier 2 category is for skilled workers who have been offered jobs in the UK, it aims to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a setteled worker in the UK. There are 4 categories of skilled workers under the points-based system:

• Tier 2 (General)
• Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer)
• Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
• Tier 2 (Sports Person)

Tier 2 (General)

A person with a job offer from a UK based employer can apply under Tier 2 of the Points Based System.  

In order to apply under Tier 2, you must have a job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship from an organisation that is a licensed sponsor in the UK.  You can only have a job offer if you will not be directly displacing a suitable settled worker.  The sponsor must meet the requirements for the category you are applying under and accept certain responsibilities.  You must not own more than 10% of your sponsor’s shares if the sponsor is a limited company unless you are applying under the Intra-Company Transfer category.

Under Tier 2, any Skilled Worker must score:

• 50 Points for attributes, which include having a sponsor, a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, qualifications, future expected earnings. 
• 10 Points for English language skills (except for certain Intra-Company transfers. 
• 10 Points for maintenance (funds). 

If successful, applicants will be allowed to live and work in the United Kingdom for three years or time given in the Certificate of Sponsorship, plus 14 days, whichever is the shorter.

An extension can be applied for and will normally be granted for two years or the time given in the Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever time is the shorter.

After five years, you can apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer)

Tier 2 (Sports Person)