The Tier 2 General Visa is a type of work visa for individuals who are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and want to work in the UK. It allows skilled workers to come to the UK to take up employment in a skilled job that cannot be filled by a settled worker. The Tier 2 General Visa has evolved over time to reflect changes in the UK's immigration policies and economic needs. Here is a brief overview of the evolution of the Tier 2 General Visa:
2008: The Tier 2 General Visa was introduced as part of the Points-Based System, which replaced the previous work permit system for non-EEA nationals. The Tier 2 General Visa was intended to attract highly skilled workers to the UK to fill shortages in the labor market.
2011: The UK government introduced a cap on Tier 2 General Visas, limiting the number of visas that could be issued each year. This was done to address concerns about immigration levels and to ensure that the Tier 2 General Visa was only used for highly skilled workers.
2014: The Tier 2 General Visa was modified to include a minimum salary requirement for those applying for the visa. This was done to ensure that Tier 2 General Visa holders were paid at a level that reflected their skills and experience.
2016: The UK voted to leave the European Union (EU) in a referendum, and the government began the process of negotiating Brexit. This had significant implications for the Tier 2 General Visa, as it was not clear how the UK's immigration policies would change after it left the EU.
2020: The Tier 2 General Visa was further modified as part of the UK's post-Brexit immigration system. This included the introduction of a new points-based system that replaced the Tier 2 General Visa, as well as changes to the minimum salary requirement for visa holders.
Overall, the Tier 2 General Visa has undergone several changes over the years in response to economic and political factors, and it is likely to continue evolving in the future.
UK Tier 2 Visa Requirements and Eligibility
The Tier 2 visa is a type of work visa for non-European Union (EU) citizens who want to work in the UK. To be eligible for a Tier 2 visa, you must:
- Have a job offer from a licensed UK employer
- Meet the minimum salary requirement for the role and your experience level
- Meet the English language requirement
- Have enough personal savings to support yourself during your stay in the UK, unless you are receiving financial sponsorship from your employer
In addition to these requirements, you may also need to pass a tuberculosis (TB) test if you are from a country where TB is prevalent.
To apply for a Tier 2 visa, you will need to have a certificate of sponsorship from your employer, which is a reference number that confirms your job offer and the details of your employment. You will also need to complete an online visa application form and provide various documents as part of your application, including proof of your identity, proof of your qualifications, and proof of your financial status.
Tier 2 Visa – how do I apply and what's the process?
The Tier 2 visa is a type of work visa for people who have been offered a skilled job in the UK. To apply for a Tier 2 visa, you will need to have a job offer from a licensed sponsor, and you will also need to meet certain other requirements. Here is a general overview of the process for applying for a Tier 2 visa:
- Check that you are eligible to apply for a Tier 2 visa. You will need to have a job offer from a licensed sponsor and meet the other eligibility requirements, such as meeting the required level of English language proficiency.
- Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your sponsor. Your sponsor will need to assign you a CoS, which is a reference number that you will need to include in your visa application.
- Prepare your documents. You will need to gather and prepare a range of documents to support your application, including proof of your identity, proof of your job offer, and evidence of your qualifications and experience.
- Submit your application. You can apply for a Tier 2 visa online or by post, depending on your circumstances. You will need to pay a fee to submit your application.
- Attend a biometric appointment. After you submit your application, you may be required to attend a biometric appointment, where you will have your fingerprints and photograph taken.
- Wait for a decision. It can take several weeks or even months for a decision to be made on your application. You will be informed of the outcome by email or post.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions or need more guidance on the Tier 2 visa application process, please don't hesitate to ask Workpertmitz Consultants.
With our experts' help, you can make a more informed decision and secure the right visa for your individual needs.