The UK Tier 2 General Visa is designed for individuals who have been offered a skilled job in the UK and wish to work in that role. Some of the most recent and innovative developments related to the UK Tier 2 General Visa include:

1. Introduction of the Skilled Worker Visa: The UK government replaced the Tier 2 General Visa with the Skilled Worker Visa as part of their new points-based immigration system which took effect from 2021. This new visa category has similar requirements and functions as the Tier 2 General Visa but with slight changes in the name, requirements and fees.
2. Increase in the Minimum Salary Threshold: The UK government has recently increased the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker Visa, which means that individuals applying for this visa must now be earning a higher salary than previously required.
3. New Points-Based System: The new points-based immigration system introduced with the Skilled Worker Visa includes a points-based assessment, which will be based on factors such as qualifications, salary, and English language proficiency.
4. Sponsorship by Employers: As part of the new points-based system, employers will need to be approved as sponsors in order to hire workers from outside the UK. This has streamlined the process for employers and added more accountability.
5. Introduction of the Global Talent Visa: This is another new innovation in UK Immigration system, it is designed for highly skilled individuals in the fields of science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, and the arts. It aims to attract top talent from around the world.

It's worth noting that those are recent changes that have happened in the past years, and the UK government's policies might change in the future. so it's always important to check for the most recent updates on the government website.

What does Tier 2 visa mean?

The Tier 2 visa is a category of visa under the UK's Points-Based System (PBS) for managing immigration. It's designed for skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who have been offered a skilled job in the UK. The Tier 2 visa has been replaced by Skilled Worker Visa in 2021 as part of the UK's new points-based immigration system.

To be eligible for a Tier 2 (or Skilled Worker) visa, individuals must meet the following criteria:

1. Have a job offer from an employer that holds a valid sponsorship licence.
2. Have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from that employer
3. Score enough points on the Points-Based System (PBS) assessment, which takes into account factors such as qualifications, salary, and English language proficiency
4. Meet the minimum salary threshold and other requirements that vary based on the job.

The Tier 2 visa is usually granted for a period of up to five years, after which individuals may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, which would allow them to live and work in the UK permanently.

It's worth noting that the Tier 2 visa category has been replaced by Skilled Worker visa, but the process and criteria for the new visa are similar to the Tier 2 Visa. For more information and up-to-date details about Skilled worker visa, you can visit the UK government's official website.

How long is a Tier 2 visa valid for?

The Tier 2 visa was valid for a period of up to five years. However, it's been replaced by a Skilled worker visa since 2021.

For the Skilled Worker Visa, the length of the visa issued will be based on the length of employment offered by the employer, with a maximum of 5 years and 14 days, with the ability for the holder to extend the visa for up to 5 years if they remain in the same job. The visa holder will also be able to switch jobs, apply to settle permanently in the UK after 5 years subject to meeting the requirements.

It's important to note that the government policies and process regarding the visa may change and for the most recent and accurate information, please refer to the UK government's official website for up-to-date information and instructions.

Get Advice From #1 Expert!

Suppose you are trying to decide between a UK Tier 1 and Tier 2 visa but are still uncertain which the best option for you is. In that case, it is important to seek advice from experienced UK Work permit consultants in Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata.

With our experts' help, you can make a more informed decision and secure the right visa for your individual needs.