Tier 2 (Sponsored Skills Worker)
Tier 2 visa category allows skilled workers to enter the UK on a long term basis to fill skilled jobs. The occupation needs to be on the Tier 2 occupation list or Tier 2 Shortage Occupation List. Before they apply, Tier 2 visa applicants must have a job offer and a Tier 2 Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 sponsorship licence.
Tier 2 jobs must usually be advertised to workers from within the European Economic Area (EEA) before they can be offered to non-EEA immigrants, unless the job is on the Tier 2 Shortage Occupations List. This is known as the Resident Labour Market Test.
There are 4 categories of skilled worker under Tier 2 of the points-based system:
Tier 2 General Visa
You can apply under this category if you are a skilled worker who has been offered a job to fill in a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker. In order to be granted a Tier 2 Visa under the general category, you must score a total number of 70 points. These must be obtained from your certificate of sponsorship, evidence of an appropriate salary, evidence of English language ability and funds for maintenance.
Tier 2 Sportsperson Visa
You can apply under this category if you are an elite internationally established sportsperson or coach who will make a significant contribution to the development of your sport. To apply you must score a total of 70 points which will be obtained from the certificate of sponsorship and endorsement from your sport’s governing body, the evidence of English language ability and an appropriate salary.
For short stays as a sportsperson you should apply under Tier 5 (Temporary workers – creative and sporting).
Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa
You can apply under this category if you have been offered employment in the UK as a minister of religion, a missionary or member of a religious order. To apply you must score a total of 70 points. You must obtain 50 points for a certificate of sponsorship, and the remaining 20 points is from satisfying the English language ability and for having an appropriate salary.
Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer Visa
You can apply under this category if you are an employee of a multinational company and you are being transferred by your overseas employer to a UK branch, either long-term or for frequent short visits. You can apply for a Tier 2 visa as a skilled member of staff to fill a post that cannot be filled by a new recruit from the resident workforce; as a graduate trainee under a structured training program which defines progression towards a managerial or specialist role; or under a skills transfer which allows the transfer of new graduate employees to learn the skills and knowledge required to perform their job overseas, or to impart their specialist skills or knowledge to the UK workforce.