Tier 2 work visa application: The Home Office has always supported positive migration to the United Kingdom. In particular, inbound migration for business people and skilled workers to assist overcome the void in the labour market in the UK. The most common visa under the Points Based System is the Tier 2 work visa. The Tier 2 route enables employers settled in the UK to employ non-EEA nationals workers from outside the UK to fill particular job roles. However, these visa applications will only be granted if the employer can show that the position cannot be filled by a settled worker.
What is the first step in applying for a Tier 2 work visa application?
The first step for skilled workers looking to come to the UK to work must find a suitable employer. A suitable employer is an organisation who holds a Tier 2 Sponsorship Licence. Without this licence, an employer cannot sponsor an overseas worker. However, if the employer is willing to obtain a Tier 2 Sponsorship Licence then this would make the employer suitable. It is common for simultaneous applications to be submitted/prepared (Tier 2 Sponsorship Licence and Tier 2 work visa).
The requirements for a Tier 2 work visa application?
The Tier 2 work visa is for skilled migrants who wish to work in the UK. This route enables UK employers to employ nationals from outside the resident workforce to fill particular jobs which cannot be filled by settled workers. A skilled worker in any Tier 2 category must not displace a suitable settled worker. The Tier 2 work visa is a Point Based System application and Applicants are required to score 70 points to be granted this visa. The main requirements for a Tier 2 work visa are that Applicants must:
- Find a suitable UK employer who is able to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). A CoS is an electronic document which holds information about the job such as salary and length of employment;
- The job must meet the minimum salary requirement of £30,000 unless you are exempt;
- You must prove your knowledge of the English Language by passing an English language test at a Home Office approved test centre at a minimum level of B1 CEFR in reading, writing, speaking and listening. You can also meet this requirement if you have an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by the UK Naric. You will not be required to meet the English language requirement if you are a national of an English-speaking country;
- You must meet the maintenance requirement by showing that you have held £945 in cash savings for 90 consecutive days before the date of your application or provide a written undertaking from your prospective employer confirming that they are willing to accommodate and maintain you if necessary.
It is important you seek legal advice when submitting a Tier 2 General UK Work Visa application as the Home Office requirements are complex and must be fully satisfied in accordance with their rules and policy guidance.
Can I switch into a Tier 2 work visa in the UK?
In some circumstances, Tier 4 students can apply to switch into a Tier 2 work from within the UK. To switch into a work visa Applicants must show that they had been previously sponsored by a recognised Tier 4 Sponsor and they have completed a recognised course. There are a number of benefits for Tier 4 Students applying from within the UK such as a faster allocation of a Certificate of Sponsorship. The Tier 2 employer will be exempt from conducting the Resident Labour Market Test and the employer will also be exempt from paying the £1000 Immigration Skills Charge. Applicants can apply for their dependents to join them in the. Some Tier 1 visa holders can also apply to switch into a Tier 2 work visa.
Using Legal Representation to submit a Tier 2 work visa application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on the law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with a Tier 2 work visa application. Our Solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject Tier 2 work visa applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your Immigration & Visa application succeeds, our solicitors and barristers will ensure all specified documents must be provided.
The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successfully apply for a Tier 2 work visa application
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your prospects of submitting a Tier 2 work visa application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of a Tier 2 work visa application and are able to advise you in respect of your prospects and to ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
Our offices are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation to discuss a Tier 2 work visa application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.