Shabana Bukhari 
In today’s blog we will be discussing how to secure a Tier 2 visa sponsorship in Reading with our expert guidance. We assist businesses and individuals through the sponsorship process.
What is a Tier 2 Visa?
A Tier 2 Visa, also known as a UK Skilled Worker Visa, enables applicants to reside in the UK for the purpose of carrying out an approved job with an eligible employer. This visa enables a five-year stay in the UK and after this applicants have the option to apply for an extension.
Requirements
The eligibility requirements for a Tier 2 Visa are as follows:
- Your employer must be approved by the UK Home Office and you must have gained a certificate of sponsorship from them.
- The job you are planning to do in the UK must be on the list of approved occupations. To check whether your planned occupation is eligible visit the Home Office website to browse the list: Skilled Worker visa: Your job – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- You will usually need to show that you will be paid the ‘standard’ salary which is a minimum of £38,700 annually. Or alternatively, if the ‘going rate’ for your job is higher then you must show that you are being paid that amount.
- You must meet the English language requirement which is at least level B1 CEFR.
- You must have attained at the age of at least 18 years old.
Application process
- Ensure that you meet the relevant eligibility requirements for the Tier 2 Visa laid out above.
- The application process varies depending on where you are applying from:
- If you are currently outside the UK apply online here: Skilled Worker visa: Apply from outside the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- If you are currently inside the UK and wish to extend your current visa, apply online here: Skilled Worker visa: Extend your visa – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- If you are currently inside the UK and wish to switch your visa, apply online here: Skilled Worker visa: Switch to this visa – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- Upload all the supporting evidence and documents you need to meet the eligibility requirements for such a visa.
- Pay the application fees which range from £719 to £1,639, in addition to the healthcare surcharge which is £1,035 annually. You must also prove that you can financially support yourself by showing you have a minimum £1,270 available. For more information on a closer prediction of your application fees visit the official UK Home Office website: Skilled Worker visa: How much it costs – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- Await the decision on the success of your visa application which the Home Office estimates will take around three weeks if you are currently outside the UK and around eight weeks if you are inside the UK.
Key considerations
Be aware that there are certain things you are barred from doing whilst on a Tier 2 Visa which includes the ability to apply for most state benefits. Also, if you wish to change either your job or employer whilst on the visa you must update this information immediately.
As the Tier 2 Visa allows successful applicants to remain the UK for five years it is necessary to consider that after residing in the UK for five years persons can apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK. This status allows persons to live, work and study in the UK for as long as you wish.
FAQs
What is a Tier 2 Visa?
A Tier 2 Visa enables applicants to reside in the UK for the purpose of carrying out an approved job with an eligible employer.
Must I have confirmed my job offer in the UK prior to making an application for the Tier 2 Visa?
Yes, you must have confirmed your job offer in the UK prior to making an application for the Tier 2 Visa.
What level of English must I prove to be eligible for the Tier 2 Visa?
The level of English that you must prove to be eligible for the Tier 2 Visa is at least level B1 CEFR.
How long does the Tier 2 Visa allow me to stay in the UK for?
The Tier 2 Visa allows applicants to stay in the UK for five years and after this period if you wish to stay for longer there is an option to extend the visa.
How long does it take to get a decision on my Tier 2 Visa?
The Home Office estimates that it takes around three weeks to get a decision on your Tier 2 Visa if you are outside the UK and around eight weeks if you are inside the UK.
Can I change my job or employer and how does this affect the validity of my Tier 2 Visa?
Yes, you can change your job or employer without affecting the validity of your Tier 2 Visa. However, you must update these changes by following this link: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/update-your-visa-if-you-change-job-or-employer.
Does the Tier 2 Visa eventually lead to the ability to apply for indefinite leave to remain?
Yes, the Tier 2 Visa can eventually lead to the ability to apply for ILR after you have lived in the UK for five years.
What are the fees for making a Tier 2 Visa application?
Application fees usually range from £719 to £1,639, in addition to the healthcare surcharge which is £1,035 annually. You must also prove that you can financially support yourself by showing you have a minimum £1,270 available. Hence the fees for making a Tier 2 Visa application differ depending on whether you are making the application from inside or outside the UK. For more information on how much the fees differ follow this link: Skilled Worker visa: How much it costs – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
When applying for a Tier 2 Visa what do I need to think about specifically surrounding my job and prospective employer?
When applying for a Tier 2 Visa you must ensure that your employer is approved by the UK Home Office and that you have gained a certificate of sponsorship from them. Also, the job you are planning to do in the UK must be on the list of approved occupations.
Summary
In this blog readers have obtained a comprehensive guide on obtaining a Tier 2 visa sponsorship in Reading. Requirements, application process, and key considerations have all been explained for skilled professionals.
Please contact our expert team at Henleaze Law which have a wealth of experience in handling Tier 2 Visa applications on 0117 908 4625 or via email.
