Are you considering moving to the United Kingdom for work? If so, you’ll need to understand the ins and outs of the UK Skilled Worker Visa, also known as the Tier 2 Visa. This visa is a crucial part of the UK’s points-based immigration system and is designed for individuals who have been offered a skilled job in the UK. This ultimate guide will help you master the process of obtaining a Tier 2 Visa and finding sponsorship jobs in London.
What is a Tier 2 Visa?
The Tier 2 Visa, or the UK Skilled Worker Visa, is a type of visa that allows individuals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland to work in the UK. It is part of the UK’s points-based immigration system and is designed for skilled workers who have been offered a job in the UK. The Tier 2 Visa is sponsored, meaning you must have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a Tier 2 Sponsorship License.
Types of Tier 2 Visas
There are four types of Tier 2 Visas:
- Tier 2 (General): For workers with a job offer in the UK, with a minimum salary requirement.
- Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer): For employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to a UK branch.
- Tier 2 (Sportsperson): For elite sportspeople and coaches who will be based in the UK.
- Tier 2 (Minister of Religion): For those coming to work for a religious organisation in the UK.
Requirements for Tier 2 Visa
To qualify for a Tier 2 Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a Tier 2 Sponsorship License.
- Have a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer.
- Prove your knowledge of English.
- Have personal savings to support yourself when you arrive in the UK.
- Show you’re being paid an appropriate salary for your job.
How to Apply for a Tier 2 Visa
Applying for a Tier 2 Visa involves several steps:
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer.
- Apply online for the Tier 2 Visa.
- Pay the visa fee and the healthcare surcharge.
- Provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) at a visa application centre.
- Wait for a decision on your visa application.
Tier 2 Sponsorship Jobs in London
Many employers in London offer Tier 2 sponsorship jobs. These include NHS hospitals, care homes, schools, and multinational companies. Some popular sectors for Tier 2 jobs in London include healthcare (NHS Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship), education (teaching jobs with visa sponsorship in UK), and social care (care homes with Tier 2 sponsorship in London).
Working in the UK for Non-EEA Nationals
For non-EEA nationals, such as a Turkish man looking to come to England or a Canadian wanting to work in the UK, the Tier 2 Visa is the primary route. However, they must first secure a job offer from a UK employer who holds a Tier 2 Sponsorship License. The employer will then issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, which is needed to apply for the Tier 2 Visa.
Working in the UK for Australians
For Australians, the process is similar. They must secure a job offer from a UK employer who holds a Tier 2 Sponsorship License and then apply for the Tier 2 Visa. The UK’s points-based immigration system is similar to the Australia point-based system, so Australians may find the process familiar.
Conclusion
Securing a Tier 2 Visa is a crucial step for non-EEA nationals who wish to work in the UK. It requires a job offer from a UK employer who holds a Tier 2 Sponsorship License, a Certificate of Sponsorship, and meeting other requirements such as English language proficiency and personal savings. With this guide, you are now equipped with the knowledge to navigate the process of obtaining a Tier 2 Visa and finding sponsorship jobs in London.
