Understanding the UK Tier 2 Salary Guide is essential for HR professionals and employers who are looking to hire skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. The Tier 2 visa is the main UK visa route for skilled workers coming to the UK to take up employment, usually paying a salary. The salary thresholds and appropriate rates for each job are set out in the UK Tier 2 Salary Guide. This guide provides essential tips for HR and employers on how to navigate the UK Tier 2 Salary Guide.
Understanding the UK Tier 2 Visa
The UK Tier 2 Visa is a points-based system. Applicants must score a minimum number of points for attributes such as sponsorship, English language skills, available maintenance (funds), and appropriate salary. The appropriate salary will depend on the job in question, but it must be at least £30,000 or the ‘appropriate rate’ for the job, whichever is higher.
UK Tier 2 Salary Thresholds
The UK government has set specific salary thresholds for Tier 2 visas. These thresholds vary depending on the type of Tier 2 visa and the job in question. Here are the main salary thresholds:
- For Tier 2 (General) workers, the minimum salary is £30,000 or the ‘appropriate rate’ for the job, whichever is higher.
- For Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) workers, the minimum salary is £41,500 or the ‘appropriate rate’ for the job, whichever is higher.
- For Tier 2 (Sportsperson) and Tier 2 (Minister of Religion), the minimum salary is £20,800.
Appropriate Rates for Jobs
The ‘appropriate rate’ for a job is the average salary paid to a worker in the UK for a similar job. The UK government publishes a list of appropriate rates for different jobs, which is updated annually. HR professionals and employers should refer to this list when determining the salary for a Tier 2 visa holder.
Essential HR & Employer Tips
Here are some essential tips for HR professionals and employers:
- Always check the latest UK Tier 2 Salary Guide and the list of appropriate rates for jobs. These are updated annually and can change.
- Ensure that the salary offered to a Tier 2 visa holder meets the minimum salary threshold and the ‘appropriate rate’ for the job.
- Keep in mind that the salary must be paid in cash. Non-cash benefits cannot be counted towards the salary threshold.
- Remember that the salary thresholds and appropriate rates are minimums. Tier 2 visa holders can be paid more than these amounts.
Conclusion
Understanding the UK Tier 2 Salary Guide is essential for HR professionals and employers who are looking to hire skilled workers from outside the EEA and Switzerland. By following the tips in this guide, HR professionals and employers can ensure that they comply with the UK immigration rules and offer a fair and competitive salary to Tier 2 visa holders.
