Tier 2 (Skilled Workers)

The skilled worker category (Tier 2 General) is for people coming to the United Kingdom with a skilled job offer to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker. To apply under skilled worker category you need a sponsor and valid certificate of sponsorship

When you apply you are awarded points based on your:

  • qualifications;
  • future expected earnings;
  • sponsorship;
  • English language skills; and
  • available maintenance (funds).

Benefits
A tier 2 visa application is a potential route for settlement in the United Kingdom and as with the current system of UK work permits, applicants may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR) or permanent residence after five years in Britain. After this applicant may be able to naturalize as a British citizen.

Points Based Assessment
Candidates are assessed and awarded points against various criteria. In order to qualify candidates must score a minimum of 50 points in tier 2.

Qualifications

  • A PHd degree = 15 points
  • Candidates possessing a Masters Degree = 10 points
  • Candidates possessing a Bachelors Degree = 10 points
  • Candidates possessing an NVQ3 = 5 points

    • Prospective earnings

  • £21000 + = 20 points
  • £19,500 - £21,000 = 15 points
  • £18,000 - £19,500 = 10 points
  • £15,000 - £18,000 = 5 points

    • Non-shortage positions are inherently worth 30 points, shortage positions will automatically receive 50 points. Candidates applying for an Intra Company Transfer (ICT) will also receive 50 points.