What do I need to know about Tier 2 visa?

What does Tier 2 visa mean? A Tier 2 visa refers to the primary immigration route for skilled workers from outside the EEA or Switzerland to come to the UK to work for an approved licensed employer. It is the permission granted by the UK Home Office for a migrant worker to accept the offer of a job in a skilled role.

What are the benefits of Tier 2 visa?

It gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you're eligible. You can use it to apply for British citizenship. 'T2' visas have replaced 'Tier 2' visas. If you have a Tier 2 visa, you can still apply for indefinite leave to remain if you meet the requirements.

What are the restrictions for Tier 2 visa in UK?

Tier 2 / Skilled Worker visa maximum and minimum working hours. There are no maximum or minimum working hours for a Tier 2 visa / Skilled Worker visa. In other words, there are no Tier 2 work restrictions for your main sponsored job when it comes to working hours.

How long can you stay on Tier 2 visa?

How long you can stay. Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You'll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employer.

How long can you stay outside the UK on Tier 2 visa?

You must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months.

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What happens if I lose my job on a Tier 2 visa?

If you lose your job and you are working in the UK on a Tier 2 visa then you will have to find another eligible job as soon as possible, otherwise you will have to leave the UK within 60 days of losing your job, or when your visa expires if that is sooner.

What is the minimum salary for Tier 2 visa?

Under the Skilled Worker visa (previously Tier 2 (General) visa), applicants/workers will be required to earn a minimum salary of £25,600 per year, unless the role applied for is included in the occupation shortage list or the applicant/worker has a relevant PhD, in which case the minimum salary is reduced to £20,480.

Do Tier 2 visas get rejected?

Many thousands successfully apply for a Tier 2 General Visa every year, but there is also a significant proportion of unsuccessful applications.

Can I buy a house on Tier 2 visa?

Can you get a mortgage on a tier 2 visa? Yes, it is possible to get a mortgage on a tier 2 visa subject to criteria and availability based on your individual situation. As you may expect the options open to you will likely be more limited however there are a good number of lenders that will consider this.

Can I take a second job on Tier 2 visa?

Individuals sponsored under Tier 2/Skilled Worker Visa and Tier 5 GAE/Temporary Worker GAE visas are allowed, in limited circumstances, to undertake other work in addition to that for which their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) was assigned.

Can I bring my family on a Tier 2 visa UK?

The Tier 2 Dependent visa allows family members of those already in the UK on an eligible work visa (previously Tier 2 visa) to come and join them.

How long does it take for a Tier 2 visa to be approved?

How long it takes. A Standard Tier 2 visa application should be decided within 3 weeks of the application being submitted online. It may take longer to receive a decision if the applicant has had a prior visa refusal, or if the Home Office needs to request more information.

How long is Tier 2 processing?

The Tier 2 visa processing time is usually around three weeks, however, if you also pay for priority services when submitting your application, you may receive a decision as soon as the next working day.

What are the restrictions for Tier 2?

No mixing of households indoors, apart from support bubbles. Maximum of six outdoors. Pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals.

Can I go to school on a Tier 2 visa?

If you have obtained any form of work visa (e.g. Tier 2 (General), Tier 5 (Government Authorised Exchange)) then you are allowed to study either full- or part-time in the UK.

Can I leave the country on a Tier 2?

As earlier mentioned, if you are in the UK on a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker Visa, you need the permission of your employer to take a break outside the country.

Is there any interview for Tier 2 visa?

If the documentary evidence submitted with the application is not conclusive then an immigration office may schedule a Tier 2 visa interview. Accordingly, an applicant needs to attend the Tier 2 visa interview.

Is it easy to change jobs with a Tier 2 visa?

Can I change jobs on a tier 2 visa? You can change jobs while you are in the UK on a tier 2 visa, but you will have to make a new tier 2 visa application. This is even so if the time on your current certificate of sponsorship (CoS) has not run out.

What is the success rate of UK Tier 2 visa?

UK sponsored study visa grant rate is overall 98% for all nationals applied from outside the UK for entry clearance in 2022 – top countries that were granted most visas for UK.

Can I sponsor myself for Tier 2 visa?

As mentioned, technically there is no such thing as self sponsorship. However, you can set-up a company in the UK with the intention that it will trade and use this company to sponsor yourself as part of a Skilled Worker visa.

How long does Tier 2 sponsorship take?

Most applications are dealt with in less than 8 weeks. UKVI may need to visit your business. You may be able to pay an extra £500 to get a decision within 10 working days.

Do I need proof of funds for Tier 2 visa?

Each dependant must have £630 available to them whether they apply with you or separately. This is in addition to the £945 you must have to support yourself. You must have proof you have the money, and that it's been in your bank account or your dependant's bank account for at least 90 days before you or they apply.

How much bank balance is required for UK work visa?

UK skilled worker visa fees:

To maintain yourself once you are in the UK - you'll need at least £1,270 (unless you're exempt). In total, it would cost you around £1249 - £2047 for a UK Skilled worker visa and £1,270 as a bank balance.

What is the difference between Tier 2 and Skilled Worker visa?

Under the Tier 2 route, applicants needed to have a job offer for a job at RQF Level 6 or higher which is equivalent to a degree level. Under the Skilled Worker route, the skill threshold is lowered to RQF Level 3 which is equivalent to A-Levels.

How much bank balance is required for UK visa?

You'll need either: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London. £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London.