UK Tier-2 Visa
The United Kingdom has been one of the top immigration destinations among Indian professionals for its robust economy, competitive job market, and the types of benefits it provides to its employees. Therefore, the UK invites skilled professionals worldwide through UK tier 2 visas to be competitive in the job market.
This article will help you navigate getting a UK Tier-2 visa. So, whether you are a healthcare professional, IT specialist, or engineer, you must comply with the UK’s immigration law to become eligible for this visa program.
What is a UK Tier-2 visa?
The UK Tier 2 visa was a component of the UK's points-based immigration system, aiming to bring skilled workers into the country to alleviate labour shortages in specific sectors. It allowed non-EEA nationals to work in the UK through an approved UK employer sponsor.
On December 1, 2020, the UK introduced the skilled worker visa in place of the Tier 2 visa following Brexit. However, the principles underpinning the Tier 2 visa remain central to the new visa system, which emphasises sponsorship, specific skills, and compliance.
Types of UK Tier-2 Visas
The UK high commission has divided the Tier 2 visa UK into four categories, as mentioned below:
- General visa This visa is for highly skilled workers in the UK, especially those with shortage occupation list jobs.
- Intra-company transfer visa This intra-company transfer visa is for staff in multinational companies moving to their group company in the UK.
- Religious worker visa Religious workers assume positions within faith communities.
- Sportsperson visa This is for internationally established athletes or coaches renowned in their field.
UK Tier-2 visa requirements for Indians
To apply for a Tier-2 visa UK from India, you are required to fulfil the following requirements based on the type of Tier-2 visa you are planning to apply for.
Type of Tier 2 Visa | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
Tier 2 (General) visa | - A legitimate job offer from a business with a UK license. - Jobs must meet the required skill level (RQF Level 6, equivalent to degree-level jobs). - Salary must meet the threshold, typically £30,000/year (£20,800/year for new entrants or Shortage Occupation roles). - English language proficiency. |
Tier 2 (Intra-company transfer) | - Employment with a multinational company with UK operations. - Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer. - Meeting specific salary thresholds: - Long-term staff: £41,500/year. - Graduate trainees: £23,000/year. - Role must align with permitted intra-company transfers. |
Tier 2 (Minister of religion) | - A job offer from a religious organisation in the United Kingdom. - The role must involve leading a congregation or performing pastoral duties. - Proficiency in the English language. - Maintenance funds, unless certified by the sponsor. |
Tier 2 (Sportsperson) Visa | - Recognition on a global scale as a top-tier athlete or coach. - Approval from the relevant UK sports governing authority. - Sponsorship certificate from an approved UK sponsor. - English language proficiency. - Maintenance funds if not certified by the sponsor. |
UK Tier 2 visa documents checklist required for Indians
The following information explains the document requirements for UK tier-2 visas for Indians.
Category | Required Documents |
|---|---|
Mandatory documents | - Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number. - Proof of English proficiency. - Valid passport/ID. - Job title, salary, occupation code. - Employer’s name and sponsor license number. |
Additional documents | - Evidence of personal savings (if the employer doesn’t certify support). - Proof of relationship with dependents. - TB test results (if the candidate is from a listed country). - Criminal record certificate (specific jobs). - ATAS certificate (if applicable). - For non-UK credentials, use an Ecctis reference or a UK PhD certificate. |
Visa Page requirement | - A blank passport page is needed if you are from outside the EU or lack a biometric passport. |
Certified translation |
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Criminal record Check | - Required for education, healthcare, therapy, or social services jobs. - Follow specific guidelines for multiple countries if applicable. |
Apply for a Tier-2 Visa UK
To apply for a Tier-2 Visa UK from India, you are required to follow the following steps.
Check your eligibility
One of the first steps in the application process for a UK tier-2 visa is to ensure that you meet the UK tier-2 visa requirements to initiate the selected visa category application process.
Get a job offer
To obtain a job offer from a UK-licensed employer. In some cases, the employer must attend a resident labour market test to demonstrate that a resident of the UK couldn’t fill this job role.
Sponsorship certificate
After obtaining the job offer, the employer issued a certificate of sponsorship. It was an electronic document with a reference number that explained the position being applied for.
Making a visa application
Applicants should provide the online application form and a fee. Other required attachments included the CoS, evidence of English language proficiency, financial statements, and identification documents.
Biometric information
In the process, one had to give biometric details, that is, a photograph and fingerprints, at the visa application centre.
Decision and visa issuance
UK visas and immigration typically take three weeks to make decisions. When approved, applicants receive a vignette in their passport to travel to the UK and collect their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
Processing time of UK Tier-2 visa for Indians
The high commission of the UK typically takes 3 weeks to process a UK tier-2 Visa application. However, it may vary based on the workload of the immigration department and your nationality.
Cost of UK Tier-2 visa
The following information explains the cost of a UK Tier-2 visa for Indian applicants:
Type Of Tier 2 Visa | Fee |
|---|---|
Tier 2 (General) visa | £719 - £1,639 |
Tier 2 (Intra-company transfer) | Zero fee |
Tier 2 (Minister of religion) | £719 (if applying from outside the UK), and £827 (if applying to extend or switch in the UK) |
Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa | £298 (for a 12-month stay), £719 (for stays longer than 12 months) for applications submitted outside of the UK, and £827 for extensions or changes within the UK. |
Impact of Brexit and transition to skilled worker visa
The UK's immigration laws underwent several modifications as a result of Brexit.
The skilled worker visa introduced in December 2020 has essentially replaced the Tier 2 visa. The principal changes are:
- Removal of the resident labour market test.
- Reduced the salary thresholds with a new starting salary of £25,600 or £20,480 in certain roles.
- After Brexit, EU citizens ought to be able to participate in the sponsorship program.
- More streamlined processes for shortage occupation roles.
These changes would aim at making the UK more accessible to international talent, helping fill workforce gaps in crucial sectors like healthcare and technology.
Why choose Province Immigration?
Are you looking for the Top UK Immigration Consultants in India? Look no more, as Province Immigration is here to help you get the UK Tier 2 visa. For the last decade, with 285,000 plus candidates counselled and a 14,000 plus visa success rate, we have been building our reputation as a trustworthy name in the immigration world. Here's how we can make your UK Tier 2 visa journey smooth and hassle-free:
Profile evaluation
Our experts evaluate your profile, determine your eligibility for a Tier 2 visa, and recommend the best route based on your qualifications and job offer
Job sponsorship guidance
We help you understand the requirements of a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and give you insights into acquiring job offers from licensed UK sponsors.
Documentation assistance
We ensure the accurate preparation of all required documents, such as proof of English proficiency, criminal record certificates, and TB test results, streamlining your application process.
Resume writing
Our team helps create a compelling CV tailored to attract UK employers and meet the standards required for sponsorship and job applications.
Professional direction
From preparing for interviews to English proficiency classes, we give you end-to-end service that increases your chances of landing a sponsorship offer and facilitates hassle-free visa requirements.
Case officer
You will get the direct support of a dedicated case officer who will be your sole point of contact and, therefore, provide you with a reliable source of updates in seamless communication.
Post-visa support
Once you get your visa, we help with post-landing services: settling into life in the UK, being familiar with local regulations, and accessing necessary services.
Province Immigration allows its clients to get their customised approach, ensuring maximum success rates and catering to specific requirements. From profile assessment to submission of documents to post-visa facilitation, we want the overall experience to be both smooth and hassle-free. Look to Province Immigration to see you through every step along your UK Tier 2 visa path.
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