1. What is the Tier 2 Visa in the UK?
The Tier 2 Visa was the UK’s primary visa for skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Following the Brexit transition in 2021, it has been replaced by the Skilled Worker Visa as part of the UK’s new points-based immigration system.
The Skilled Worker Visa allows skilled professionals to work in the UK for an approved employer in a qualified job role. The visa can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), enabling holders to eventually apply for British citizenship.
2. Who is Eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2 Visa)?
The Skilled Worker Visa is for individuals who have received a job offer from a Home Office-approved UK employer for a role that meets specific skill and salary requirements.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who is registered as an approved sponsor.
- Skill Level: The job offer must meet a required skill level, typically at or above RQF Level 3 (equivalent to A-levels in the UK).
- Salary Threshold: The salary must meet or exceed the minimum threshold, usually £26,200 per year or the “going rate” for your specific role, whichever is higher. For certain shortage occupations, the salary requirement may be lower.
- English Language Proficiency: You must prove proficiency in English (at least B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). This can be done through an approved English test or by holding a degree taught in English.
- Points Requirement: Under the points-based system, you must score 70 points to qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa. Points are awarded for having a job offer, meeting salary requirements, English proficiency, and other criteria.
3. How to Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
The application process for the Skilled Worker Visa is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your UK employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is a unique reference number. This document verifies your job offer and provides details about your position and salary.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Gather the following documents before applying:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
- Proof of English language proficiency (test scores or degree taught in English).
- Valid passport or travel document.
- Proof of financial means (bank statements showing at least £1,270 in savings, unless your employer certifies your maintenance).
- Police clearance certificate (if required).
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. You’ll be required to fill out personal and professional details, upload documents, and pay the application fee.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Visa Fees: The Skilled Worker Visa fee varies based on the duration of stay. For stays of up to 3 years, the fee is £625; for longer stays, the fee is £1,235.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): You’ll also need to pay the IHS fee, which is £624 per year. This fee grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
Step 5: Attend a Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application, you’ll be required to attend a biometrics appointment at a visa application center to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
The standard processing time for the Skilled Worker Visa is 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK. If approved, you will receive a visa vignette in your passport, allowing you to enter the UK, and you will receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) after arrival.
4. How Long Can You Stay on the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa is typically granted for up to 5 years. After 5 years, visa holders may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows for permanent residency and, later, British citizenship.
If you switch jobs within the UK, you must apply to update your visa, as it is linked to your employer and role. However, if you meet the requirements, you can renew the Skilled Worker Visa or switch to another eligible visa category before it expires.
5. Benefits of the Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2 Visa)
Holding a Skilled Worker Visa comes with several advantages:
- Right to Work: You can live and work legally in the UK for an approved employer and switch roles if your new job is with an approved sponsor.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for ILR, a significant step towards British citizenship.
- Family Sponsorship: Skilled Worker Visa holders can bring their spouse/partner and dependent children to the UK.
- Access to Healthcare: You gain access to the NHS through the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Work Flexibility: You can work additional hours in a second job (up to 20 hours per week), provided it’s within the same skill level or in a shortage occupation.
6. Skilled Worker Visa Points-Based System
The points-based system requires you to score 70 points to qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa. Here’s how points are allocated:
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Job offer from a UK sponsor | 20 points |
| Job at the required skill level | 20 points |
| English language proficiency | 10 points |
| Salary of at least £26,200 or the going rate | 20 points |
| Total | 70 points |
Additional points can be awarded if your role is in a shortage occupation or if you have a PhD relevant to your job, helping applicants who do not meet the standard salary threshold.
7. Changing Jobs on the Skilled Worker Visa
If you want to change jobs while on a Skilled Worker Visa, you must apply to update your visa if:
- You switch to a new employer, even if it’s within the same industry.
- You change job roles within your current company, and the new role does not fall under the same occupation code.
To make changes, your new employer must be a licensed sponsor, and you’ll need a new Certificate of Sponsorship for your updated role. The application involves paying a visa fee and possibly the IHS, depending on your circumstances.
8. Skilled Worker Visa vs. Other UK Work Visas
The Skilled Worker Visa differs from other UK work visas in its eligibility criteria, flexibility, and benefits. Here’s a comparison:
| Visa Type | Eligibility | Path to ILR |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa | Skilled job offer from a licensed sponsor | Yes, after 5 years |
| Global Talent Visa | Exceptional talent in certain fields | Yes, after 3-5 years |
| Intra-Company Transfer Visa | Company transfer within a multinational | No direct path |
| Startup/Innovator Visa | Business entrepreneurs in innovative fields | Yes, after 5 years |
Each visa has unique requirements, making it essential to choose the one that aligns with your work profile and long-term goals in the UK.
9. Path to British Citizenship
The Skilled Worker Visa offers a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which can eventually lead to British citizenship. Here’s the timeline:
- Step 1: Obtain Skilled Worker Visa and complete 5 years of residence.
- Step 2: Apply for ILR after 5 years. You must demonstrate continuous residency and meet other ILR requirements.
- Step 3: Apply for British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months, provided you meet naturalization requirements.
Conclusion
The Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2 Visa) offers a valuable opportunity for skilled professionals to live, work, and build a life in the UK. With a path to permanent residency and the ability to bring family members, the Skilled Worker Visa is a popular choice for those looking to establish roots in the UK. By meeting eligibility criteria, gathering the necessary documents, and completing the application process, skilled workers can successfully obtain this visa and start their journey towards becoming permanent residents.