Tier 2 FAQS
The purpose of this guideline is to give you a brief overview of the rules regarding skilled workers wanting to work in the UK.
Does the Tier 2 category lead to settlement?
You may apply for settlement once you have been here for five years. If you do not, you must apply under the points-based system and make a new application.
How much money do I need?
You need to show that you have £800 available. This could be in two ways:
- £800 in available funds that you have had in your bank account for three months before the date you apply;
- your certificate of sponsorship from an A-rated sponsor confirms that you will not claim benefits while in the United Kingdom. Your sponsor should send a letter saying they will maintain and accommodate you until the end of the first month you are here.
I want to work as a home carer/care assistant. What are the requirements to be accepted under the occupation shortage requirements?
You need to fulfill the following requirements:
- have at least 2 years relevant experience (this does not include experience gained during a work placement as part of a qualification)
- 2relevant NQF Level 2 or equivalent qualification in care (e.g. NVQ 2)
Your employer must fulfill the following:
- Be registered by the UKBA as a sponsor for Tier 2
- Employ you in a supervisory position
- Pay you a wage of at least £7.80/hour and employ you for at least 30 hours/week
- Need to be able to answer the following questions:
-
- Why does the job require someone with at least two years' previous experience? What elements of the job require this experience and why?
- Why could the job not be carried out to the required standard by someone with less experience?
- How would you expect a settled worker to gain this experience before being appointed to the post
What categories can you switch from
You can switch in to the skilled worker category (Tier 2 General) from the following immigration categories:
- Tier 1 Migrant
- Tier 2 Migrant
- Highly Skilled Migrant
- Innovator
- Jewish Agency Employee
- Member of the Operational Ground Staff of an Overseas-owned Airline
- Minister of Religion, Missionary or Member of a Religious Order
- Overseas Qualified Nurse or Midwife
- Participant in the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme
- Participant in the International Graduates Scheme (or its predecessor, the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme)
- Person Writing Up a Thesis
- Postgraduate Doctor or Dentist
- Qualifying Work Permit Holder
- Representative of an Overseas Business
- Representative of an Overseas Newspaper, News Agency or Broadcasting Organisation
- Student
- Student Re-Sitting an Examination
- Student Nurse
- Student Union Sabbatical Officer
- Tier 4 Migrant
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Migrant
If you are not in any of these categories, you must leave the United Kingdom and apply as a new application at your local entry clearance post.
What if my job is on the occupational shortage list?
If you meet all requirements for your specific job role e.g. pay rate, you will be given the required points for your attributes. You still need to show your English ability and maintenance.
What is the skilled worker category?
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 in UK worker.
What proof of English is accepted?
There are three ways that you can score points for English language. You can:
- be a national of a majority English speaking country; or
- pass an English language test on the UKBA’s list of approved English tests (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/approvedenglishtestst2.pdf ); or
- hold a degree that was taught in English and is the same as a United Kingdom bachelor's degree or above.
Who can apply as a skilled worker?
Before you apply under the skilled worker category (Tier 2 General), you must have:
- a sponsor; and
- a valid certificate of sponsorship.
Please check the UKBA website if your employer is on the sponsor register.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/points/sponsoringmigrants/registerofsponsors
When you apply you are awarded points based on your:
- qualifications;
- future expected earnings;
- sponsorship;
- English language skills; and
- available maintenance (funds).
The information above is given in good faith and has been carefully checked. Forgate, however, does not accept any legal responsibility for its accuracy (Source: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk)
