How to Get a Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship in the UK, Getting a Tier 2 visa sponsorship in the UK can be a daunting process, but it’s necessary if you want to work in the UK as a skilled worker. A Tier 2 visa allows non-UK residents to work in the UK if they have a job offer from a UK employer that is willing to sponsor their visa.
To get a Tier 2 visa sponsorship, you will need to meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a job offer from a UK employer that is willing to sponsor your visa, being paid a minimum salary, and having a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer. Additionally, you will need to prove your knowledge of the English language and provide evidence of your financial support.
Navigating the Tier 2 visa sponsorship process can be complex, but with the right information, it’s possible to successfully obtain a visa and start working in the UK. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to get a Tier 2 visa sponsorship in the UK, including eligibility requirements, application processes, and tips for success.
Understanding Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship
Individuals who wish to work in the UK and are not citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland may need a Tier 2 visa. To obtain a Tier 2 visa, applicants must have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid Tier 2 sponsor license.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To be eligible for a Tier 2 visa, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include:
- Having a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid Tier 2 sponsor license
- Being able to speak, read, write, and understand English
- Meeting the minimum salary threshold for the specific job and visa type
- Having enough money to support themselves without relying on public funds
- Meeting the relevant requirements for the specific visa type
Types of Tier 2 Visas
There are four types of Tier 2 visas:
- Tier 2 (General) visa – for skilled workers who have a job offer in the UK
- Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) visa – for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to a UK branch
- Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa – for those who will work as a minister of religion, missionary, or member of a religious order
- Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa – for elite athletes and coaches who will be based in the UK for a long-term assignment
Each type of visa has its own specific requirements, and applicants must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria for the visa they are applying for.
Overall, obtaining a Tier 2 visa sponsorship in the UK can be a complex process. However, by understanding the eligibility criteria and the different types of Tier 2 visas available, applicants can increase their chances of a successful application.
Securing a Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship
To secure a Tier 2 visa sponsorship, applicants must follow certain steps and provide specific documents. This section will provide an overview of the process and requirements for securing a Tier 2 visa sponsorship in the UK.
Finding a Sponsor
The first step in securing a Tier 2 visa sponsorship is to find a UK employer who is willing to sponsor the applicant. The employer must hold a valid Tier 2 sponsor license and the job offered must meet the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa.
Applicants can search for job vacancies on job search websites, company websites, and recruitment agencies. It is important to ensure that the job offered meets the minimum salary threshold and that the employer is willing to sponsor the applicant for a Tier 2 visa.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Once an employer has agreed to sponsor an applicant, they must apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) on their behalf. The CoS is a virtual document that contains information about the job offered and the applicant.
The CoS is assigned a unique reference number, which the applicant must use when applying for their Tier 2 visa. The CoS also contains information about the length of the visa and the start and end dates of the job.
Visa Application Process
After receiving the CoS, the applicant can apply for their Tier 2 visa. The visa application can be made online and the applicant must provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application center.
Applicants must also provide evidence that they meet the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa, such as proof of English language proficiency and proof of financial support. The applicant must also provide a valid CoS reference number as part of their application.
Required Documents
When applying for a Tier 2 visa, applicants must provide the following documents:
- A valid passport or travel document
- A valid CoS reference number
- Evidence of English language proficiency
- Proof of financial support
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)
It is important to ensure that all documents are provided in the correct format and that they meet the requirements of the UK Visas and Immigration department.
In conclusion, securing a Tier 2 visa sponsorship in the UK requires finding a suitable sponsor, obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship, and providing the required documents as part of the visa application process. By following these steps and meeting the eligibility criteria, applicants can increase their chances of obtaining a Tier 2 visa sponsorship and working in the UK.