Work Permit
To come to the UK as a sponsored migrant, applicants must make a successful Entry Clearance or Leave to Remain application. The applicant must have a job offer; a Certificate of Sponsorship ("CoS") issued by a UKBA licenced sponsor and score sufficient points under the new Points - Based System.
To obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship, an employer must be able to show that the position offered is a genuine vacancy with pay equal to that which a UK national would receive were they to be employed in the same position.
The role must be at or above the required National Vocational Qualification (NVQ). Certain vacancies listed on the Shortage Occupation List, published by the UKBA, are exempt from the advertising requirement. However, where a position does not appear on the list, an employer must show that they have carried out a Resident Labour Market Test in an attempt to fill the role with a resident worker from the UK.
Applicants must score a total of 50 points in the ‘Attributes’ section. Points will be awarded for sponsorship status, qualifications and prospective earnings.
Sponsorship
Depending on the Sponsorship status you can be awarded a maximum of 50 points in this category.
The Resident Labour Market Test is a crucial part of the Tier 2 General and is used to protect the domestic labour market. Sponsors are required to conduct a Resident Labour Market Test unless:
- The prospective vacancy is listed on a ‘Shortage Occupation List’
- The applicant is switching from a Tier 1 Post Study Work category
- The prospective job falls under Intra-Company Transfer category.
Qualifications
Up to 15 points in total can be awarded on the basis of your academic qualifications.
Prospective Earnings
You can claim points according to the amount of prospective earnings offered by your employer. The salary must be paid in the UK and include basic pay plus any allowances.
Additional Requirements
- English Language
- Maintenance.
Tier 2 General holders can change jobs whilst in the UK. A Tier 2 General visa may lead to settlement in the UK having completed five years.
From 6 January 2010 if you apply to switch or extend a Tier 2 Work Permit visa you will be required to attend a biometric appointment and you will be issued with an Identity Card for Foreign Nationals (ICFN).
For the latest information on the changes to the Tier 2 General category please visit our news section and our UK immigration blog.
Contact us to ensure that this is the correct visa for you. We can discuss your details and offer advice or prepare the application on your behalf.
