[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”middle” css_animation=”fadeIn” css=”.vc_custom_1544181326484{background-image: url(https://immigrationexperts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Banner.jpg?id=1633) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}” el_class=”video_overlay”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1544180342932{padding-top: 100px !important;padding-bottom: 100px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”General Visa Tier 2″ font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center|color:{550504ab9c0cb0f84db7c39152d65be21b6403ad977c49457b63283386586382}23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1544422223094{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1452837797829{margin-bottom: 51px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Section 1: General Visa (Tier 2)

If you are a skilled worker from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland and have been offered a job in the UK, you can apply for a General Visa (Tier 2). To apply for this visa, you will need a certificate of sponsorship from an employer who is a licenced sponsor.

However, to hire a skilled worker from outside the UK, the employer first needs to conduct a Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) to ensure that no one from the resident workforce of the UK is ideal for the job. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Once an employer is unable to find someone suitable within the UK, they can hire someone from another country.

Apart from the paid job, you can also take up a voluntary job with a UK Tier 2 General Visa. You can also travel outside the UK and bring your family to the UK. With this visa, you can stay in the UK for up to 5 years and 14 days or the duration mentioned in your certificate of sponsorship + 1 month, whichever is less.

Section 2: General Queries About General Visa (Tier 2)

1. What are the Eligibility Criteria for a General Visa (Tier 2)?

To be eligible for Tier 2 General Visa UK, you need:

  • A Certificate of sponsorship from your employer
  • Demonstrate that you will be paid a proper salary for the job (minimum £30,000/year)
  • Minimum personal savings of £945 to show that you can support your stay in the UK
  • Show that you can travel and provide your travel history for the past 5 years
  • Prove you have sufficient knowledge of the English language
  • Tuberculosis test results, if you are from a country where the test is mandatory
  • Criminal record certificate from a country in which you have lived for at least one year in the last 10 years.

2. What Documents Will I Need for Applying for a General Visa (Tier 2)?

Documents required with your application for Tier 2 General Visa include:

  • Reference number of your certificate of sponsorship
  • Bank statement to show you have the required maintenance funds
  • Valid passport or other valid travel documents
  • Proof of English knowledge
  • Tuberculosis test results, if needed
  • Expired passports, if you are asked to show your travel history
  • Criminal record certificate

3. How Can I Apply for a General Visa (Tier 2)?

If eligible, you can submit your General Visa (Tier 2) application form online or offline. However, you will need to visit your nearest UK visa application centre to get your photograph and fingerprints taken. This will be used to create your biometric residence permit, which you should collect at least 10 days before you travel to the UK.

If you are from North Korea, you cannot apply for the visa online. You need to visit the British Embassy in Pyongyang in person.

For a smooth and hassle-free visa experience and to avoid unnecessary delays in the process, hire the services of an experienced and reliable visa services providers, like Rapid Visas, which boasts a success rate of 97{550504ab9c0cb0f84db7c39152d65be21b6403ad977c49457b63283386586382} on visa applications.

4. How Can I Extend the General Visa (Tier 2)?

You need to fulfil the Tier 2 General Visa extension criteria to be able to apply for an extension. The extension criteria include:

  • You need to have permission to stay or enter the UK on Tier 2 General Visa
  • You still have the same job for which you came to the UK and are still working with the same employer who offered you sponsorship
  • You are still earning an appropriate salary from your job.

If you meet these requirements, you can get your visa extended online for up to 5 years, but only if your total stay in the UK is not more than 6 years.

5. Can My Family Members Accompany Me When I’m Approved for the General Visa (Tier 2)?

Yes, your family members (dependants) can accompany you if your Tier 2 General Visa documents and visa are approved. Your family members can be your spouse and children under 18 years. Your dependants will need Tier 2 Dependant visas to come to the UK.

Your dependants will also be required to show personal savings of £630 each, to be eligible for the visa and pay the healthcare surcharge. These personal savings should be in a bank account for at least 90 days before submitting the visa application.

6. Can I Switch to General Visa (Tier 2)? What are the Criteria?

Yes, you can switch to Tier 2 General Visa UK if you are already in the UK on specific visa categories, such as:

  • Tier 1
  • Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
  • Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
  • Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer)
  • Tier 4 (with applicable qualifications)

A Tier 2 General Visa switch is also allowed if you are:

  • A representative of an international business
  • A dependant partner of a Tier 4 visa holder.

If you do fulfil the criteria mentioned above, you can apply to switch to Tier 2 General Visa online.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Additional FAQs” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_section title=”1. How Long Will it Take to Get a General Visa (Tier 2)?” tab_id=”1″][vc_column_text]After receiving the certificate of sponsorship from your UK-based employer, you are allowed to submit the Tier 2 General Visa application form up to three months before your employment contract begins. After successfully applying for the visa, it can take about 3 weeks to get your visa approved.

If you are switching to this visa from another visa category while already in the UK, the processing can take up to 8 weeks.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”2. What are the Fees for the General Visa (Tier 2)?” tab_id=”2″][vc_column_text]The Tier 2 General Visa fees depend on factors like the duration of your stay, how you are applying, and from where you are applying. For instance, the fee is £610 if you apply for the visa for up to 3 years from outside the UK. If you also have dependants, the fee is £610 for each person.

However, if you are from Macedonia or Turkey, the application fee is £555. The fee is different if you want to apply for a duration of more than 3 years. If you are confused about the fees or any other aspect of this visa, you can contact Rapid Visas for Tier 2 General Visa guidance.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”3. How Long Can I Stay in the UK with the General Visa (Tier 2)?” tab_id=”3″][vc_column_text]You can stay in the UK for up to 5 years and 14 days or the duration of your sponsorship plus 1 month, whichever is lesser. You also have the option to extend the visa for up to 5 more years, as long as the total stay is not more than 6 years.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”4. Can I Take Up Another Job in the UK with the General Visa (Tier 2)?” tab_id=”4″][vc_column_text]You can also take up another job in the UK with the General Visa Tier 2, if the other job only requires you to work for 20 hours in a week in the same profession and at the same level as your main job or in a profession that is on the shortage occupation list, according to the UK immigration rules. You are also allowed to take up any unpaid voluntary job.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”5. How Well Do I Need to Know English to Apply for a General Visa (Tier 2)?” tab_id=”5″][vc_column_text]The Tier 2 General Visa English requirements are that you need to prove your proficiency in the English language. This can be done by either appearing for an approved English language test with a minimum of CEFR B1 in writing, reading, listening and speaking, or by having an academic qualification taught in English and/or recognised by the UK NARIC.

However, you might not be required to prove your English knowledge if you are a national of a country where English is a major language.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”6. Are There Any Fund Requirements for a General Visa (Tier 2)?” tab_id=”6″][vc_column_text]Yes, you need to have at least £945 in a bank account for at least 90 days before you apply for the Tier 2 General Visa UK to prove that you can afford your expenses when in the UK. However, if your sponsor is a fully approved A-rated sponsor, you will not be required to show these funds.

Also, if you have dependants accompanying you, each of them needs to have an additional £630 in the bank account at least 90 days before the visa is applied for.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row]