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Tier 2 General FAQs

The FAQs below cover the most common questions regarding Tier 2 (General) visa applications from overseas and within the UK.

The information is not exhaustive and we don’t accept responsibility for its accuracy. If you need further details on this visa category, please contact us or visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

A1. 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.
A2. 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 (COS).
Please check the UKBA website if your employer is on the Sponsor Register.

When you apply you are awarded points based on your:
- qualifications
- future expected earnings
- sponsorship
- English language skills
- available maintenance funds
A3. Who should apply?
You can apply if:
- you are over 16 years old;
- you are not a national of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland; and
- you want to enter or stay in the United Kingdom to work under Tier 2 of the Points-Based System.
A3.1 What kind of jobs can I apply for?
Your job needs to be at graduate level. Please check the codes of practice on the UKBA website or contact us for details
A4. Can I do additional work under Tier 2?
Yes, you can do an extra job in the same sector and at the same level, provided that you do not work more than 20 hours per week in that job and that you work outside of the working hours specified in you COS. You can also do voluntary work but must not receive any money for it. Reasonable expenses are acceptable.
A5. Can I apply for a second job under Tier 2?
Yes, you can do a job in a different sector for more than 20 hours per week but you need a separate COS and make an application to the UKBA.
A6. Can I change my job?
If you change your job to a different employer, you need to make a “change of employment” application to the UKBA. This application is treated as a new application; you will need a new COS and meet all requirements.

If you change your job with the same employer you have to make a “change of employment” application to the UKBA if your core duties change, your pay is lower or if you stop working in a shortage occupation.
A8. What proof of English is accepted?
There are three ways that you can score points for English language. You can:
1. be a national of a majority English speaking country; or
1. pass a UKBA approved English Language Test or
2. hold a degree that was taught in English and is at the same level or above as a United Kingdom bachelor's degree
A9. 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.
B1. 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.
B2. 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.
B3. I currently have a work permit/Tier 2 visa for a job that is below graduate level e.g. as a care assistant/senior carer. Can i extend my visa?
You can extend your visa in the UK if your job is at least at level NQF3. You can also change your employer for the visa extension. However, since some jobs have been taken off the occupational shortage list, you need to score enough points in order to be eligible for a visa extension under Tier 2.