Quick Guide

The Tier 2 (General) category is part of the Points-Based System (PBS) and was designed for skilled migrants with a job offer from a licensed sponsor.

As with all PBS visa categories, you need to score enough points in order to meet the visa requirements.

For Tier 2 (General) applications you need to score 70 points in order to qualify.
You can check if you are eligible by using this PBS calculator

Below is an overview of the most important requirements for Tier 2 (General) applications:

Sponsorship and Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) - 30 points

You need to have a job offer by an UK employer. This employer needs to be registered with the UKBA as a Tier 2 Sponsor. You can check if your employer has a licence by clicking here (bottom right corner)

The Certifiacte of Sponsorship (COS) is an electronic document issued by your sponsor, confirming the job offer. It is very important that your job meets the requirements set out by the UKBA. e.g. salary, job responsibilities, type and level of job etc.

To check the requirements for your job please check the codes of practice by clicking here or contact us.

Please note: if you have an employer that is willing to sponsor you but they are not yet on the register, we can process the application for them. Please click here for more information

Salary - 20 points

You need to earn at least £20,000 in order to score points, The only exception is if you had permission to stay in the UK as:

• a Tier 2 (General) migrant under the Immigration Rules in place before 6 April 2011
• a Jewish agency employee
• member of the operational ground staff of an overseas-owned airline
• a minister of religion, missionary or member of a religious order
• a representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation
• a work permit holder.

Please note: You can score points for up to 48 hours work a week. If you work more than 48 hours you need to calculate your annual salary based on a 48 hour week. You also need to check the codes of practice as some salaries are calculated on a 37,5 hour week.

Maintenance Funds - 10 points

There are two options to show that you have sufficient maintenance funds:

1. Proof of £800 for 3 months e.g. in a bank account in your name
2. Letter by you’re A-rated sponsor (employer), confirming that they will maintain you during the first month of your visa, if need be.

English - 10 points

You need to demonstrate that your English is at least at level B1 of the CEFR
Please click here for a list of UKBA approved English tests

Shortage Occupations

If your job is on the Shortage Occupation List you can automatically score 50 points towards your required 70. Depending on the job, requirements related to e.g. salary still apply. You can find out what the requirements are for each job by clicking here

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How can Forgate help?

The UK Immigration Rules change constantly and wrong documents or small mistakes can easily lead to visa refusals.
Our services were created to make your life as easy as possible by processing the entire visa application for you to ensure a successful outcome.

Our Tier 2 General visa service includes the following:

• Expert consultation and advice on your visa application considering your individual circumstances
• We will take care of the entire visa application process from ensuring that you have the right documents, filling out the application form to preparing the submission to the Home Office/UK Embassy.
• We ensure that your sponsor provides the right information and documents for your application
• We act as your official representative in front of the Home Office throughout the entire visa application process up until the decision of your application
• We give you ongoing advice and support and you can contact us any time if you have questions or need any information

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Fees

Forgate has a transparent approach to fees. We charge a flat rate with no hidden charges. Our fees do not include Home Office or Embassy / High Commission fees and we do not follow a “no win, no fee” policy. Our services do not incur VAT

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If you are in the UK
Click here If you are Overseas
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