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General (Tier 2)
Overview: Looking to take your career to the UK? The General (Tier 2) visa lets skilled workers join approved employers and build a life in Britain. It’s your ticket to work, grow, and explore new opportunities abroad.
Tier 2 is part of a points-based system, which is for migration from outside Europe. The Tier 2 (General) category is for foreign nationals who have been offered a skilled job to fill a gap in the UK workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker (permanent resident).
For the years from 6 April 2013 to 5 April 2014, a maximum of 20,700 skilled workers were able to the UK under Tier 2 (General) to do jobs with annual salary below £152,100. There is no limit on the number of workers coming to the UK to do jobs with an annual salary of £152,000 or above.
Requirements
Points for eligibility are based on the following:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (having passed the Labour Market Test)
- Salary and allowances
(These two are mandatory) and
- English ability
- Maintenance (Funds)
Additional requirements apply to students and there are some grounds for refusal. Successful applicants from outside the UK can enter and stay in the UK under this visa for the length of time in the certificate up to a maximum of 3 years plus 1 month.
Take Away Points
💼 Designed for skilled workers with a confirmed job offer from a licensed UK employer.
🌍 Allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years, with possible extensions.
📜 Requires meeting salary thresholds and English language proficiency.
🏠 Family members can join you as dependants under the same visa route.
🚀 Offers a pathway to permanent settlement after continuous lawful residence.