Tier 2 (General) Visa Guide

Travelling or moving to a completely new country can be exciting, but most people lose enthusiasm because of the complicated visa process.

Many people travel to the UK for travel or work. To make the experience easy and convenient, here is a Visa Guide for Tier 2 (General) visa.

When can you apply for Tier 2 (General) visa?

People who have a skilled employment offer in the UK and have residency outside of the EEA (European Economic Area) and Switzerland need to apply for Tier 2 (General) visa.

You need a sponsor

You are entering the country on a work visa, which requires endorsement from a licensed sponsor. Being employed by a licensed employer enables you to get a certificate of sponsorship, which speeds up the visa process.

How long is the process?

Ideally, you should apply for Tier 2 (General) visa 3 months prior to your joining date in the UK-based company.

The joining-date should be mentioned on your certificate of sponsorship to notify the authorities about the timeframe. Generally, you will get the initial decision on your visa within 3 weeks of application submission.

How long can you stay in the UK?

With a Tier 2 (General) visa, you can stay in the country for the maximum duration of 5 years and 14 days or for the duration outlined on your sponsor certificate plus an additional 1-month (whichever is shorter).

Visa holders can enter the country only 15-days prior to their start-date mentioned on the certificate of sponsorship. Visa extension is possible, if you continue with the same job and earn sufficient amount of salary. Your visa can be extended for 5 more years, only if the total stay in the country is less than or equal to 6-years.

The Dos and Don’ts

You can work the job indicated on the certificate of sponsorship and take part in voluntary work. A second job can also be taken, provided you’re working for 20-hours per week in the same field of profession mentioned on your certificate or sponsorship or work in a profession considered scarce in the UK.

Visa-holders can also take up classes/studies as long as it doesn’t hamper their job. This visa also allows you to bring family members. Moreover, you can travel back and forth to other countries as long as you return back to the UK.

The application process can be confusing and missing few documents can land you in legal-trouble on foreign land.

For legal consultation on immigration appeal, spouse or fiancé visa, or Tier 2 (General) leaves to remain in London, call Wembley Solicitors! We provide immediate and fixed-fee services to all our clients.