Tier 2 General visas

Tier 2 Visas replace the UK Work Permit scheme. Tier 2 Work Permits allow skilled candidates with a job offer to immigrate to the UK. 

Tier 2 immigration offers the possibility of permanent residence in the UK. Candidates living and working in the UK for five years may qualify for Indefinite Leave to remain (ILR). After a further year, a candidate may qualify for British Naturalisation as a UK citizen.

Sponsorship Licence

Employers will be required to sponsor the prospective employee. Before a non-EEA national can obtain a Tier 2 Visa, the employer will need to issue the candidate a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Employers must first obtain a Sponsorship Licence to enable them to issue Certificates of Sponsorship.

Employers are awarded either an A or B level Sponsorship Licence, depending on the Home Office's risk assessment. Employers will be awarded an A rating in most cases.

Employers are responsible for ensuring that candidates are eligible and suitable to fill the positions being offered, and accountable when the system is abused. The employer may undergo immigration compliance checks.

Where employers do not fulfil their responsibilities they will be downgraded to a B rating, or have their Sponsorship Licence withdrawn.

Eligibility

Non-EEA nationals must have an offer of employment before making a Tier 2 Work Permit application.

Intra-company Transfers

Applying for an Intra Company Transfer (ICT) under tier 2 allows a candidate to transfer from an overseas branch of a UK company.

Candidates from an overseas Branch
ICT position	50 points

Dependants

The applicant's spouse, unmarried, or civil partner, along with any children can also move to the UK. Dependants are granted the same period of leave as the main tier 2 applicant.

Do I need a lawyer?

Mulberry Finch have the expertise to assist you with Tier 2 immigration. If you would like to know more about coming to the UK on a tier 2 work permit, or you need to apply for a sponsorship licence call Mulberry Finch today.

We operate on a flat fee structure, providing full immigration compliance services to help you fulfil your sponsorship responsibilities and maintain or regain your A rating.