Before you apply for your Visa you will have to be sponsored by a company in the UK and in ownership of the certificate. A decision will be made within 3 weeks regarding your Visa and you can apply for a Visa up to 3 months before you are due to travel to the UK. How much you pay for your Tier 2 General Visa will depend on your situation, where you are from and how you apply.

General Visa 

If you have been offered a skilled job in the UK or you’re from outside the EEA and Switzerland.

Length of Stay on Tier 2 Visa

General Visa: A maximum of 5 years and 14 days.