Types of Tier 2 Visas
There are four different types of Tier 2 Visas you may apply for:
If you have been offered a skilled job in the UK or you’re from outside the EEA and Switzerland.
If you have been offered a job within a faith community in the UK.
If your overseas employer has offered you a role in a UK branch.
If you are an elite Sportsperson or qualified coach that is internationally recognised at the highest level and if your employment will develop your sport in the UK.
Length of Stay on Tier 2 Visa
General Visa: A maximum of 5 years and 14 days.
Minister of Religion: A maximum of 3 years and 1 month.
Intra-Company Transfer:
- Long-term Staff (if salary is more than £155,300): a maximum of 9 years
- Long-term Staff (if salary is less than £155,300): a maximum of 5 years, 1 month
- Graduate Trainee: a maximum of 12 months
- Short-term Staff: a maximum of 12 months
- Skills Transfer: a maximum of 6 months
Sportsperson visa: A maximum of 3 years.
You can apply to extend a Tier 2 Visa however, the maximum time depends on your current Tier 2 Visa type.
To change your sponsor you must submit a Change of Employment application to the UK Border Agency.
Your Tier 2 Visa allows you to work for your sponsor, as well as volunteer and study as long as it does not interfere with your primary job you are sponsored for. You may also bring family members to the UK with you and travel abroad.
A second job for up to 20 hours per week is permitted to those on a General Visa, a Minister of Religion and Sportsperson Visa.
If you are on an Intra-Company Transfer you are not permitted to carry out a second job. With a General Tier 2 Visa you are also permitted to work in a job that is not related to your sponsor if there is a shortage of UK workers for up to 20 hours per week.
A Sportsperson Visa permits you to play for your national UK team and as a sports broadcaster.
Your Tier 2 Visa is voided if you own more than 10% of your sponsor’s shares, unless you are on a salary of more than £155,300. You are not permitted to receive any form of public funding such as housing benefits and you cannot start work for your sponsor before you get the visa. You must wait until after you have started work for your sponsor before applying for a second job.
Your Tier 2 Visa allows you to work for your sponsor as well as doing a second job in the same sector and level for up to 20 hours per week. If the job is not in the same sector or level then it must be one that has a shortage of workers in the UK and cannot be done for more than 20 hours per week.
Your Visa allows you to carry out voluntary work and study as long as it does not interfere with the job you’ve been sponsored to do.
You can also travel abroad and return to the UK and bring family members with you.
You cannot own more than 10% of your sponsors shares unless you earn more than £155,300 a year.
You cannot receive public funds or apply for a second job until you have started your sponsored job. You are not allowed to work at all before you are in receipt of your Visa.