The Tier 2 (General) Visa scheme is designed to enable skilled workers to come to the UK from outside of the European Economic Area (EEA). Applicants for a Tier 2 (General) Visa must be sponsored by an approved UK employer. As a London based immigration law firm, AQ Archers Solicitors regularly assist employers with gaining their Tier 2 Sponsorship license, allowing them to recruit staff from outside of the EEA. We also assist employees wishing to live and work in the UK. Our aim is to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible, ironing out any possible problems which we discover when reviewing your eligibility.

What is the Tier 2 (General) Visa?

For employers

The Tier 2 (General) Visa scheme enables licensed UK employers the ability to hire and sponsor skilled non-EEA workers. In order to be eligible to sponsor employees, your business will need to apply for a Sponsorship license. In order to be successful, you will need to demonstrate that you are able to meet the requirements of the Home Office, including keeping records of any non-EEA workers you interview and hire, making sure the position cannot be filled by a UK citizen or permanent resident, and reporting any problems to the Home Office. If successful, you will need to demonstrate ongoing compliance to retain the right to sponsor workers.

For employees

The Tier 2 (General) Visa allows workers from outside of the EEA to come to the UK to live and work. Only licensed employers can sponsor individuals under this scheme. Before being given a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ (CoS), if the role you are filling is not on the Shortage Occupation List, they will need to carry out a Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) to ensure that no settled worker can undertake the position. If your application is successful, your Visa may be granted for up to five years and 14 days, or the duration specified on your certificate of sponsorship plus 1 month, whichever is shorter.

You will be able to apply to extend your Visa before it expires, or if you have five years continuous residence in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence / Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Am I eligible for the Tier 2 (General) Visa?

In order to be eligible for a Tier 2 (General) Visa, employees need:

• To be from outside of the EEA
• To be offered a skilled job in the UK and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• To be paid the appropriate salary (currently £30,000 or the specific rate for your role -this amount is expected to decrease when the UK leaves the EU)
• To be sponsored by a licensed UK employer
• Personal savings of £945 in your bank account for 90 days before you apply (or proof that an A-rated sponsor will cover your costs for one month)
• Proof that you meet the English language proficiency requirements.
• Evidence of your travel history over the last five years
• Tuberculosis test results (if you are from a specified country)
• A clean criminal record certificate

Why should I engage AQ Archers to assist with my Tier 2 (General) Visa application?

AQ Archers have considerable experience of helping employers and employees with the Tier 2 (General) Visa scheme. We have helped many employers to gain their license, and regain it if they lose it as a result of an error or compliance problem. We have an in depth understanding of the policies and procedures followed by the UK Home Office for work Visas and licenses, allowing us to quickly spot any possible areas of weakness in your application, and we will quickly advise you on the steps necessary to resolve them.

Our team are highly professional and take great care in their client’s immigration matters. You can be assured that by using our services, we will lift the burden of securing the necessary immigration clearance from your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your life, your family, and your work/business.

Can AQ Archers assist with the refusal of a Tier 2 (General) Visa?

AQ Archers have assisted many applicants who have had their Visa applications refused, to secure a positive decision. Because our team have a forensic knowledge of the guidelines followed by Home Office case officers, we will focus in on the problem area/s, and recommend a plan of action to resolve the matter, whether this is in the form of a resubmitted application, appeal, Administrative Review, or a Judicial Review. In our experience, most adverse decisions are quickly overturned when we write to the Home Office to robustly challenge a decision made.

AQ Archers, based in London, can assist you with all aspects of obtaining ILR based on long residence for you and your family. To speak to one of our consultants, please call 020 8521 2605.