Tier 2 General

Tier 2

Tier 2 General sponsored workers

The main disadvantage under Tier 2 is that you need to have a job offer from a UK-based employer who is prepared to sponsor you and that sponsor has the relevant immigration licenses, then you can apply for permission to enter or stay in the United Kingdom.

The requirements under the Tier 2 General, skilled worker category, are:

· You must have a sponsor; and
· You must have a valid certificate of sponsorship.

The application process will look at the following criterion before deciding whether to grant immigration status or not:

·    English language ability
·    Maintenance – ie available funds
·    Qualifications;
·    Future expected earnings; and
·    Nature of sponsorship;

Only those who are outside the United Kingdom, in the United Kingdom but under a “switchable” immigration category or those who are in the UK already as a sponsored skilled worker can apply to the immigration authorities for further permission to remain in the UK as a sponsored skilled worker.

Similar, but not identical provisions apply to sportspersons, ministers of religion or Intra-company transfers. Please contact our experienced immigration lawyers for further advice, details and representation.

As can be seen from the above, the issue relating to job offers and sponsorship licenses are complex. Our specialist immigration lawyers will be able to assist with these requirements whether you are business seeking to employ worker in these immigration categories or whether you are an individual seeking guidance or representation in becoming a sponsored skilled worker.

For workers from the European Economic Area and Switzerland

As is well known the immigration provisions for nationals of countries that make the EEA and Switzerland are on the whole generous to applicants. Nationals of those countries are free to enter and take up work without the need to inform or seek permission from the immigration authorities.
Registration Certificates, Family Member Residence Stamps and Registration Cards can be applied for, but they are not needed before work is undertaken.

The European immigration rules for dependents are based largely around a distinction between family members and extended family members. The immigration rules for European nationals gaining settlement and citizenship are not dissimilar for those who have lawful stay in the United Kingdom. Our specialist immigration lawyers are on hand to assist with these European applications.

Other European Countries

There are separate provisions for nationals of other European countries. If you are a national of the following countries please call our top immigration lawyers for a detailed consultation for a fixed fee:

·    Bulgaria
·    Romania
·    Czech Republic
·    Estonia
·    Hungary
·    Latvia
·    Lithuania
·    Poland
·    Slovakia
·    Slovenia

Our leading immigration lawyers are on hand to advise nationals of these countries as to all their options as regards family members, settlement, rights and responsibilities.

Amongst London immigration lawyers, barristers, or solicitors, we are confident to provide professional, honest, and the best immigration legal service for our clients from local or around the world.