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Tier 2 (General)

This section explains how you can come or stay in the skilled worker category (Tier 2 General) under our points-based system to work in the United Kingdom.

What is the skilled worker category?

The skilled worker category (Tier 2 General) is for people coming to the United Kingdom with a skilled job offer to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker.

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Who can apply as a skilled worker?

Before you apply under the skilled worker category (Tier 2 General), you must have:

  • a sponsor; and
  • a valid certificate of sponsorship.

When you apply you are awarded points based on your:

  • qualifications;
  • future expected earnings;
  • sponsorship;
  • English language skills; and
  • available maintenance (funds).

You can apply under the skilled worker category (Tier 2 General) now if you are:

  • applying for permission to enter the United Kingdom (known as 'entry clearance') under the sponsored skilled worker category (Tier 2 General) (see initial applications);
  • in the United Kingdom with permission to stay (known as 'leave to remain') in an immigration category that allows you to switch into the sponsored skilled worker category (Tier 2 General)(see how to switch in to the skilled worker category);
  • already in the United Kingdom as a sponsored skilled worker (Tier 2 General) and want to extend your permission to stay within your existing category (see extending your stay).

Go to our visa services website if you are applying from outside the United Kingdom. There you can find out more about the process in the country you are applying from and download the relevant application forms.

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How long can you stay for?

If you are applying from outside the United Kingdom and you are given permission to come as a skilled worker (Tier 2 General), you will be able to live and work here for a maximum of three years plus one month, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus one month, whichever is shorter.

If you are already inside the United Kingdom in a different category, you may be able to apply to switch into the category of skilled worker (Tier 2 General).  If we approve your application you will be able to live and work here for a maximum of three years, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

At the end of the three years, you will need to apply to extend your stay as a skilled worker (Tier 2 General) if you want to stay. See extending your stay for more information. If you are given permission to extend your stay as a skilled worker, you will get another two years, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

If you are given permission to extend your stay in the United Kingdom and your previous permission to stay was as a work permit holder, you can still apply under the transitional arrangements for permission to stay for a time that takes you to five years in the United Kingdom. For example, if you have been here for two and a half years with permission as a work permit holder or under the transitional arrangements, you can apply for a further two and a half years permission to stay.

If this means you would get permission to stay for less than a further two years, you can apply for permission to stay for two years instead. For example, if you have been here for four years with permission as a work permit holder or under the transitional arrangements, you can apply for a further two years permission to stay.

You may apply for settlement once you have been here for five years. If you do not, you must apply under the points-based system and make a new application.

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