apply to work in the UK as a skilled worker
How do I apply to work in the UK as a Skilled Worker?
Written by Mrs. Emel Hussein founder & Sole Practitioner of E.A Law Solicitors, specialists in UK Immigration Law.
A person can apply to enter or stay in the UK in order to work as a ‘skilled worker’. The new Tier system replaced the UK Border Agency Work Permit holder rules and is similar to the Australian Immigration system.
The Tier 2 (General) is for people coming to the UK with a skilled job offer to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker.
Before you apply under the skilled worker category (Tier 2 General), you must have a sponsor (employer) 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)
- applying 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)
- 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.
If you are applying from outside the UK and you are given permission to come here under 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 on your certificate of sponsorship plus one month, whichever is shorter.
If you are already inside the UK in a different category, you may be able to apply to switch into the Tier 2 (General) category. If your application is approved, 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 can apply to extend your stay in Tier 2 (General). If your application is approved the UK Border Agency will extend your permission to stay by another two years, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.
If your previous permission to stay was as a work permit holder, you can apply under the transitional arrangements for permission to stay for a time that takes you to five years in the UK in an eligible category. 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 in an eligible category for five years. If you do not, you must apply under the points-based system and make a new application.
For more information please contact E.A Law Solicitors on:
T: 020 8805 5307 or