Welcome to the world of working adults! Completed your studies? Looking for a job? Want to work in the UK? You are in the perfect place, my friend.
So, you have no idea how to begin or where to start. So let us help you. We will first begin by understanding that what exactly is a tier 2 general route visa.
Tier 2 Visa (General Route)
This visa allows skilled people to come and stay in the UK and as they have been offered permanent employment in the UK based on their skills and experience. The employment is offered by a firm that holds a sponsor license and is then known as the sponsor. They will be responsible for providing you with a certificate of sponsorship which then you can use to apply for a tier 2 visa.
This Visa was earlier required by all non-EEA residents. However, now this visa is required by all non-UK people to come and work in the UK.
Hope that helped you understand what is a tier 2 visa.
The second thing that we need to know is how to find a sponsor. Well, we will tell you a few ways on how to go about finding a tier 2 sponsor for yourself.
So, one of the first steps is to be aware of what you are doing and what all would you require. Google can only help you with so much, so go and visit https://www.gov.uk/ for more detailed information on tier 2 visas.
The next step is to find the list on the web of all tier 2 firms that can hire you and shortlist the ones you would like to work for. The major industries that require skilled staff from abroad are based in engineering, medical staff, financial institutions, and other such professional services. Also, there are multiple websites and job portals with specific tier 2 job boards to help you along with your search.
You need to be smart as to when to apply and how to apply. Familiarity with the job application process will help you develop a lot easier and faster. Most companies are open for hire during the beginning of fiscal years or when universities are ending their semesters. Make sure you are up to date with the job application process of the UK based firms.
If you are someone who wants to work on your own projects, have your own start-up then this is not the right route for you.
Along with the tier 2 visa requirements, you will also need to fulfill the general eligibility requirements specified by the Home Office for all immigrants. Having received a certificate of sponsorship does not mean that your visa application will be approved for sure. It is just one requirement under the tier 2 sponsor visa.
You should also consult an immigration lawyer to assist you during this process. Legal aid can help it go over more smoothly than you doing it all by yourself.
Switching Employers or sponsors
So you must be wondering, does it mean I cannot switch jobs in the UK if someone is sponsoring my tier 2 Visa? The answer to this question is no.
You can switch employers for sure but you would require a new certificate of sponsorship from your new employer and would have to make a new application for another tier 2 visa.
This application can also be completed from within the UK. It involves a lot of paperwork as your employer has to keep a constant check on you adhering to the guidelines of the sponsorship license that has been issued to them by the Home office.
