You are eligible to apply for a Tier 2 (General) visa if you’ve been offered a skilled job in the UK and you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. This visa can be applied up to 3 months before you start work in the UK. Tier 2 (General) visa granted for a maximum of 5 years and 14 days, or the time given on sponsorship certificate plus 1 month, whichever is shorter. You can start your stay up to 14 days before the start date on your certificate of sponsorship.
In this visa category, you can work for your sponsor in the job described in your sponsorship certificate, can do another job in certain circumstances and can-do voluntary work. In addition, you are allowed to study as long as it doesn’t interfere with the job you’re sponsored for or travel abroad and return to the UK or bring family members with you.
You are not allowed own more than 10% of your sponsor’s shares (unless you earn more than £159,600 a year), get public funds or apply for a second job until you’ve started working for your sponsor.
For specialist advice in this immigration matter please contact our team member on 0161 465 1814 or complete our enquiry form and we will contact you.