UK Tier 2 Sponsor List
Find licensed UK companies near you that can sponsor a Tier 2 Visa
UK Visa Sponsorship Statistics
Last updated: 21 April 2025 at 07:25
UK Skilled Worker Visa: A Comprehensive Guide 2025
If you're planning to work in the United Kingdom, understanding the UK Skilled Worker Visa—formerly known as the Tier 2 Visa—is essential. This visa allows skilled professionals from outside the UK to live and work for an approved employer that holds a Tier 2 sponsor licence. Whether you're searching for sponsorship jobs near me, looking into care home jobs with sponsorship, or exploring the UK self sponsorship visa route, it's crucial to know how the process works.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including eligibility requirements, the application process, and how to find the UK Tier 2 visa sponsor list or list of companies that sponsor visa UK. You'll also learn what a sponsor is for a visa, how to access the official sponsor list UK, and where to find updates like the Tier 2 sponsor licence suspended list. Whether you're checking the OISC for immigration advice or searching the sponsor list for Tier 2, this resource will help you take the next step toward working in the UK.
What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?
The UK Skilled Worker Visa—previously known as the Tier 2 Visa—is a work visa designed for skilled professionals from outside the EEA and Switzerland. It allows UK employers with a valid Tier 2 sponsor licence to hire international talent for roles where there is a shortage of local candidates. This visa plays a vital role in helping companies access skilled labor, especially for sectors offering sponsorship jobs near me, including care home jobs with sponsorship.
By using the UK Tier 2 visa sponsor list or browsing the list of companies that sponsor visa UK, applicants can identify eligible employers. Understanding what a sponsor is for a visa and checking the sponsors list UK is essential for a successful application.
Understanding the Points-Based System
The UK Skilled Worker visa falls under the points-based immigration system, which assesses applicants on skills, qualifications, and sponsorship by licensed UK employers. This system ensures they meet UK tier 2 sponsor list requirements and can support the workforce. Key elements include a valid job offer, English proficiency, and meeting the UK tier 2 visa fees and maintenance requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must meet several criteria:
- Job Offer from a UK Employer: You need a job offer from an employer listed on the UK tier 2 sponsor list or sponsor list UK, with a valid licence or license UK. The job must meet specific salary and skill requirements.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer must issue a CoS, confirming their tier 2 sponsorship. This certificate includes vital job and sponsorship details.
- Appropriate Salary Level: The job must meet the minimum salary threshold set by the UK government, depending on the SOC code. This is required for inclusion in the tier 2 sponsors list.
- English Language Proficiency: You must prove your English ability through an approved test or be a national of a majority English-speaking country.
- Maintenance Funds: You must show sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents. This requirement also applies to the UK self sponsorship visa and tier 2 sponsors applicants.
Application Process
Here's a step-by-step guide to applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa, including the requirements from the UK tier 2 sponsor list:
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Secure a CoS from your licensed UK employer. This document is crucial for your visa application as it confirms their role as a tier 2 sponsor.
- Complete the Online Application Form: Fill out the application form on the UK government's official website, providing detailed personal and employment information. Make sure your employer is on the sponsor list UK.
- Pay the Application Fee: Submit the applicable visa application fee, which varies based on the visa duration and whether you're applying from inside or outside the UK. The tier 2 visa sponsorship cost to employer may also factor into this.
- Schedule a Biometric Appointment: After submitting your application, schedule an appointment at a visa application center to provide your fingerprints and photograph, which are part of the UK visa requirements.
- Submit Supporting Documents: Gather and submit all necessary documents, including your passport, CoS, proof of English proficiency, and evidence of maintenance funds, as required for your UK self sponsorship visa.
- Attend a Visa Interview (if required): You may be required to attend an interview to verify the information in your application, especially if you're on the tier 2 sponsor list UK.
- Wait for a Decision: After completing all steps, wait for a decision on your application. Processing times can vary, but you can track your application online. Make sure your sponsor's status is not on the tier 2 sponsor licence suspended list.
- Collect Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): If approved, you'll receive a BRP, which serves as proof of your right to stay in the UK. This is an essential part of your tier 2 visa UK sponsor list process.
Benefits of the UK Skilled Worker Visa
- Work in the UK: Gain valuable international work experience while being employed by a licensed UK employer listed on the UK tier 2 sponsor list.
- Long-Term Employment: Stay in the UK for up to five years with the option to extend your tier 2 visa UK or apply for a UK self sponsorship visa.
- Path to Settlement: After meeting certain residency requirements, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, a key benefit of holding a Skilled Worker visa.
- Bring Your Family: Your spouse, partner, and children under 18 can join you as dependents, with the right to work and study in the UK as part of your tier 2 sponsorship.
- Skill Development: Enhance your skills and expertise in your field, benefiting from the extensive training and experience available with your tier 2 sponsors.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals from around the world, building valuable relationships through your role in the UK workforce and tier 2 visa sponsorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa from another visa category while in the UK, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and have a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor on the tier 2 sponsor list UK.
No, there is no cap on the number of UK Skilled Worker visas issued annually. However, applicants must still meet all necessary tier 2 visa UK sponsor requirements.
Yes, you can change employers, but you must notify UKVI and ensure your new position is also eligible for a Skilled Worker visa under the tier 2 sponsor list.
No, individuals holding a Skilled Worker visa are not entitled to most public funds, such as housing or income support, but they can access essential public services like the NHS.
Yes, your spouse, partner, and children under 18 can join you as dependents. They are allowed to live, work, and study in the UK as part of your Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
Yes, after completing the required residency period and meeting conditions like language proficiency and the Life in the UK test, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) through your Skilled Worker visa.
You may apply for your Skilled Worker visa up to three months before your job start date, as stated on your certificate of sponsorship from a tier 2 sponsor.
The Skilled Worker visa cost varies based on your duration of stay and your location. It ranges from £464 to £1,220 for applicants outside the UK, and from £464 to £1,408 for those applying from within the UK.
Processing times for applications made outside the UK are typically around three weeks, but it can vary depending on the tier 2 sponsor list and application type.
Yes, you can apply for an extension if you're continuing in the same role with the same employer, and still meet the salary and eligibility criteria outlined in the tier 2 visa sponsor list.
Yes, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five continuous years on the Skilled Worker visa, provided you meet all eligibility requirements.
Yes, you can switch from certain other visa types to a Skilled Worker visa as long as your current visa is still valid and you meet the tier 2 sponsor list requirements.
Yes, changing employers requires a new certificate of sponsorship from a tier 2 sponsor and a new Skilled Worker visa application.
No, your application will be denied if your salary falls below the minimum threshold set for Skilled Worker visas as outlined by the tier 2 sponsor list UK.
Yes, you can work an additional 20 hours per week in a shortage occupation or the same field as your primary job under the Skilled Worker visa.
If your application is refused, you can reapply or appeal the decision. Keep in mind that appeals may take up to a year depending on your circumstances.
The Tier 2 sponsor list consists of companies and organizations authorized by the Home Office to sponsor Skilled Worker visa applicants. You must receive a certificate of sponsorship from one of these employers to apply.