The Tier 2 visa allows skilled workers to enter the UK on a long-term basis to fill a skilled job vacancy; such as in IT, accountancy, teaching, or healthcare. The occupation needs to be on the Tier 2 occupation list or Tier 2 Shortage Occupation List. Before they apply, Tier 2 visa applicants must have a job offer and a Tier 2 Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 sponsorship licence.

Tier 2 jobs must usually be advertised to workers from within the European Economic Area (EEA) before they can be offered to non-EEA immigrants unless the job is on the Tier 2 Shortage Occupations List. This is known as the Resident Labour Market Test.

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Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) visa For employees of a multinational company who are being transferred to the business's UK branch. Applicants must have a valid certificate of sponsorship from their employer. There are four sub-categories:

• Long term staff 

• Short term staff 

• Graduate trainee 

• Skills transfer

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Tier 2 applicants must provide several documents with their application, these include:

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• Current passport and/or other travel documents 

•  A separate passport photograph 

• Proof that they can meet the maintenance funds requirements for their visa, such as bank statements unless their Tier 2 sponsor can guarantee their maintenance with the UK Home Office. Only 'A-rated' sponsors have this option. 

• Proof that they meet the Tier 2 English Languages requirements, such as qualification equivalent to a bachelors degree or higher taught in English or English language test results. 

• Clear tuberculosis (TB) test result letter, if the applicant is from one of the countries on the Home Office's TB testing list