Applying from Outside the UK

If you do not have an existing status that allows you to transfer to Tier 2 (General) In Country you will need to submit a Tier 2 application in your country of residence (normally your country of birth).

How can Commonwealth Contractors help?

At Commonwealth Contractors we partner with OISC registered Private Immigration Firms and Tier 2 Licensed Healthcare & IT Consultancies. If you are a skilled Healthcare or IT Professional considering working in the UK call now on 0800 294 4388 or Submit your Details & we will get back to you.

Out of Country Tier 2 Application Process

The following Out of Country Application Process is a broad overview of the general steps involved with a Tier 2 application. If you are a:

Skilled Healthcare or IT Consultant interested in working in the UK contact Commonwealth Contractors for specific information on your case. We work with OISC registered Immigration Practices & Tier 2 Licensed Healthcare & IT Consultancies prepared to sponsor individuals on Tier 2 visas where required.
Prospective Employer contact Commonwealth Contactors for information on how to register as a Tier 2 Licensed company or outsource the work (and Immigration costs) to a suitable consultancy.

Step 1: Tier 2 Application Prepared

Once a Tier 2 Licensed Employer has decided to sponsor a worker under Tier 2 the organisation’s OISC Immigration Partner will normally prepare a professional visa application. The prospective employee must provide copies of the following documents for all applicants (including dependents) and complete information sheets; Passports, Degree Copies, Professional References, English Language Test Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificates etc.

OISC Immigration Partners normally charge professional fees in the region of E2,500 to prepare Tier 2 Applications, Issue Certificates of Sponsorship, ensure the Employer has a firm foundation from which to sponsor the migrant etc.

Step 2: Certificate of Sponsorship Issued

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a 10 digit reference number that relates to a digital database entry in the UK Border Agency’s Sponsorship Management System. Every Tier 2 Licensed Employer is assigned a log on once Tier 2 licensed. The CoS is all important as it confirms to the UKBA the basis on which the employer is going to employ the migrant worker. If the employers declaration is not built on solid foundations the UKBA may fine and potentially prosecute the employer. Employers are highly recommended to use the services of a professional migration firm as non compliance can be extremely costly and time consuming.

Once the employer is satisfied with the application the organisation pays the government submission fee and receives the unique 10 digit reference number. This number must then be passed to the migrant so that he / she can gain entry clearance.

Step 3: Online Application Submitted / Tier 2 Submission Slot Booked

Once the applicant is in possession of fully completed and prepared Tier 2 application forms, all relevant application documents and the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), he or she can submit the application online (Note: although the majority of countries have online application systems some do not. Please see www.UKVisas.gov.uk for information specific to your case).

The online applicant consists of completing online VAF9 & 10 forms for the main applicant and dependents. Once complete the applicant will be prompted to pay the Tier 2 application fee (see UKVisas.gov.uk for current prices) and book a slot for the submission of biometric information,

Step 4: Attend Biometric Appointment

All migrants (and dependents on migrants) applying under Tier 2 must provide Biometric Information. The only exception to this is for dependents under the age of 5 years old.

In order to do this the migrant & dependents must attend a biometric appointment (booked online, see step 3) and provide Digital Fingerprints & a Full Face Digital Photo. The process only takes around 5 minutes however all applicants must attend a Visa Facilitation Service Centre (VFS) in order to provide the information. VFS Global & Worldbridge & commercial partners of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

Step 5: Submit Tier 2 Application

Once Biometric Information has been provided & full payment has been made the Tier 2 application can be submitted. Depending upon the application location processing times vary from 1 – 6 weeks. Please see out Latest News section for information on current processing times.

Step 6: Tier 2 Application Approved

Once case-worked the application should be approved. The applicant will normally receive SMS & Email messages confirming the processing of the application (these messages will not confirm whether the application has been successful or not). All documents are then returned to the applicant by secure mail.

Step 7: Flight to the UK, Work Begins

Once approved the applicant and dependents can travel to the UK up to 10 days before the migrant is due to start work for the employer. The migrant should provide the employer with copies of the Tier 2 visas.

For more Information on applying for a Tier 2 (Work Permit) Visa call now on 0800 294 4388 or Submit your Details and we will get back to you

Related Tier 2 (Work Permit) Visa Pages:

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