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Tier 2 Visa Applications Inside the UK
If you are either; already in the UK on a visa that allows you to ‘switch’ into Tier 2 employment, OR you are on a Tier 2 visa (Work Permit) with another UK company you can normally transfer your visa status to the new sponsor without leaving the country. These in country applications are known as ‘switching’ applications.
To switch into Tier 2 General you must be on a valid; Tier 1 General Visa, HSMP, Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa, Tier 2 General Visa, UK Work Permit, Tier 4 Visa, Student Visa, Fresh Talent for Scotland Scheme Visa, International Graduate Scheme (IGS) Visa or Science & Engineering Scheme (SEGS) visa.
To give you an idea of the steps involved with an ‘in country’ application we have set out the basic process below.
Basic Step-by-Step Process
- Offer of Employment
- Tier 2 Application Prepared
- Certificate of Sponsorship Issued
- Tier 2 Application Submitted (Postal)
- Letter of Acknowledgement & Invitation to provide Biometrics received
- Biometric Information Provided
- Tier 2 Application Processed & Approved
- Work Begins
Step 1 - Offer of Employment
In order for a Company to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) it must have a followed strict recruitment processes otherwise it could find that its Tier 2 license is downgrading by the UK Border Agency at an Immigration Audit.
Before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship the Company will need to ensure that it has:
- Advertised the vacancy in a suitable publication across Europe (not just the UK)
- Advertised the vacancy with the Jobcentre Plus
- Waited a satisfactory period of time for responses from resident workers
- Conducted a Resident Labour Market Search (for non Shortage Occupations)
- Prepared accurate, up to date human resources files for the worker
Failure to follow correct recruitment processes could result in the sponsor receiving a fine, having its license downgraded or even cancelled.
Step 2 - Tier 2 Application Prepared
As no appeal rights exist under Tier 2 applicants need to ensure that their visa application is prepared 100% correctly & succeeds first time around. Immigration Officers will reject an application on the smallest error therefore accuracy is essential.
At Commonwealth Contractors we work with OISC registered Immigration partners who specialise in Tier 2 Visa applications. Our partners regularly guide both workers and sponsors through complicated and ever changing Tier 2 Immigration laws and processes.
To find out how we can help call now on 0800 294 4388 or Submit your Details and we will get back to you.
Step 3 - Certificate of Sponsorship Issued
Once a sponsor has satisfied rigorous recruitment processes and has ensured that the worker can qualify for the visa a Certificate of Sponsorship can be issued.
To issue a Certificate of Sponsorship the license holder must enter information about the employment using the UK Border Agency’s Sponsor Management System & pay the corresponding fee. Once paid a 10 digit Certificate of Sponsorship reference number will be produced immediately which the worker can then use when applying for the visa.
Step 4 - Tier 2 Application Submitted (Postal)
In country Tier 2 visa applications can be submitted by post or via the public enquiry office for ‘same day’ processing. This guide will focus on applications submitted by post.
In Country Government Submission Fees (September 2010)
| Type of Application | Main Applicant Fee | Per Dependent Fee |
| Standard (Postal) | £475 | £92 |
| Premium (Public Enquiry Office) | £730 | £118 |
Once fully prepared applicants should submit the primary application along with any dependent applications to the UK Border Agency based in Durham. Care should be taken to ensure that correct supporting documents have been provided and that payment for the processing fee has been included (ideally by credit / debit card due to the extended processing times involved with cheque clearing).
All postal applications should be sent by special delivery. Applicants are strongly recommended to keep the receipt (proof of sending) in a secure location. In the event that passports are lost in the post or there is a dispute over whether or not the UK Border Agency received the application the receipt can be used as evidence of posting.
Step 5 - Letter of Acknowledgement & Invitation to provide Biometrics received
Following receipt of a visa application the UK Border Agency will post to the applicant:
- A Letter of Acknowledgement: This letter confirms the UK Border Agency has received the application
- An Invitation to provide Biometrics: Applicants are required to provide Biometric Information (full face photograph, digital fingerprints) before a visa application can be approved. This letter informs the applicant of how to go about booking an appointment to provide Biometrics.
Step 6 – Biometric Information Provided
Biometric information can be provided at a Biometric Enrolment Centre, a Public Enquiry Office or at certain Post Offices. Applications made at Biometric Enrolment Centres or at Public Enquiry Offices are by appointment only. Full information on how to book appointments is detailed in the ‘Invitation to provide Biometrics’ letter.
Biometric Information must be provided not only on behalf of the main applicant but also dependents (except for children under the age of 5 years old). The process of providing biometric information (fingerprint scans and a full face digital photograph) is straightforward and only takes a few minutes. Once taken applicants receive a confirmation letter and information is then sent digitally to the Home Office for consideration.
Once approved Biometric information is stored on the Biometric Immigration Document (the certificate inserted into the visa holder’s passport).
Step 7 - Tier 2 Application Processed & Approved
Postal applications submitted under Tier 2 generally take around 4 – 5 weeks, however applications may take longer if the UK Border Agency need to verify documents or any information is missing.
Once approved the application is returned by special delivery along with processed passports.
Step 8 - Work Begins
Following visa approval the individual can begin work. Employers should take full copies of Tier 2 visas for employment records.
