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Tier 2 Visa Applications Outside the UK
If you are based outside of the UK (and you do not already have a UK visa that allows you to ‘switch’ into Tier 2 employment) you will need to submit an ‘out of country’ Tier 2 visa application.
To give you an idea of the steps involved we have set out the basic process below. Please be aware that some diplomatic posts may have slightly different processes therefore please check prior to visa submission.
Basic Step-by-Step Process
- Offer of Employment
- Tier 2 Application Prepared
- Certificate of Sponsorship Issued
- Tier 2 Submission Slot Booked
- Biometric Appointment Attended
- Tier 2 Application Submitted
- Tier 2 Application Approved
- Flight to the UK / 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 (CoS) 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 Submission Slot Booked
The UK Border Agency works with two overseas commercial partners; Worldbridge Services and VFS Global. These partners operate all Visa Application Centres (VACs) and run all front end services including; biometric collection, basic document checking, document transfer to and from the diplomatic post, appointment management etc.
In order to submit an application an individual must first book an appointment with a Visa Application Centre at which biometric information is provided (full face photograph, digital fingerprint scans etc). To do this an online application form must be completed (at http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ApplyNow.aspx). The online system will require the individual to book a slot, pay the submission fee and print out a biometric appointment notice.
Step 5 - Biometric Appointment Attended
The applicant and any dependents must attend the biometric appointment on the appropriate day prior to submitting the visa application. The only exception to this is in the case of children under the age of 5 years old who are exempt from providing biometric information.
Once taken the applicant is provided with a biometric confirmation letter which must be included with the Tier 2 application.
Step 6 - Tier 2 Application Submitted
Following the collection of biometric information the applicant can proceed to submission of the visa application. The Visa Application Centre (VAC) attended for the biometric appointment will normally have a drop box submission point for final applications.
Please note that the Immigration Cap does not affect the process of applying for a Tier 2 Visa.
Step 7 - Tier 2 Application Approved
The time it takes for a Tier 2 visa to be approved depends upon:
- The efficiency of the diplomatic post in question
- The volume of work the diplomatic post has on
- The season in which the application is submitted (August & December are normally slower processing months due to staff and public holidays)
For the latest Visa Processing Statistics please click here.
Once processed, Worldbridge Services or VFS Global normally send out an SMS message to say that the application will be returned shortly. These messages do not include details of whether or not the application has been successful. Soon afterwards the application is returned to the applicant.
Step 8 - Flight to the UK / Work Begins
Following Tier 2 Visa approval the migrant can travel to the UK to begin work. However travel should be no more than 10 days prior to the start of employment date detailed on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
