Benefits of the UK’s Tier 2 (General) Visa

Last week, we proudly shared with you the addition of the General category to our Tier 2 visa capability in the UK – meaning we can now sponsor the employment of non-EEA (and soon, non-UK) skilled workers using the Tier 2 (General) visa route.

The Tier 2 (General) visa category provides considerable advantages as a UK-bound immigration route for non-EEA citizens. The UK remains an attractive prospect for international relocation due to its above-average quality of life rating, opportunities for education and professional development, and skills shortage opportunities in certain key areas. Additionally, the visa category opens up a wider, international pool of skilled workers for clients looking to fill key roles.

To give more insight into what Mauve’s new capability could mean for you, we asked Immigration Manager Emma Prodromou for her thoughts on the benefits of the new Tier 2 (General) category to our valued workers and clients.

How does the Tier 2 (General) visa benefit workers?

• Workers have the peace of mind and security of knowing that their employer has been verified by the HMRC and evaluated in accordance with the regulations to hiring foreign workers. Mauve has been given a Category A rating.

• The visa and sponsorship category allows longer working stays; workers can come to the UK with a Tier 2 (General) visa for a maximum of 5 years and 14 days – or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 1 month, whichever is shorter. After this point and should the worker wish to stay long-term, they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain if eligible.

• The Tier 2 (General) visa allows workers to begin their stay in the UK up to 14 days before the start date on their certificate of sponsorship. This allows workers to get settled before commencing their role, perhaps engaging in some of the destination services that will ensure a smooth transition into the UK.

• The visa permits workers to take up a second job in certain circumstances.

• Individuals engaged under the Tier 2 visa General category are authorised to do voluntary work – a great bonus for workers engaged under our many charity sector clients.

• Individuals are not only allowed to work legally in the UK, but also study locally provided the course does not interfere with the job they are sponsored for. The ability to study for professional development courses at one of the UK’s world-leading educational institutions can help workers to further their career.

• With the Tier 2 (General) visa sponsorship under your belt, you are no longer required to obtain additional visas when you travel abroad and return to the UK.

• This type of visa category allows the worker to bring family members with them – avoiding the loneliness and isolation sometimes experienced by expatriate assignees.

How does the Tier 2 (General) visa benefit workers?

• Clients can avoid upcoming headaches associated with engaging workers compliantly in the UK post- Brexit. After December 31^st of this year, all non-UK citizens must have a work permit to work in the UK. The current government’s so-called “hostile environment” has made some routes of immigration to the UK more challenging, but a Tier 2 (General) permit via Mauve UK may be the answer.

• Fill gaps in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker – and who do not qualify as an intra-company transferee. The role needs to be classed as “skilled” to be eligible, meaning they require a total of 70 points made up of 50 points for qualifications, salary etc and 10 points each for funds and English language skills. Significant skills gaps in the UK employment market include tech, finance, hospitality, healthcare, and STEM disciplines.

• Mauve’s Tier 2 capability can also be utilised by companies who are registered in the UK, but do not have their own sponsorship licence in place.

• The longer timeframes and ability to bring spouses/families into the country help the worker to feel more settled, in turn boosting their morale and productivity at work. If the worker’s spouse wants to work in the UK, they can transfer from a Tier 2 to a spousal visa.

Interested in more information? If you’re a skilled worker or a client with a candidate in mind, Mauve UK can check your eligibility, prepare and submit applications for a Tier 2 (General) visa under Mauve sponsorship, or provide advice on the best immigration routes to suit your specific needs.  Contact us today for more details and a free no-obligation quote.