Introduction

The UK offers a highly skilled workforce and a highly developed economy, making it an attractive destination for companies seeking to expand their businesses. In order to work in the UK as a skilled worker, individuals must obtain a UK work visa. The Tier 2 (General) visa, also known as the UK Labour Market Test visa, is one such visa that allows skilled workers to work in the UK for up to 5 years.

Salary Requirements

One of the key requirements for obtaining a Tier 2 (General) visa is that the individual earns a salary that meets the minimum threshold for their occupation. The minimum salary threshold is determined by the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code for the individual’s job. The SOC code is a system used by the UK government to classify jobs into different categories based on the skills and qualifications required for the job.

The minimum salary threshold for a Tier 2 (General) visa is currently ￡30,000 per year for most SOC codes. However, this threshold may be higher or lower depending on the specific SOC code and the individual’s job. For example, the minimum salary threshold for a skilled chef is ￡29,600 per year, while the threshold for a software developer is ￡36,000 per year.

Tier 2 (General) Visa Requirements

In addition to meeting the salary threshold, individuals must also meet other requirements in order to obtain a Tier 2 (General) visa. These include:

Having a job offer from a UK employer that holds a Tier 2 sponsorship licence

Obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the sponsoring employer

Paying the healthcare surcharge

Providing evidence of their knowledge of the English language

Providing evidence of their finances

Once individuals have met these requirements and obtained their visa, they can work in the UK for up to 5 years. After this time, they may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

Conclusion

The Tier 2 (General) visa is an attractive option for skilled workers seeking to work in the UK. However, it is important to carefully consider the salary requirements and other visa requirements before applying. With the right qualifications and job offer, individuals can successfully obtain a Tier 2 visa and start working in the UK.