This post gives you an overview of the different visa subcategories within the UK Points Based System’s Tier 2 Skilled Workers category. Please also see our separate post on Tier 2 General Workers.
The following PBS Tier 2 routes are currently open to applicants overseas:
| Skilled Workers | ||||||
| Tier 2 General
also see our separate post for detailed information here |
The Tier 2 (General) category is for foreign nationals who have been offered a skilled job to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker. For the year from 6 April 2012 to 5 April 2013, a maximum of 20,700 skilled workers can come to the UK under Tier 2 (General) to do jobs with an annual salary below £150,000. There is no limit on the number of workers coming to the UK to do jobs with an annual salary of £150,000 or above. | 245H-245SD | ||||
| Tier 2 Minister of Religion | The Tier 2 (Minister of religion) category is for people who have been offered employment or posts or roles within their faith communities in the UK as: ministers of religion undertaking preaching and pastoral work; missionaries; or members of religious orders. | 245H-245SD | ||||
| Tier 2 Sportsperson | The Tier 2 (Sportsperson) category is for elite sportspeople and coaches who are internationally established at the highest level, and will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport. Your application will need to be endorsed by your sport’s governing body. If you want to come to the UK as a sportsperson for a short time only, you should apply under Tier 5 (Temporary worker – creative and sporting). Please read the UKBA Guidance for both categories to check which category is most suitable for you. | 245H-245SD | ||||
| Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer | This category is for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred by their overseas employer to a UK branch of the organisation, either on a long-term basis or for frequent short visits. There are 4 sub-categories:
|
245G-Z45GF | ||||
PBS Tier 2 Application Forms, Appendices and Guidance
Please note that, in terms of application forms, most applicants need to complete an electronic form. The forms listed in the table below are printed, handwritten forms. UKBA’s country finder tool will tell you if you have to submit an electronic of printed form. If you need to complete an electronic form, the application system will automatically generate the correct form for you. Please note that you will still need to print out your electronic form, and sign and date it! Please also note that all applicants, whether they need to complete an electronic form or not, have to submit a handwritten Appendix. The PBS Appendices are not (not) available via the on-line application system. You can find UKBA’s country finder tool here, and the on-line application system here.
| Visa Category | Application Form | Guidance to complete form | Supporting Documents Guidance | PBS Policy Guidance | Additional form (Appendix) to be completed | Paragraph Immigration Rules |
| Tier 2 General | VAF9 | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | 245H-245SD |
| Tier 2 Minister of Religion | VAF9 | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | 245H-245SD |
| Tier 2 Sportsperson | VAF9 | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | 245H-245SD |
| Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer | VAF9 | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | 245G-Z45GF |
Closed categories:
- Work permits (closed category)
- Ministers of religion, missionaries and members of religious orders (closed category)
- Members of airport-based operational ground staff of an overseas-owned airline (closed category)
Please note that UK immigration rules are subject to continuous change. The information provided in this page is for informative purposes only and its use is entirely at your own risk. Before applying for any visa, you should always contact the responsible government department direct for correct and up to date information.
