Tier 2 (General) visa

The Tier 2 scheme is for graduate-level posts where there is no appointable applicant from the European Economic Area (EEA). Applications under the scheme are made by the University applying for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the post.

The scheme is points-based, awarding a score for qualifications (at first degree and higher levels) and the full-time equivalent salary for the post. There are also points scored by the potential employee for English language qualifications.

Because of the competitive basis of the monthly allocation process there is no guarantee that an application for a certificate will be successful. If the application is not successful the offer of appointment will lapse on the basis of you not being able to provide evidence of permission to work in the UK.

If the Tier 2 sponsorship application is successful we will provide you with the CoS which includes a unique reference number. This will enable you to apply for an entry visa or further leave to remain based on your employment in the sponsored post. You will need to start the visa application process through the forms page on the UKVI website.

Even if the University has been given a Tier 2 certificate of sponsorship for the post you are not guaranteed to be given a residence visa. When you make a visa application you will have to pay the relevant fee and submit original copies of the documents requested, including your passport.

As the permission to work is provided for employment in a specific post, if you cease to be employed in that post you will lose your permission to work in the UK.

Details of the visa application process how to apply are available at the UKVI website.