People still search for “Tier 2 visa requirements”, but the Tier 2 (General) visa is closed. Any new “Tier 2” application is made under the skilled worker visa route.
This guide explains today’s requirements for employers and workers, including sponsorship, CoS, salary rules, English language, costs, and compliance.
Tier 2 visa vs Skilled Worker visa
The Skilled Worker route replaced Tier 2 (General) in December 2020. If you’re applying today, you’re applying under Skilled Worker rules — even if your offer letter, HR system, or internal processes still say “Tier 2”.
Tier 2 visa requirements checklist
A job offer from a licensed sponsor
To apply, you must have a job offer from an employer that holds a sponsor licence.
If the employer doesn’t have a licence yet, these guides help you plan:
- sponsor licence eligibility
- how long does a sponsor licence take (also covers typical sponsor licence processing time)
- Whether Sponsor Licence Priority Service is worth it
If you get sponsorship wrong, consequences can be serious — including a sponsor licence revoked decision.
A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your employer must assign a certificate of sponsorship through the sponsor management system (also called SMS).
Helpful reads for HR teams:
- Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship
- Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship
- Certificate of Sponsorship Cost
The job must be eligible (SOC code + skill level)
The role must match an eligible occupation code. Use this guide on SOC code to avoid the common mistake of choosing a code based on job title, rather than day-to-day duties.
Salary must meet Skilled Worker thresholds and the going rate
Salary is assessed against both the route thresholds and the occupation’s going rate. Where employers slip up is usually:
- selecting the wrong SOC code (which changes the going rate), or
- miscalculating pay for part-time or unusual hours
To check salary quickly, use:
- Minimum Salary Calculator
- the immigration salary list (where relevant)
English language requirement
Most first-time Skilled Worker applicants must meet the English language requirement.
If you’re hiring for early 2026 start dates, be aware that English requirements can change, so it’s worth checking early and building this into your timeline.
Maintenance funds (unless certified)
Depending on what your sponsor selects on the CoS, you may need to show maintenance funds. This is one of those details that causes delays when the CoS and the visa application don’t match perfectly.
Documents you’ll usually need
Exact documents vary by nationality and circumstances, but most Skilled Worker applications include:
- Passport / identity evidence
- CoS reference number
- Proof of English (if required)
- Financial evidence (if required)
- Supporting role evidence (job details, salary, hours)
For employers, record-keeping is part of your sponsorship obligations — see Sponsor Licence Duties for what you’re expected to retain.
How the application process works
Sponsor licence (if needed)
Before sponsorship is possible, the employer must hold a licence. Planning resources:
- sponsor licence fees (also covers sponsor licence fee and typical sponsor licence cost)
- appendix a sponsor licence / sponsor licence documents (what you’ll need to submit)
CoS is assigned in SMS
Once licensed, the sponsor assigns a CoS in the sponsor management system. Make sure your team structure supports sponsorship:
- sms level 1 user
- Changes to Level 1 User & Key Personnel Requirements](https://www.getborderless.co.uk/blog/level-1-user-key-personnel-requirements-sponsor-licence)
Worker submits the visa application
The worker applies online and proves they meet the Skilled Worker criteria.
To plan start dates properly, use uk visa processing times so you don’t build hiring plans around unrealistic timelines.
Right to work check before employment starts
Employers must complete a compliant right to work check. In most cases, the worker will provide a share code for the online check.
If you discover someone has lost permission, follow what-to-do-when-an-employee-loses-their-right-to-work.
Costs to budget for
Sponsorship costs add up quickly. Employers usually need to account for:
- visa application government fees (use the visa fees calculator)
- the Immigration Skills Charge (also called ISC)
- broader cost modelling (see: https://www.getborderless.co.uk/blog/immigration-costs-employers-sponsored-workers)
Employer duties and compliance risks
Holding a sponsor licence comes with strict duties. You’ll need processes for:
- reporting changes (see sponsor licence change of circumstances)
- maintaining required records (see Sponsor Licence Duties)
- avoiding enforcement action such as sponsor licence revocation
This is especially important in regulated sectors like care — see sponsor licence for care home.
FAQs
Can I still apply for a Tier 2 visa?
No. Tier 2 is closed. New applications are made under the skilled worker visa route.
What are the main Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) requirements?
A licensed sponsor, an eligible job (SOC code), a valid CoS, and meeting salary + English requirements.
What system do employers use to assign a CoS?
Employers assign CoS via the sponsor management system / SMS.
Need help with sponsorship or a Skilled Worker application?
If you’re hiring (or being hired) under “Tier 2” rules, you’re really hiring under Skilled Worker — and the details matter.
You can contact us / get in touch for help with sponsor licensing, CoS workflows, compliance, and visa processing.
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