Tier-2 Work Permit
1. Start-ups:
If you have been operating or trading in the UK for less than 18 months on the date you make your application, you must provide evidence to the Home Office that you have a current, corporate bank account with a bank registered by the FCA in the UK. You must also send any mandatory information set out in Table 3 of the appendix. The Home Office must be able to check 4 different pieces of information.
First, you should check Tables 1 to 3 of the appendix to put together those 4 documents.
If you are unable to put 4 documents together from Tables 1 to 3, you can also provide to the Home Office any of the following:
- A certificate of VAT registration
- A letter from your corporate banking provider, setting out the dealings it has had with you, including the nature and duration of those dealings
- Any document from Table 4 of this appendix
2. If you are a Franchise:
You must provide to the Home Office your Franchise Agreement signed by both parties. If you are required to be registered with and/or inspected/monitored by a regulatory body to operate lawfully in the UK, the Home Office will need to check that you are registered and to see your last inspection report where appropriate.
If you are regulated by any of the bodies listed on the table, the Home Office will carry out an online check so you do not need to send them any registration or inspection evidence unless the Home Office later asks you to. They will check you and any branches you have asked to be included on your licence.
Table 4: other documents
Other documents you could provide
- Proof of registration with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) as self-employed. Provide each partner’s Unique Tax Reference Number (UTR) and/or the Partnerships/Businesses Unique Tax Reference Number (UTR). Proof of registration must be original or certified copies of documentation issued by HMRC only.
- Evidence of Registration with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) as an employer to pay PAYE & National Insurance. Provide proof of PAYE, Reference Number & Accounts Office Reference Number, and Evidence of registration must be original or certified copies of documentation issued by HMRC only.
- Latest acknowledgement of a Company Tax Return CT620, or the completed CT600 tax return and the CT603 notice. Evidence of submitting returns to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
- Current financial report or audited annual report with the name of the accountant clearly shown. The accountant should be a member of an accredited accounting body such as the Association of Consulting Actuaries (ACA).
- Evidence of employer’s liability insurance cover for at least £5m from an authorised insurer.
- Evidence that you have the appropriate planning permission to operate your type/class of business at your trading address where this is a Local Authority requirement.
Fees
- The sponsorship licence fee for the employer is £536
- Applicant fee £464 (shortage occupation list) up to 3 years
- Applicant fee £610 for 3 years (other occupations)
- English language: Level B1
- Health surcharge £624 per year
Documents you’ll need to provide to apply for Tier 2 Work Permit
When we apply you’ll need to provide us:
- Your certificate of sponsorship reference number – your employer will give you this
- Proof of your knowledge of English (Level B1)
- A valid passport or another document that shows your identity and nationality
- Your job title and annual salary
- Your job’s occupation code
- The name of your employer and their sponsor licence number – this will be on your certificate of sponsorship
Other documents you might need
Depending on your circumstances, you might be asked to provide:
- Evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you).
- Proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you.
- Your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country.
- A criminal record certificate – if you’re working in certain jobs.
- A valid ATAS certificate if your employer tells you that you need one because your job involves researching a sensitive subject at a PhD level or higher.
- Your UK PhD certificate, or your unique ECCTIS reference number (formerly unique UK NARIC reference number) if your qualification is from outside the UK – we shall need to apply through ECCTIS.
Money to support yourself
You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK. You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa. You’ll usually need to show proof of this when we apply on your behalf to the Home Office, unless either:
- You’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months
- Your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270
The money they need to support themselves
Your partner and children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK. You – or your partner or child – will need:
- £285 for your partner
- £315 for one child
- £200 for each additional child