Career Exploration, Career Progression, How To, Overseas Jobs

How to find a tier 2 visa sponsor to work in the UK

Written by mrafeeq · 11 min read >
Tier 2 Visa To Work in UK
Tier 2 Visa To Work in UK

Photo by Ethan Wilkinson on Unsplash

Every year, thousands of people migrate to the United Kingdom for work. If you want to be one of these people, you will need a tier 2 visa sponsor. Tier 2 visas are a vital component of the UK’s immigration policy as they allow skilled workers from outside the EU to work in Britain. It would be best if you had a patron willing to take on your employment responsibilities to apply for this visa. We’ll go over how to find a tier 2 visa patron and all that entails so that your move goes as smoothly as possible! 

1. What is a Tier 2 visa, and why do you need one?

The Government introduced this category to help employers find people to work for them. This enables businesses looking for skilled workers from outside the EU to bring them into Britain immediately while waiting for a decision. Applicants must have received an official job offer from a UK employer before applying, and visa applicants must meet the minimum salary requirement.

This work permit will allow you to live and work in Britain for five years. You can then apply for Indefinite Leave To Remain (ILR), which will permanently entitle you to live and work there. However, permit holders should know that their visa only allows them to work for the company sponsoring them. So if they wish to change jobs, immigrants must apply for another permit.

How does it work?

The first requirement for working in the British market will be a job offer from a licensed company to hire workers from other places. They will issue you with a Certificate of Sponsorship to validate for the company that you are eligible and can perform the assignment with flawless excellence. A COS is required to prove that the Tier 2 visa applicant comes to the UK with a solid work offer and not simply looking for work in the UK. Several checks and balances are set up to ensure the system never carries abuse.

If an applicant applies from outside the United Kingdom, the application can take three months to process. Therefore, the applicant must apply for at least three months before resuming the job in the United Kingdom.

Employing a skilled worker in Tier 2 requires the sponsoring company to hold a valid company sponsor license. A sponsorship licence is a consent given to a UK employer to sponsor skilled foreign workers who want to use the employer to work in the UK. Not All employers in the UK can issue the ‘certificate of sponsorship’. They must undergo a process mandated by the Home Office to qualify for the license. You can find the list of visa sponsors with permission here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers

2. How to find a Tier 2 visa patron

Depending on your circumstances, the patron can be an individual or a company. However, suppose you are applying independently. In that case, it is generally recommended that you find a work permit from someone who will act as your Tier Two Sponsor.

All UK companies recruiting workers who aren’t residents of the UK, including EU nationals entering the UK after 2020, need the sponsor license. However, the possibility of accessing the international talent market does come with costs for employers. As well as paying the relevant fee for sponsoring migrant workers, companies employing workers under the sponsored visa route must also comply with certain ongoing legal obligations concerning the recruitment and onboarding of non-UK workers. Failure to meet the Skilled Worker visa sponsor duties may bring Home Office penalties and affect the company’s legal ability to employ foreign national workers. If the Home Office determines that you have met these standards, it grants you the Sponsored Document.

Know where to find companies that can sponsor you

How can you quickly find a visa-sponsored job online to work in the UK? Jobs boards such as jobsRmine, jobserve can filter by industry or sponsorship status in this list. For example, the home Office holds more than 29,000 companies in Tier 2 sponsorships listed as Tier 2 sponsors. You can also use websites that filter the list, so you don’t have to check the list manually. An immigration lawyer can also help you get sponsored jobs in the UK. So, stay in touch with your lawyer during your application process.

The list of licensed sponsors can be found on the gov.uk website, and you can search by visa type or company name. Some people try to find sponsorship themselves, but this cannot be easy if you don’t know anyone in the UK. Finding a sponsor through a job search website or agency is much easier. Many agencies can help you find a sponsor.

The easiest way to find a sponsor is to use an agency specialising in finding visa sponsorships. These agencies can help you find visa sponsorship through their business contacts, so there is no need for you to look at the Home Office listing.

Several sponsor agencies have lists of partnering businesses to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) for your application. The agency will charge an administration fee to match your skills to appropriate vacancies. However, not all visa sponsor agencies are the same, and you should do your research before paying for services.

Depending on your skillset, recruitment agencies can find a sponsoring company within days or weeks. An agency may charge fees to represent your interests in finding visa sponsorship; they will arrange visa sponsorship interviews and visa application assistance.

How to research the internet for tier 2 sponsoring jobs (and sponsors)

For any research, Google is the best place to start. Start your search for “UK tier 2 sponsorship jobs” on Google. Before indexing a job listing on a website, Google does significant due diligence to verify its authority and reliability. As a result, you may apply to positions that appear in search results relevant to you.

Using Google to find visa sponsorship jobs

Repeat the search on Linkedin Jobs with the same keyword suggested s above. See sample results in the screenshot below.

Search results from Linkedin for visa sponsorship jobs

To look for opportunities that offer work permits, utilise more than one source/job portal. Use the word in various ways to narrow down your search on the specific job you’re searching for appropriate for your previous work history and industry. In short, get creative with the keyword.

Finding visa sponsorship jobsin UK,  on jobsRmine  portal

IT jobs are listed on Jobserve, a top portal in the UK for posting IT openings. To find what you’re looking for, use the same keyword “visa sponsorship jobs” that was suggested to be used on Google.

Finding IT visa sponsorship jobs on jobserve

If you are looking for academic jobs like teaching, lecturing, and research-oriented jobs.ac.uk is an excellent place to search for such jobs.

Finding academic visa sponsorship jobs on jobs.as.uk

3. Requirements for the applicant

Tier two visa applicants must meet specific requirements when it comes to

  • their health (tuberculosis results if you are from these countries )
  • character(criminal record document if you work in particular industries like education, healthcare and social services, etc., )
  • and travel history (depending on your age) for you to be eligible.

Applicants must meet specific English language requirements if they want entry clearance or leave to remain. For example, a will need a minimum of CEFR level B (advanced) in speaking and listening skills when applying for ILR to pass the life in the UK test. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have enough money to support themselves and their dependents.

Tier two applicants must be 18 or over when applying for entry clearance unless they work as an au pair. If you meet all of these requirements, you can begin your application.

To be eligible for a visa, you must fulfil all of the following requirements:

  • You can work in the UK for a business having Home Office authorisation.
  • You need a certificate from your employer to show you can work. The Certificate should include information about the position you’ve been offered in the UK.
  • do a profession that’s on the list of eligible occupations
  • Your employer should pay you at least a basic wage – your work determines this.

English language ability

You must communicate, read, write, and comprehend English. Therefore, when you apply, you’ll usually need to show your proficiency in English.

4. How can International students find visa sponsors?

It is a time-consuming procedure to locate a suitable visa sponsor. As a result, you should begin your efforts as soon as possible during the course. Work permits are granted only for skills that local talent cannot meet. Because of this, it is deciding on a significant need for careful consideration. It’s relatively more demand to hire international students in the IT or medical industries. It does not imply that others will be unable to find someone to employ them; it simply means that they should try harder and be more flexible with location and pay demands.

Attend meetups and campus placement events and network with recruiters and recruitment managers. Then, using a theoretical approach, e.g., if there is no mention of international candidates being considered in a job description, apply and exhibit your good side and personality, and contribute to the hiring manager with the overall value you provide to the table. If all other boxes are checked, your application has a good chance of receiving consideration.

International students are given a two-year Post-study visa, which allows them to work and shop around more freely. This time is vital as it enables you to explore different jobs and identify employers that will be your long-term employers until you fulfil the ILR application requirements. However, when completing tasks, go beyond what you require.

Attend any additional courses or seminars, or acquire certifications while studying. Having earned certifications adds to the attention paid to your applications. Look on Twitter and Linkedin for people who may help you get a visa sponsorship. It’s hard to get started. But don’t be discouraged when other people say “no”. Remain optimistic at all times. All other advice for competent job seekers is also applicable to overseas students. Apply for work; reflect on the interviews; improve the feedback, and repeat.

It would be best if you did not take shortcuts using unethical methods for short-term gains that might jeopardise your long-term immigration opportunities, e.g., keep to the legal side. Always. Don’t be silent on Linkedin and other social media; participate in discussions; give your valued ideas. Demonstrate that you have great expertise and growing authority in a given subject area.

Look for Internships – Work experience is critical for anybody seeking a graduate position in the United Kingdom. Therefore, internships are commonly provided to undergraduate students during the summer before they begin their final year of study.

During your vacation from university, you may work full-time without restriction under your Tier 4 student visa. This provides you with an excellent opportunity to gain work experience. However, it’s important to remember that many employers use internships to find the best candidates for graduate programs.

Focus on the large organisations – The more prominent companies are more likely to have the funds necessary to sponsor international students. Plus, if they’re a multinational firm, they’ll understand the importance of having a diverse international workforce. 

Be different. – This may sound obvious, but it’s something that every graduate has to show. With fewer options for international students, you must go above and beyond to stand out. Spend your effort making the application tailored to the business and role and emphasising how great you are.

Use your worldwide experience to your benefit – A multi-lingual (a talent many English students lack) and work experience in different countries may distinguish you on applications. This can set you apart from the competition, so ensure you emphasise it.

Skill shortage by sector statistics in UK

Source:

  1. Employer Skills Survey 2019, Research Report, Department for Education, October 2020

5. The cost associated with sponsoring someone for a tier 2 visa 

There are visa and non-visa expenses associated with supporting someone. Some visa applicants will need to pay fees, but not all will depend on their country of origin. Non-visa sponsorship costs include the Home Office fee, which is currently £199 per year or £364 if you extend your sponsor licence for another four years.

Any overseas job applicants who need a work permit but fail to pay for it will not enter the UK. Hiring employers are responsible for covering the related costs unless their employee has reimbursed them. If staff earn more than £159 per week, employers must deduct tax and National Insurance contributions from visa salaries before visa sponsors pay visa applicants.

Costs for employers include the cost of running a Tier Two Sponsorship Licence. This will depend on how many visa workers they have and whether they have their licence extended. Sponsors must also cover other general visa administrative charges and return postage fees that visa applicants do not reimburse.

How much does a job seeker applying for this visa cost?

You must have enough money to support yourself and your family while living in the UK. Therefore, you must prove that you have the necessary funds when you apply.

  • Pay the application fee based on your situation, ranging from £610 to £1,408.
  • To ensure that all of your medical payments are covered, you must pay the healthcare surcharge – this is generally £624 per year.
  • You should be able to cover your living and personal costs when you arrive in the United Kingdom – usually, you’ll need at least £1,270 (unless you’re eligible for an exception)

You will be charged a lower application fee if your employment is on the shortage occupation list. When you’ll be informed of how much you must pay.

6. Being sponsored by an employer in the UK can provide you with many benefits

The visa sponsorship benefits of applicants include working, studying, and living in the UK. They can also bring family members with them when they apply. For sponsoring companies, it is essential to know that they must employ visa workers.

After finding you suitable for a role, companies will issue you the ‘Certificate of sponsorship’, but the applicant himself must bear the additional costs.

UKVI does not recognise the difference between full-time and part-time employees. The UK government wants all visa workers to be regular employees. Your skilled worker visa will last up to five years, or until the maximum amount of time permitted by your employment agreement has elapsed if it is less than five years long. To continue working in the United Kingdom, you must apply for an extended stay on your current five-year visa.

Can you work for another company once I have my Tier 2 sponsorship?

London Tower A symbol of UK

Once you have been on that visa, you can switch companies. Still, when a permanent residency application is completed, you will require an alternate application for the new permit that uses the new Certificate of Sponsorship. The system isn’t simple for those wanting to change careers, and this is due to the amount of paperwork that is needed to keep tabs on people in the UK. However, this is still the system we have at present. In short, you cannot work for another employer and only need to work for your visa-sponsoring employer.

Jobs Jobs Every where, but not a single visa to work with

Photo by Massimiliano Morosinotto on Unsplash

Know which industries to target

The most significant Tier 2 sponsorship sectors are Healthcare, IT, professional services, investment banking, financial services, engineering and law. It is easiest to apply in professional services and investment banking companies since they accept all educational backgrounds as long as you have a 2:1 and decent business knowledge and grammar. It is likely they will recruit and train you for the position. International students have difficulty because not many industries need help with their skills. These developments also create a need for highly trained migrants.

Typically, employment begins the following year after graduation. So, if you wish to join a reputable organisation’s graduate program, you must apply soon! For example, begin looking for work in your third year if you’re studying for a bachelor’s degree. On the other hand, you may seek employment as soon as you arrive in the UK if you’re a Master’s student.

What is the points-based system for a sponsored visa?

The appendix lists the roles eligible for the Skilled Worker visa. Under the points-based immigration system, anyone coming to the UK for employment must fulfil criteria to earn them points. The government grants work permits to those who score enough points. Skilled workers with a job offer from an approved employer sponsor may use the points-based system.

Points needed to apply to work in the UK

You cannot use a Skilled Worker visa to:

  • Apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
  • You may not change employers or occupations without obtaining permission to update your visa.

The list of what you can and cannot do will be given to you if approved as Skilled Worker.

Manage your time wisely

A helpful practice will be setting aside an hour per day to apply applications, write cover letters, or practise online tests in assessment centres for students. Remember, it’s ideal for getting a 2:1 for better employment chances. Remember to keep studying hard, so we have more job opportunities for the dissertation authors’ thesis.

Conclusion: There are many ways to find a visa sponsor, but good old-fashioned legwork and networking are best. We recommend you start by talking with your friends and family members living in the UK about their experiences finding sponsorships or jobs. You can also speak with your current employer if they have any connections in the country where you’d like to work. Finally, it would help if you start by looking for companies with overseas offices or partners abroad recruiting on behalf of their company. Whatever path you choose, remember that it always helps when people know what skillset they need before starting their search! Have questions or success stories to share? Write in the comments below.

Reference :

Immigration rules can be hard to understand. They might take up a lot of time. They are also subject to frequent change, So always refer to the official guidelines listed below

The official list of visa sponsors: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers

Official guidelines for skill worker visa : https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Skilled Worker visa shortage occupations :

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-shortage-occupations/skilled-worker-visa-shortage-occupations

Skilled Worker visa: shortage occupations for health and education : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-shortage-occupations-for-health-and-education

Jobs that come with a tier 2 visa sponsorship:

How much does the visa application process cost :

https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs

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