UK tier 2 visa requirement from Abu Dhabi UAE

Are you planning to Fly away from Abu Dhabi, UAE to the UK? Are you interested in a UK tier 2 visa? The Skilled Worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. The Skilled Worker visa is designed to allow individuals to come to or stay in the UK for eligible employment opportunities with approved employers.

It requires applicants to meet specific criteria, such as having a job offer from an approved sponsor, meeting certain skill and salary requirements, and demonstrating proficiency in English. The visa also allows individuals to work in various job roles and industries in the UK.

Additionally, the Skilled Worker visa does not have the same restrictions on working in UK waters as some other types of visas like the UK Tier 2 visa. This means that individuals holding this visa are generally allowed to work in the UK’s territorial waters, including in jobs related to fishing or the offshore industry, provided they meet the requirements and regulations.

Eligibility Criteria for UK Visa Tier 2 from Abu Dhabi

You have to fulfill the UK Visa Tier 2 requirements for initiating the UK work permit process.

Job requirements in the UK:

To be eligible for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you must meet the following conditions:

Your occupation must fall under the category eligible for a skilled worker visa UK.
You will be employed by a UK-based organization that has received approval from the Home Office.
Your remuneration must meet or exceed the minimum salary applicable to the type of work you will be undertaking.

The minimum salary for your specific job must meet the highest of these three criteria:

A yearly income of £26,200
An hourly wage of at least £10.75
The prevailing ‘going rate’ for your particular job role.

Your employer must ensure that your job adheres to the UK’s regulations regarding both the minimum wage and the maximum allowable weekly working hours. Failure by your employer to comply with these requirements will result in the rejection of your visa application.

English Proficiency

To demonstrate your proficiency in English at a minimum of level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale, you have several options for providing evidence:

Secure English Language Test (SELT):

You can show your English language skills by successfully passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) administered by an approved provider.

Educational Qualifications:
If you attained a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher, or Advanced Higher in English as part of your studies at a UK school when you were under 18, this can serve as proof.
If you possess an academic qualification at the degree level (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) that was conducted in English, you may use this as evidence. However, if you pursue your studies abroad, you will need to apply through Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) to confirm that your foreign qualification is equivalent to the UK degree standards.

These options allow you to demonstrate your English language proficiency by the UK’s visa requirements.

Stay Period

You can maintain your visa status for a maximum duration of up to 5 years before you are required to apply for an extension or renewal.

Skilled Worker Visa to UK Application Process:

The application process for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK depends on your current situation. Here are the three possible scenarios:

Applying from Outside the UK and Coming to the UK:

If you are currently outside the UK and wish to come to the UK for employment, you must apply online for a Skilled Worker visa. You will need to complete the application and provide the required documentation, including your job offer from an approved employer, proof of your English language proficiency, and any other relevant supporting documents.

Extending Your Current Visa (Inside the UK):

If you are already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa and need to extend it, you will also need to apply online. Do apply before your current visa expires. You will need to submit updated documentation, including a new job offer or employment contract, to support your extension application.

Switching to Skilled Worker Visa (Inside the UK)

If you are in the UK on a different type of visa and wish to switch to a Skilled Worker visa, you can apply online as well. This process involves changing your current visa category to the Skilled Worker category. You will need to meet the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker visa and provide the necessary documents.

Required Documents for UK Visa Tier 2 from UAE

When applying for a Skilled Worker visa, you must provide the following:

Certificate of sponsorship reference number (provided by your employer).
Proof of English language proficiency.
Valid passport or identity document.
Job title and annual salary.
Job’s occupation code.
Employer’s name and sponsor license number (found on the certificate of sponsorship).

Depending on your specific situation, you may be required to submit the following documents:

Proof of sufficient personal savings (e.g., bank statements) unless your certificate of sponsorship demonstrates your employer’s financial support.
Evidence of your relationship with your partner or children if they are applying with you.
Tuberculosis test results if you come from a listed country.
A criminal record certificate, especially if you work in certain professions such as education, healthcare, therapy, or social services.
A valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if your employer mandates it due to your involvement in sensitive research at PhD level or higher.
Your UK Ph.D. certificate or your unique Ecctis reference number (formerly known as the unique UK NARIC reference number) if your qualification is from outside the UK. You will need to apply through Ecctis for this.
Ensure your passport has a blank page for your visa, particularly if you are from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, or if your passport from these countries lacks a biometric chip.
If your documents are not in English or Welsh, you must provide certified translations.

Payment

If you and your family members are applying for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, each applicant, including your partner and children, will generally need to fulfill certain financial requirements, which include:

Application Fee: Each applicant will be responsible for paying their application fee. The specific fee amount can vary depending on factors such as your location and whether you’re applying from within or outside the UK.
Healthcare Surcharge: You and your family members will typically be required to pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your intended stay in the UK.
Personal Savings: It’s essential to prove that you and your family have sufficient personal savings or financial resources to support yourselves in the UK. The specific amount required can vary depending on your family size, circumstances, and the duration of your stay.

Contact Fly High Abroad Abu Dhabi to get consultancy about how much money you’ll need for successful immigration.

How Long It Takes

You can initiate your UK visa Tier 2 application up to three months before the date specified on your certificate of sponsorship as the day you are scheduled to commence work in the UK. This date is crucial to ensure that your visa aligns with your employment start date.

You may need to allocate additional time for specific steps, such as attending an appointment for biometric data collection. Whether you need such an appointment will be determined as you progress through the application process, and you will be notified accordingly.

To ensure a tension-free application process, make sure to start your application well in advance of your intended work start date and carefully follow the instructions provided by the UK Office.

After submitting your online application, completing the identity verification process, and providing all the necessary documents, you can typically expect to receive a decision on your Skilled Worker UK visa Tier 2 application within the following timeframes:

If you are applying from outside the UK, the decision is usually made within 3 weeks.
If you are applying from inside the UK (for an extension or switching from a different visa), the decision process generally takes around 8 weeks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when navigating the complex process of applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa, it’s crucial to ensure that all documentation and requirements are met accurately to avoid any delays or complications. To achieve a hassle-free application experience, contact our consultancy Fly High Abroad Abu Dhabi. Our expertise and guidance can greatly assist you in understanding and fulfilling the necessary steps for a successful UK visa Tier 2 application, making your journey to the UK smoother and more efficient.