Visa & Immigration
UK Tier 2 Visa: What It Was, and the Skilled Worker Visa Today with Western Corridor Consultancy
Searching for information on the “UK Tier 2 visa”? Here’s what matters most: this category closed to new applicants back in December 2020, when the UK moved to a fully points-based immigration system as part of its post-Brexit reforms. In its place, the Skilled Worker visa became the standard route for sponsored employment, carrying forward much of the same underlying logic a confirmed job offer, an approved sponsoring employer, and minimum skill and salary thresholds but under a new name and, in several respects, updated rules.
What Was the Tier 2 Visa?
Tier 2 was previously the UK’s main sponsored work visa route, allowing employers to bring in skilled workers from overseas to fill roles that met specific skill and salary requirements. As part of the UK’s move to a fully points-based immigration system after Brexit, Tier 2 (General) was replaced by the Skilled Worker visa, while Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) was replaced by the Global Business Mobility routes.
If you already hold a Tier 2 visa, your existing status and extension rights are generally unaffected but any new application must go through the current route.
The Skilled Worker Visa Today
The Skilled Worker visa is now the UK’s primary route for sponsored employment. Like its Tier 2 predecessor, it requires a confirmed job offer from a UK employer holding a valid sponsor licence, along with the role meeting current skill and salary thresholds. These thresholds are periodically updated by the Home Office, so working with a consultant who tracks the latest rules matters more than ever.
The Application Process
Confirming Sponsor Eligibility
We help verify that your prospective employer holds a valid sponsor licence under the current system.
Checking Skill and Salary Thresholds
We assess whether your role and offered salary meet the Skilled Worker visa’s current requirements, which have changed several times in recent years.
Document Preparation
We help you gather and organize the required evidence, including your Certificate of Sponsorship, qualifications, and proof of English language proficiency.
Application Submission
We manage timely, accurate submission and liaise with relevant authorities on your behalf.
Ongoing Follow-Up
We track your application’s progress and keep you informed at every stage.
Benefits of the Skilled Worker Visa
Common Challenges and How We Help
Confirming an employer’s sponsor licence status, meeting the current salary thresholds (which have risen significantly in recent years), and keeping up with rising sponsorship costs are the biggest sticking points applicants face today. This is exactly where working with an experienced, up-to-date consultancy makes the difference.
Why Choose WCC
Can I still apply for a UK Tier 2 visa?
I already hold a Tier 2 visa does this affect me?
What are the current salary requirements for the Skilled Worker visa?
Can I bring my family on a Skilled Worker visa?
Ready to Apply Under the Current UK Work Visa System?
Let our consultants confirm your eligibility under the Skilled Worker visa and guide you through every step of the application.