Tier 2 Visa
The Tier 2 visa was the UK's main skilled work visa route from 2008 until December 2020, when it was abolished and replaced by the Skilled Worker visa as part of the UK's post-Brexit points-based immigration system.
In This Article
- What was the Tier 2 visa?
- Tier 2 (General) — the main route
- Key differences from the Skilled Worker visa
- What happened to existing Tier 2 holders?
- The Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT)
- The monthly cap — and its abolition
- Frequently asked questions
- Related terms
What Was the Tier 2 Visa?
The Tier 2 visa was introduced in 2008 as part of the UK's Points-Based System — a tiered immigration framework that replaced the previous work permit system. It was the primary route for employers to hire skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
The system had several sub-categories:
- Tier 2 (General) — the main route for skilled workers with a job offer
- Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) — for multinationals moving staff to the UK
- Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) — for religious workers
- Tier 2 (Sportsperson) — for elite athletes
On 1 December 2020, all Tier 2 routes were replaced by new route names under the reformed points-based immigration system — Tier 2 (General) became the Skilled Worker route, and Tier 2 (ICT) became part of Global Business Mobility.
Tier 2 (General) — The Main Route
Tier 2 (General) was the most-used route, functioning similarly to today's Skilled Worker visa but with several notable differences:
- Required a job offer from a licensed sponsor
- Minimum skill level: NQF/RQF Level 6 (though lowered to RQF 3 in 2020, before being restored to RQF 6 in July 2025)
- Salary thresholds set per occupation (similar to today's going rate concept)
- English language requirement at CEFR B1
- Annual cap on certificates of sponsorship for workers coming from outside the EEA
EEA nationals did not need Tier 2 visas before Brexit — they had free movement rights. Post-Brexit, EEA nationals (other than Irish) are now subject to the same requirements as everyone else.
Key Differences From the Skilled Worker Visa
| Feature | Tier 2 (General) | Skilled Worker (2020–present) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual cap on visas | Yes (20,700/year) | No cap |
| Resident Labour Market Test | Required for most roles | Abolished |
| EU nationals exempt | Yes (free movement) | No (post-Brexit, all equally subject) |
| Salary threshold | ~£30,000 (varied) | £41,700 (from April 2024) |
| In-country switching | Restricted | More flexible |
| Shortage Occupation List | Yes | Replaced by ISL (2024) |
The abolition of the cap and RLMT were the two most significant changes — they made the system faster and more employer-friendly, at the cost of higher salary minimums.
What Happened to Existing Tier 2 Holders?
Workers who held a Tier 2 visa when the changes came into force on 1 December 2020 were automatically transitioned. Their visas continued to be valid until their original expiry date, at which point they would extend under the new Skilled Worker rules.
No action was required by existing Tier 2 holders on transition day — the change was administrative. However, their next extension or employer change would be assessed under Skilled Worker criteria, including any new salary thresholds.
The Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT)
Under Tier 2 (General), employers had to conduct a Resident Labour Market Test before sponsoring most workers. This required:
- Advertising the vacancy on specific job boards (including Universal Jobmatch, later Find a Job) for at least 28 days
- Demonstrating they received no suitable settled worker applications
- Recording the recruitment process in detail
The RLMT was widely criticised as bureaucratic and slow. It added months to the hiring timeline and created compliance risks without materially protecting UK workers. It was abolished on 1 December 2020 along with the Tier 2 route itself.
Today, employers have no obligation to advertise roles domestically before sponsoring an overseas worker.
The Monthly Cap — and Its Abolition
Under Tier 2, there was a monthly cap on Defined CoS (for entry clearance) capped at 20,700 certificates per year. Demand regularly exceeded the cap, particularly in health and IT. When demand exceeded the monthly allocation, certificates were prioritised by salary — those paid the most were granted first.
This meant lower-salaried workers (including many NHS nurses) regularly failed to get a certificate despite having genuine job offers. The cap was suspended for nurses and doctors during Covid and then abolished entirely in December 2020.
Under the Skilled Worker system, there is no meaningful cap on Defined CoS outside the original (now rarely binding) allocation system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply for a Tier 2 visa?
No. The Tier 2 visa no longer exists. The equivalent route is now the Skilled Worker visa. Applications are made under the Skilled Worker rules.
I held a Tier 2 visa — does this affect my ILR application?
Tier 2 time counts toward the 5-year qualifying period for ILR on the same basis as Skilled Worker time. Time spent on Tier 2 (General) is treated the same as Skilled Worker for settlement purposes.
Did Tier 2 cover EU nationals before Brexit?
No. Before 31 December 2020, EEA nationals had free movement rights and did not need any visa to work in the UK. Tier 2 applied only to non-EEA nationals. After Brexit, EEA nationals (other than Irish) must apply through the Skilled Worker route like everyone else.
What was the Tier 2 (ICT) route?
Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) allowed multinationals to transfer senior managers, specialists, and graduate trainees from overseas offices to their UK operation. It has been replaced by the Senior or Specialist Worker route within Global Business Mobility.
Related Terms
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Points-Based Immigration System
- Shortage Occupation List
- Certificate of Sponsorship
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