Tier 2 work permits are immigration visas for the UK that are granted based on a current work offer.  The UK has various levels or tiers of visas based on various qualifications.  The Tier 2 Visa is a work permit that allows an immigrant to work at a specific job in the country.  The Tier 2 Work Permit differs from the Tier 1 Work Permit in that the Tier 1 Visa is designed for highly skilled workers who have not yet found employment, while Tier 2 Work Permits are mainly for those workers who have already received a specific offer of employment.  If your business is not yet established in the UK then you must apply for a Tier 1 Visa.  If the company already has been established in the UK you can apply for a Tier 2 Work Permit.

The Tier 2 Work Permit must show that the position that is offered cannot be filled with a UK citizen.  This can be shown in a number of ways based on the type of employment. The more specific the job function and the more education and experience necessary to perform the job the more likely it will be to get a Tier 1 Visa.  In most cases the company must prove that they have advertised for at least a month to fill the position with no results.  The advertisement must have been made recently – within the past 6 months. The applicant for the Tier 2 Work Permit must submit the application along with the substantiating documentation for approval.  Tier 2 Work Permits approval process typically takes about a month.

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