1. Tier 2 Visa (Now Called Skilled Worker Visa)

The Tier 2 (General) visa was replaced by the Skilled Worker visa in 2020. It allows skilled workers from abroad to work in the UK.​

Requirements:

• A job offer from a UK employer licensed to sponsor workers
• A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.​
• The job must be on the list of eligible occupations.​
• Meet the English language requirement.​
• Meet the salary threshold: usually at least £38,700 per year or the "going rate" for the job, whichever is higher. ​

Benefits:

• Stay in the UK for up to 5 years.

• Bring your partner and children as dependents.​

• Apply for permanent residency after 5 years. ​​

Learn more from GOV.UK

2. Health & Care Worker Visa

This visa is for qualified doctors, nurses, and adult social care professionals. It's part of the Skilled Worker route but has some differences.​

Requirements:

• A job offer in health or social care from a UK employer approved by the Home Office.​

• A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).​

• Meet the English language requirement.Meet the salary threshold: usually at least £23,200 per year or the national pay scale for the role, whichever is higher.
   

Benefits:

• Faster and cheaper application process.​

• Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.​

• Bring your partner and children as dependents.​

• Apply for permanent residency after 5 years. ​GOV.UK
   

Recent Changes Affecting Applicants

In 2024, the UK government introduced stricter immigration rules:​

• Increased salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas.​

• Restrictions on care workers bringing dependents.​

These changes led to a 76% drop in Health and Care Worker visa applications in early 2024.