Tier 2 (General)
Initial applications
This page explains how you can make your initial application (this includes switching) to the skilled worker category (Tier 2 General) of our points-based system to work in the United Kingdom.
On this page
Read eligibility first to make sure you meet the requirements to apply.
How to apply if you are already in the United Kingdom
The process for applying is:
- do a self-assessment online using our points-based calculator, which you can find on the right of this page, to find out if you are likely to score enough points.
- fill in the application form, which you can find on the right of this page.
- send it to us with your fee and supporting evidence.
You must send all supporting documents with your application as we will not use any evidence sent in after we have made a decision.
If you are sending any dependant applications at the same time as your own application, we encourage you to send your application and dependant applications in the same envelope.
If you are already in the United Kingdom, see switching for the categories that you can switch from in to the skilled worker category (Tier 2 General).
How to apply if you are outside the United Kingdom
The process for applying if you are outside the United Kingdom is:
- do a self-assessment online using our points-based calculator, which you can find on the right side of this page, to find out if you are likely to score enough points.
- go to the visa services website, which you can find on the right of this page, to find out if you must give any personal information in the country you are applying from electronically, and to find the application form.
- take or send your form(s), fee and supporting evidence to the visa application centre. You must also arrange to give your biometrics, which are usually taken at the visa application centre.
You must bring all supporting documents with your application, as we will not use any evidence given after we have made a decision.
How to apply from the Channel Islands or Isle of Man
The Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and Alderney) and the Isle of Man have their own immigration laws and policies, separate to those of the United Kingdom. For immigration control, we treat these islands as outside the United Kingdom.
If you are living within the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, and have been given permission to come or stay (also known as entry clearance or leave tor emain) there by one of the island authorities, you will not be able to make an application for permission to stay in the United Kingdom directly from the islands.
You can apply in two ways. These are:
- by returning to the country where you are normally resident (your home country) and applying for permission come to the United Kingdom (also known as entry clearance) from there; or
- if your permission to come or stay on one of the islands is still current, you can come directly to the United Kingdom.
Once you are in the United Kingdom, you may apply to switch as long as the immigration category that you were given permission to come or stay on the islands is one that the United Kingdom immigration law allows you to switch into. This is because, once you have travelled to the United Kingdom, we are able to treat the permission given to you under the island laws as if it had been given by the United Kingdom authorities.
See Switching for more information on the categories you can switch from. You must make your application to switch before your current permission to stay in the islands runs out.
Some overseas nationals living on the islands must get a visa (also known as entry clearance) before travelling to the United Kingdom. You can find these in the immigration directorate instructions, Chapter 1, Section 2, which you can find on the right side of this page.
Application forms
Tier 2 (General) and Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer) - for applications made inside the United Kingdom
- Application form for Tier 2 General and Tier 2 Intra-company transfer. Valid from 1 October 2009PDF 1.3MB opens in a new window
- Tier 2 of the points-based system - policy guidancePDF 512KB opens in a new window