Tier 2 General Visa: What Replaced It and How to Apply in 2026
What happened to the Tier 2 General visa?
- If you held a Tier 2 (General) visa, you moved onto the Skilled Worker route. You now extend, change job and apply for settlement under the Skilled Worker rules.
- If you are applying now, you apply for a Skilled Worker visa. You need a job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer.
Who can apply today?
You're likely eligible if:
- You have a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Sponsor Licence.
- The role is at RQF Level 6 or above, which means graduate level.
- You will earn at least £41,700 a year, or the going rate for the job, whichever is higher.
- You can show English at CEFR B2, if you are applying for the first time.
- You hold £1,270 for 28 days, unless your employer certifies maintenance for you.
This route may not be right for you if:
- You do not yet have a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.
- You want to be self-employed or work freelance.
- The role is below RQF Level 6 and is not on the Temporary Shortage List.
- You want to sponsor yourself through your own UK company. The Self-Sponsorship route may fit better.
Skilled Worker visa requirements (formerly Tier 2)
Certificate of Sponsorship
You need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer that holds a Sponsor Licence. The CoS must be for a genuine job. You must apply within 3 months of it being assigned.
Skill level
The role must be at RQF Level 6 or above, which means graduate level. Roles at RQF Levels 3 to 5 qualify only if they are on the Temporary Shortage List, or if you were already sponsored in that role before 22 July 2025.
Salary
You must earn at least £41,700 a year, or the going rate for your occupation code, whichever is higher.
If you held Skilled Worker or Tier 2 (General) permission before 4 April 2024, lower transitional salary rules may apply when you extend or settle.
English language
New applicants need English at CEFR B2 from 8 January 2026. You can show this with an approved English test, a degree taught in English, or a nationality that is exempt.
Maintenance funds
You must hold £1,270 for 28 days in a row before you apply. You do not need this if your A-rated employer certifies maintenance on your CoS, or if you have been in the UK with permission for 12 months or more.
Documents
A valid passport, your CoS reference number, English language evidence and bank statements if needed. Some applicants also need a TB test certificate or a criminal record certificate, depending on their country and job.
How to apply, step by step
Check that your employer holds a valid Sponsor Licence, the role is at RQF Level 6 or above, and the salary meets £41,700 or the going rate, whichever is higher. If you held Tier 2, check whether transitional rules apply to you.
Your employer assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with the job, occupation code, salary and start date. Your employer pays the CoS fee and the Immigration Skills Charge. You must apply within 3 months of the CoS being assigned.
Collect your passport, CoS reference number, English language evidence and proof of funds, unless your employer certifies them. Add a TB test certificate or criminal record certificate if your country or job needs one.
Apply online on GOV.UK. You can apply from outside the UK, or switch from inside the UK if your current visa allows it. Pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge for the full length of the visa.
Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, or attend an appointment at a visa application centre. Upload every document asked for, in the right format.
A decision usually takes 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside. Once approved, you get an eVisa and can start work on the date on your CoS.
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Cost Breakdown
In our clients' own words.
“My Tier 2 General case was extremely complex. My previous visa had expired. My Administrative Review was refused. My wife and I had lost the right to work. AY&J handled the case carefully and in detail. This resulted in my Tier 2 visa being approved within ten days.”
"I was in a position where I had literally just a couple of months to turn everything around.
Atter doing research online, I came across AY&J Solicitors' YouTube videos, and right from initial contact, I knew I was in capable hands.
They guided me step-by-step, answered my gazillion questions, and helped me secure a sponsor licence and my Skilled Worker visa in record time. Their customer service really sets them apart!"
"Working with AY&J Solicitors turned what felt like a complex visa journey into a true victory. Their legal team guided me step-by-step through every intricate detail of the Skilled Worker visa, sponsorship, and settlement process. Thanks to their meticulous approach and deep UK immigration expertise, I was able to secure Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and build a successful future in the UK."
“I never thought I could find a visa route. I had been told by every solicitor under the sun that there just wasn’t an avenue for somebody who is self-employed such as myself as a small business owner—so I had given up on it for several years. Then I was connected to Yash and his crew at AY&J Solicitors, and here I am! We set up a UK Ltd company, successfully secured a sponsor licence, and sponsored my visa.”
Frequently Asked Questions
After you apply
There is usually no right of appeal. You may be able to ask for an Administrative Review, or bring a Judicial Review. You can also reapply with a stronger application. We can tell you which option fits your case.
After you apply
Yes, if your role is at RQF Level 6 or above, or you were already sponsored before 22 July 2025. Your partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants.
After you apply
Yes. Today you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years, if you still meet the salary rules and have not spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months. The Government plans to change this under its earned settlement proposals, so check the rules that apply to you before you plan.
After you apply
Up to 5 years at a time, in line with your job. You can extend as many times as you need. Unlike Tier 2 (General), there is no 6-year limit.
Applying and costs
Usually 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK, and 8 weeks from inside. Priority services can be faster where they are available.
Applying and costs
Yes, for you and each dependant. You pay it upfront for the full length of the visa. It is £1,035 per adult per year and £776 per child per year.
Applying and costs
The visa fee starts at £819 for up to 3 years from outside the UK. You also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Your employer pays the Certificate of Sponsorship fee and the Immigration Skills Charge. See the full fee table on this page.
Applying and costs
Your employer first assigns your Certificate of Sponsorship. You then apply online on GOV.UK and prove your identity with the UK Immigration: ID Check app or at a visa application centre.
About Tier 2
Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) became the Senior or Specialist Worker visa in April 2022. Tier 2 (Sportsperson) became the International Sportsperson visa. Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) is now the T2 Minister of Religion visa.
About Tier 2
The Resident Labour Market Test and the annual cap were removed. The 6-year maximum stay and the 12-month cooling-off period were also removed. The salary and skill rules have changed several times since, most recently on 22 July 2025.
About Tier 2
You moved onto the Skilled Worker route. You extend your visa, change employer and apply for settlement under the Skilled Worker rules. Your time on Tier 2 (General) counts towards settlement.
About Tier 2
No. The Tier 2 (General) route closed on 1 December 2020 and the Skilled Worker visa replaced it. All new applications are made under the Skilled Worker rules.
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