The skilled worker category (Tier 2 General) is for people coming to the United Kingdom with a skilled job offer to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker. If you are applying from outside the United Kingdom and you are given permission to come as a skilled worker (Tier 2 General), you will be able to live and work here for a maximum of three years plus one month, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus one month, whichever is shorter.

If you are already inside the United Kingdom in a different category, you may be able to apply to switch into the category of skilled worker (Tier 2 General). If we approve your application you will be able to live and work here for a maximum of three years, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter. At the end of the three years, you will need to apply to extend your stay as a skilled worker (Tier 2 General) if you want to stay.

See extending your stay for more information. If you are given permission to extend your stay as a skilled worker, you will get another two years, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter. If you are given permission to extend your stay in the United Kingdom and your previous permission to stay was as a work permit holder, you can still apply under the transitional arrangements for permission to stay for a time that takes you to five years in the United Kingdom.

For example, if you have been here for two and a half years with permission as a work permit holder or under the transitional arrangements, you can apply for a further two and a half years permission to stay. If this means you would get permission to stay for less than a further two years, you can apply for permission to stay for two years instead. For example, if you have been here for four years with permission as a work permit holder or under the transitional arrangements, you can apply for a further two years permission to stay. You may apply for settlement once you have been here for five years. If you do not, you must apply under the points-based system and make a new application. Enployers must be registered with the UKBA.

Further information can be requested from ICS Legal Practice. Visit www.icslegal.com or contact them on 0207 749 9166.