When it comes to visas and immigration, there is a lot of confusion about the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 Visas. In this blog post, we will explain the differences between Tier 1 and Tier 2 Visas in an easy-to-understand way.
What is UK tier 1 visa and tier 2 visas?
Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas are two types of visas that allow people to enter the UK to work or conduct business. Tier 1 visas are mainly available to highly skilled migrants and entrepreneurs, while Tier 2 visas are available to skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Tier 1 visas are for those who can prove they possess a high level of skills, experience, and expertise. For this visa you must have a minimum level of qualifications, a salary of at least £30,000 and a minimum of five years of experience in their field.
Tier 2 visas are for skilled workers from outside the EEA, who have a job offer from a UK organization and a valid certificate of sponsorship from their employer. Getting a UK visa can be a daunting task, especially when you are not aware of the kind of visa and its requirements, you need tier 2 visa consultants. MovesEdu Immigration is hence the perfect partner to help you understand and get a visa to the UK.
Difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 Visas:
- Significance of visa: A Tier 1 visa is a type of immigration visa designed for individuals with exceptional talents, investors, and entrepreneurs. In contrast, a Tier 2 visa is a type of work visa issued to individuals sponsored by an employer to work in the United Kingdom. Tier 1 visas are suitable for highly skilled migrants and those with money to invest in the United Kingdom. Tier 2 visas are sponsored by an employer to fill a specific job vacancy.
- Benefits of visa:
The main benefit of Tier 1 visas is that they allow applicants to live and work in the UK without requiring a job offer or a sponsor. In contrast, Tier 2 visas require applicants to have a job offer and to be sponsored by an employer. Moreover, the tier 1 visa holder gets Global pioneer recognition and a direct pathway for British citizenship.
- Validity of a visa:
The main difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas lies in the length of stay they allow. Tier 1 visas are usually granted for a period of 3.5 years. On the other hand, Tier 2 visas allow holders to stay in the UK for a maximum of 5 years depending on their occupation.
- Eligibility criteria and acceptance rate:
The Tier 1 visa is a points-based system and to be eligible, applicants must demonstrate their ability to work in the UK, show evidence of their qualifications, and meet the English language requirement. The Tier 2 visa is a temporary visa that allows employers to sponsor workers to fill permanent and temporary positions in the UK. To be eligible, applicants must have an employment offer from a Tier 2-registered employer, have the required qualifications, and meet the English language requirement. The visa acceptance rate of tier 1 visa is quite low as compared to tier 2 visa.