Can I get a tier 2 visa without maintenance funds?
By Amar Ali, Immigration Solicitor
One of the eligibility criteria required by the tier 2 visa application is the necessity to possess £900 in maintenance funds. The maintenance funds are required to ensure that you can help to maintain yourself before your first pay packet and are very important. So while it is a requirement of the application for funds to be available, there is also the option for your sponsor to certify your maintenance. This way the sponsor becomes responsible for your maintenance and you will not need to prove that you have the funds available.
Are there any other criteria for the tier 2 visa?
Yes, there are many. Tier 2 is one of the harder visas to attain and requires. A lot of input from you and from your sponsor. The basic eligibility criteria are as below:
- Certificate of Sponsorship from a sponsor licence holder
- Proof that you will be paid an appropriate salary
- Proof of English language knowledge
- Access to maintenance funds
- Travel history over the last 5 years
As long as this criterion is satisfied you should have a very reasonable chance of success. If you want to maximise your chances then let us handle your application. Our specialists are well versed in visa applications and can help you to be successful.
How do I prove my English language skills?
One of the biggest parts of the eligibility criteria is the need to prove your English language skills. This is an important part of the eligibility criteria and is treated seriously. There are a few options for proof and they are mostly based on two tests:
- An approved language test equalling CEFR level B1 in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
- An academic qualification in English and is recognised by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a bachelor's degree, master's degree or PhD.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes, if you come from one of the following countries you will not need to prove your English:
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
The Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Jamaica
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
USA
There are also a few other circumstances which are available in visa guidance booklets, but as a general many people can be exempted by their nationality. But if not then you will need to be verified by either the test route or by academic history as laid out above.
How we can help
Our immigration solicitors can help assist you in producing your visa application. We can also help sponsors with any issues in bringing staff into the country. Our expertise can be helpful to anyone with potential visa issues.
So get in touch today and see what we can do for you in regards to your visa application. Our lawyers will be able and happy to help you.
