Tier 2 (General)
How to switch into the skilled worker category (Tier 2 General)
This page explains what immigration categories you can switch from in to the skilled worker category (Tier 2 General) of the points-based system to work in the United Kingdom if you are already in the United Kingdom.
The categories you can switch from
You can switch in to the skilled worker category (Tier 2 General) from the following immigration categories:
- highly skilled worker (tier 1);
- sponsored skilled worker (tier 2);
- student;
- student nurse,
- student re-sitting an examination;
- person writing up a thesis;
- overseas qualified nurse or midwife;
- postgraduate doctor or dentist,
- student union sabbatical officer;
- qualifying work permit holder;
- Highly Skilled Migrant;
- a participant in the International Graduate Scheme (formerly known as the Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme);
- a representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation;
- a participant in Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme;
- minister of religion, missionary or member of a religious order;
- member of the operational ground staff of an overseas-owned airline;
- innovator;
- a Jewish agency employee.
If you are not in any of these categories, you must leave the United Kingdom and apply as a new application at your local entry clearance post.
Switching from a post-study category
You can claim 30 points if you are switching from:
- the post-study worker category of tier 1; or
- Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme; or
- International Graduate Scheme (formerly known as the Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme).
You must have worked in the job you have now for your current sponsor for at least six months before you apply. You must also continue to work for your sponsor in the job you have now.
If you have not worked for your potential sponsor for at least six months before you apply, your sponsor will have to meet the resident labour market test unless the job in on the shortage occupation list. You will not be able to claim points for switching from a post-study category, but can claim points if your sponsor has met the resident labour market test.
See also
Terms explained
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Resident labour market test
This is the process an employer must follow before employing a person who is not a permanent resident of the United Kingdom if he/she is first required to show that no resident worker could be found to take a job.
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Shortage occupations
Specific types of work that have been officially listed as ones for which there are not enough resident workers to fill available jobs. Employers who wish to hire a worker from outside the European Economic Area to fill a vacancy that is on a list of shortage occupations may do so without carrying out a resident labour market test.