Jump to content

Tier 2 (General)

Qualifications

This page explains what proof of qualifications you should send when you apply under the skilled worker category (Tier 2 General) under the points-based system to work in the United Kingdom.

Full details of these requirements are in the immigration rules at paragraph 245Zb - 245ZH of part 6a, which you can find on the right side of this page. You must read the policy guidance before you apply under this category. You can download the guidance and application form from the Applying section.
 
You must send proof of your qualification. This must be an original document, issued by the awarding institution on the official headed paper of the institution.

If you have been awarded a qualification

If you have been awarded a qualification, you must provide the original certificate of award.

The original certificate of award must be on the institution's official paper clearly showing:

  • your name;
  • the title of the award;
  • the date of the award; and
  • the name of the awarding institution.

We will not accept original provisional certificates. The original certificate of award must always be sent unless you are waiting to graduate or you no longer have the certificate and the institution that issued the certificate is unable to give you a replacement.

back to top

If you cannot provide your original certificate

If you are waiting to graduate, or you no longer have the certificate and the institution that issued it is unable to send a replacement, you must provide the original academic reference and the original academic transcript.

The original academic reference from the institution awarding the degree must be on official headed paper of the institution and clearly show:

  • your name;
  • the title of award;
  • the date of award, confirming that it has been or will be awarded; and
  • the date that the certificate will be issued or confirmation that the institution is unable to re-issue the original certificate or award.

The original academic transcript must be on the institution's official paper clearly showing:

  • your name;
  • the name of the academic institution;
  • the course title; and
  • confirmation of the award.

back to top

If your qualification has a significant research bias

If you are claiming points for a qualification with a significant research bias (for example a doctorate) you may be unable to send an original academic transcript, so you can send an academic reference as long as it has all the information above in it.

back to top

Qualifications not in the points-based calculator

If you cannot find your academic qualification on the points-based calculator, you must also send an original letter or certificate from UK NARIC, whose details you can find on the right of the page, confirming the level of qualification is at the same level needed in a United Kingdom qualification.

If you cannot find your professional or vocational qualification on the points-based calculator, you must also send an original letter from the appropriate United Kingdom professional body confirming the level of qualification is at the same level needed in a United Kingdom qualification. The letter must clearly show:

  • the name of the qualification, including the country and awarding body; and
  • confirmation of which United Kingdom academic level this qualification is the same as.

back to top