Tier 2 to Skilled Worker Visa Transition Explained

Reform of UK Work Visas

The Tier 2 (General) visa was the principal work visa route in the United Kingdom for skilled overseas workers until its replacement by the Skilled Worker visa as part of the UK's post‑Brexit immigration system. This reform took effect on 1 December 2020 and has shaped how non‑UK nationals can come to or remain in the UK to work in skilled roles under sponsorship by a licensed employer.

Although Tier 2 no longer exists for new applications, many people still refer to it because individuals who obtained permission under the Tier 2 route before December 2020 can continue their immigration journey under the newer Skilled Worker framework. The transition explains how existing Tier 2 holders, sponsors and advisers should understand eligibility, rights, applications and settlement considerations.

1. What Changed: From Tier 2 to Skilled Worker

1.1 Legal Transition

The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa on 1 December 2020 as part of the UK's new points‑based immigration system. All new sponsored work visa applications using Cohort 2 must now be made under Skilled Worker rules.

This change was designed to simplify conditions, broaden eligible occupations and align the immigration system with post‑Brexit policy goals. Sponsors and workers now follow the provisions in Appendix Skilled Worker of the Immigration Rules rather than the earlier Tier 2 provisions.

1.2 Key Differences in Requirements

Although many core features remain-such as requiring a licensed sponsor, a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and sufficient salary and English language proficiency-there are notable changes:

• Skill Level and Salary: The Skilled Worker route currently requires jobs at appropriate skill and salary levels, with thresholds modified over time to reflect evolving policy priorities.
• Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT): The RLMT, which once obliged employers to advertise to resident workers first, was abolished on transition to Skilled Worker, simplifying sponsorship processes.
• Flexibility on Switching: The Skilled Worker route permits more flexibility for in‑country switching from other visa categories compared with Tier 2, subject to eligibility criteria.

Existing Tier 2 permissions continue and remain valid, but extensions, job changes and later settlement applications are processed under Skilled Worker criteria.

2. Status of Tier 2 Visa Holders After Transition

2.1 Continuing Permission

If you were granted leave to remain under Tier 2 before December 2020, you do not automatically have to reapply simply because the Skilled Worker visa was introduced. Your existing permission continues until it expires.

However, if you wish to extend your permission or change employer or role, you will apply under the Skilled Worker visa criteria. In these cases, the Home Office will assess eligibility under the Skilled Worker rules in force at that time.

2.2 Transitional Arrangements

Where a Certificate of Sponsorship was issued under Tier 2 prior to the transition, the Home Office has indicated that those documents remain effective, although sponsors have updated CoS details to confirm compliance with Skilled Worker requirements where necessary.

This transitional approach has helped preserve continuity of status for individuals with pending applications and existing leave to remain, reducing disruption in employment and residence planning.

3. Eligibility and Application Process After Transition

3.1 Applying for Extensions or New Skilled Worker Leave

When extending or updating, applicants must meet the criteria set out for the Skilled Worker route, which include:

• A valid CoS from a licensed sponsor;
• A job that meets the eligibility criteria and appropriate occupation code;
• English language competence at the required level; and
• Salary thresholds based on the current rules for the job and CoS issue date.

For example, if your employment changes and you need to renew or update your leave, you must apply online before your current visa expires. Sponsors issue a new CoS and you must satisfy the criteria that apply to that job under the Skilled Worker route.

3.2 Switching In‑Country

Individuals already in the UK on another eligible visa category are able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa without leaving the UK, provided they meet the route's eligibility requirements. This includes having a valid job offer, English language proficiency and maintenance funds if required.

Switching can be done up to the point of your current visa expiry, and you must not travel outside the UK (outside UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man) until the Skilled Worker application is decided, or the application may be withdrawn.

4. Rights and Obligations After Transition

4.1 Work Rights and Conditions

Once granted under the Skilled Worker route, holders of former Tier 2 status retain work rights comparable to those previously enjoyed, but details reflect the conditions stated on their Skilled Worker leave. This includes:

• The right to live and work in the UK for the sponsor listed on the CoS;
• The ability to study or take supplementary work subject to limits;
• The possibility to bring eligible dependants if conditions are met.

4.2 Public Funds and Restrictions

Like Tier 2, Skilled Worker visa holders are generally not permitted to access public funds (such as most welfare benefits). Compliance with the leave conditions remains fundamental to immigration status.

4.3 Settlement Pathway

Time spent under both Tier 2 and Skilled Worker leave counts towards the five‑year qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), subject to continuous residence and other qualifying criteria. The definition of a “Skilled Worker” in the Immigration Rules includes those with Tier 2 leave, so combined periods are recognised for ILR purposes.

5. Practical Considerations

5.1 Changing Employers or Roles

If a Tier 2 visa holder needs to change employer or role, a new Skilled Worker application is usually required with a fresh CoS covering the new job. The Home Office will consider whether the new employment meets the Skilled Worker criteria.

5.2 English Language and Salary Thresholds

Current Skilled Worker criteria include English language proficiency and salary conditions that may have evolved since Tier 2 was in place. For example, salary thresholds and skill level requirements have been modified since the transition, and depend on CoS date and route rules.

5.3 Administrative Guidance

Applicants should prepare identity documentation and supporting evidence, including biometric information, at the time of application. Decisions are typically issued within legislative timeframes (e.g., around eight weeks for in‑country updates).

6. Common Questions

Does someone need to reapply simply because their visa was Tier 2?
No. Existing Tier 2 leave continues after the Skilled Worker transition. Reapplication is only needed for extensions, job changes or where leave has expired.

Does Tier 2 count towards settlement?
Yes. Combined time under Tier 2 and Skilled Worker routes ordinarily counts towards the five‑year residence needed for an ILR application, subject to continuous residence rules.

Are there English language changes?
Yes. English language requirements under Skilled Worker have evolved and must be met at the time of application or extension.

Summary

The Tier 2 visa was replaced by the Skilled Worker visa on 1 December 2020 as the UK transitioned to a post‑Brexit points‑based immigration system. Existing Tier 2 leave continues but extensions, changes of job or employer, and settlement applications are evaluated under the Skilled Worker framework. Applicants must meet updated eligibility criteria including sponsorship, English language and salary requirements. Time under both routes contributes to qualifying periods for indefinite leave to remain. Understanding the transition helps workers and sponsors manage legal processes and maintain continuous immigration status in the UK.