Hi Everyone
Our plan has changed and we are now applying for a work visa.
Basically my employer in America is willing to sponsor me to move me to the UK.
They currently don’t have a sponsorship license. They will be applying for one. This is the first time they are transferring people from another country.
Basically my position is I am a General Manager for a store for a large retail company who has a location in the UK.
I am not a skilled worker as such but I am experienced at what I do and have been with the company for 8 years and would bring with me my knowledge of the US market which is one of the reason they are transferring me.
My question is, what are the possibility of acquiring the work visa given my qualifications? Also, how long does it take to process such application.
I know most people here have a knowledge of spouse visa but any information you can give me would be so much appreciated.
I just wanted to know if this is even an option for me.
Thank you so much for the feedback
I'm sorry, but I think it's a non-starter. To qualify for ANY Tier 2, it needs to be a graduate (of university) position - not that YOU have to be a graduate, but the position is deemed to have required a degree... I've had a look through the general job roles they define as being graduate and non-graduate (simplifying slightly for ease of comprehending the convoluted system that is the SOC codes and Tier 2 stuff in general)...
Which of the following more closely resembles your role:
A.)
Example job tasks
• helps to formulate and implement local government policy and ensures legal and statutory provisions are observed;
• organises local authority office work and resources, negotiates contracted out services;
• plans, organises, coordinates and directs the resources of a special interest organisation;
• formulates and directs the implementation of an organisation’s policies;
• represents union, association or charity in consultation and negotiation with government, employees and other bodies;
• stimulates public interest by providing publicity, giving lectures and interviews and organising appeals;
• directs or undertakes the preparation, publication and dissemination of reports and other information pertaining to the organisation.
B.)
Example job tasks:
• determines staffing, financial, material and other short- and long-term requirements;
• ensures that adequate reserves of merchandise are held and that stock keeping is carried out efficiently;
• authorises payment for supplies received and decides on vending price and credit terms;
• examines quality of merchandise and ensures that effective use is made of advertising and display facilities;
• manages agencies to provide services out-sourced by other organisations and businesses;
• ensures maintenance of appropriate service levels to meet the objectives of the business.
Main differences between the two types of Tier 2:
Tier 2 General: Lower earning requirement generally, but it must be above £30,000 or the minimum given in the SOC codes for that occupation..
Employer generally needs you to pass the RLMT which requires there is no one else in the EU who is qualified to do your job (cannot be based on experience).
Leads to ILR after 5 years, provided you earn above a certain amount which is ever increasing.
ICT: You already must work for your employer is is transferring you to another branch/ subsidiary...
Earnings requirement already given.
Does NOT lead to ILR at all. You would need to change category to gain ILR.
For both types, the role is required to be at NQF 6 or above (basically the graduate thing I was talking about before - professions like engineers and doctors).