More than just a residency visa, the UK Skilled Worker Visa (previously known as Tier 2 Visa) serves as an important avenue through which Pakistanis, as well as foreigners, can work in the UK. The UK Tier 2 visa requirements changed in 2025, increasing the difficulty, and expert assistance became pivotal for guidance. At Wayena Zafar Immigration Law Firm, located in Lahore, we take pride in assisting Pakistani applicants understand the intricacies of the Tier 2 Visa UK and help them seize rightful career prospects in the UK.
What is the UK Tier 2 Visa (Now Called the Skilled Worker Visa)?
The UK Tier 2 Visa is a work visa given to non-EEA passport holders who possess a job offer from a licensed sponsor UK employer and have their Tier 2 letter of approval. The UK Tier 2 visa is now a Skilled Worker Visa following its rebranding in 2020. It allows skilled workers from specific shortage fields, like nursing, IT, and engineering, to immigrate to the UK with the pathway to permanent residency (PR). These also include nursing, IT, and engineering, which are some of the shortage occupation categories.
Who Should Apply?
- Professionals with a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor.
- Applicants meeting the skill and UK Tier 2 salary requirements (currently £38,700 or the job’s going rate, with updates in 2025).
- Those aiming for long-term UK career opportunities.
Do not worry, Wayena Zafar, Immigration Law firm, makes this easy for you.
UK Tier 2 Visa Requirements for Pakistani Applicants
To qualify for the UK Tier 2 Visa, Pakistani applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality Requirement: Open to Pakistani citizens and other non-EEA nationals.
- Job Offer: A valid job offer from one of the UK companies willing to sponsor a Tier 2 visa at RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) or above, with a proposed increase to RQF Level 6 (degree level) in 2025.
- English Language Proficiency: A minimum IELTS score of 4.5 bands or a NARIC certificate proving B1-level English proficiency. From April 2025, this will increase to CEFR Level B2 (upper-intermediate) for main applicants and introduce A1 (basic) for dependents, with progression to A2 for extensions and B2 for settlement.
- Financial Maintenance: Proof of £1,270 for 28 days to support yourself and any dependents.
- Education: Minimum Intermediate (F.A./F.Sc.), with 16 years of education (equivalent to NARIC/B1 Level/260 points) preferred.
- UK Tier 2 Visa Age Limit: Applicants must be between 18 and 48 years old.
- UK Tier 2 dependent visa requirements: Dependents (spouse and children) need proof of relationship and additional financial maintenance funds. From 2025, dependents must demonstrate CEFR A1 English proficiency.
List of Required Documents For UK Tier 2
The documents required for a Tier 2 UK visa include:
- Valid passport (with at least one blank page).
- Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) from your UK employer.
- Job details, including title, description, and salary (meeting UK Tier 2 salary requirements).
- Proof of savings or income for financial maintenance.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results from an approved clinic in Pakistan (valid for 6 months).
- English language proficiency certificate (IELTS or NARIC).
- Additional documents, such as educational certificates, depending on the job role.
How to Apply for a UK Tier 2 Visa from Pakistan
The UK Tier 2 visa application process is streamlined with expert support. Here’s how to apply for a UK Tier 2 visa from Pakistan:
- Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from a UK company willing to sponsor a Tier 2 visa and receive a COS.
- Complete the Online Application: Submit the UK Tier 2 visa application on the UK government’s website.
- Pay the Fees: Cover the UK Tier 2 visa application fee (approximately €750) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Schedule a Biometric Appointment: Visit a UK Visa Application Centre in Lahore, Karachi, or Islamabad managed by VFS Global.
- Submit Documents: Provide all documents required for a Tier 2 UK visa.
- Await Decision: The Tier 2 UK visa processing time ranges from 5 to 20 working days, depending on the application type.
Costs, Processing Times, and Common Delays
Below is a comparison table summarizing the UK Tier 2 visa cost, processing times, and key details for Assistant Nursing and Other Professions, based on Wayena Zafar’s packages and 2025 updates:
| Criteria | Assistant Nursing | Other Professions |
| Total Cost | £32,000 (single), £35,000 (family) | £20,000 |
| Initial Payment | £10,000 | £10,000 |
| Remaining Payment | £22,000–£25,000 (before COS) | £10,000 (before COS) |
| UK Tier 2 Visa Fees | €750 (approx.) + £1,035/year IHS | €750 (approx.) + £1,035/year IHS |
| COS Issuance Time | 5 weeks | 2–3 days |
| Visa Processing Time | 5–20 working days | 5 days (fast-track, £800 extra) or 15–20 days (standard) |
| Eligibility | IELTS 4.5, Intermediate (F.A./F.Sc.), job offer | IELTS 4.5, 16 years of education preferred, job offer |
| Benefits | 5-year COS, PR pathway, dependents allowed | PR pathway, dependents allowed |
Costs
- UK Tier 2 visa fees: Approximately €750 (payable in PKR, subject to exchange rates).
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year, with a 32% increase proposed for 2025.
- Wayena Zafar Packages: As detailed in the table above, covering COS, visa fees, and legal consultancy.
Processing Times
- Assistant Nursing: COS issuance in 5 weeks; Tier 2 UK visa processing time of 5–20 working days.
- Other Professions: COS issuance in 2–3 days; visa processing in 5 days (fast-track) or 15–20 days (standard).
Tips to Avoid Delays
- Submit accurate documents required for a Tier 2 UK visa.
- Ensure TB test validity (6 months).
- Verify COS details with your employer.
Finding a Tier 2 Sponsor from the UK
Securing Tier 2 visa jobs UK requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor. Here’s how:
- Check the Official Sponsor List: Access the list of companies offering Tier 2 sponsorship in the UK.
- Job Portals: Use Indeed, LinkedIn, or Reed to find Tier 2 visa jobs UK.
- Networking: Connect with UK companies willing to sponsor Tier 2 visas through industry events.
- Shortage Occupations: Focus on high-demand roles like nursing, though social care roles will close to new overseas applicants by June 2025.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these errors to prevent Tier 2 visa UK rejection:
- Incorrect Job Codes: Ensure the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code matches your job role.
- Expired TB Tests: Results must be valid.
- Insufficient Funds: Provide clear financial proof.
- Incomplete Applications: Verify all documents required for a Tier 2 UK visa.
Legal Help from Wayena Zafar Immigration Law Firm
At Wayena Zafar Immigration Law Firm in Lahore, we provide expert support for the UK Tier 2 visa application. Our services include:
- Comprehensive Guidance: From finding Tier 2 visa jobs in the UK to visa approval.
- Tailored Packages: Covering COS, UK Tier 2 visa fees, and documentation.
- Proven Success: Our clients praise our efficiency in securing Skilled Worker Visas.
The Tier 2 visa UK validity is up to 5 years, extendable, and can lead to permanent residency after 10 years (increased from 5 years in 2025).
Latest Updates to the UK Skilled Worker Visa in 2025
The UK government’s 2025 Immigration White Paper and Statements of Changes have introduced key updates to the UK Tier 2 Visa:
- Skill Level Increase: From April 2025, the minimum skill level rises from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6 (degree level), reducing eligible occupations by ~180. Existing RQF 3–5 workers can extend or switch jobs, but new applicants must meet the higher threshold.
- Salary Threshold Increase: The minimum salary floor is £25,000/year (£12.82/hour), up from £23,200, with the general threshold at £38,700 or the job’s going rate.
- Immigration Salary List Replaced: Replaced by a Temporary Shortage List (TSL) for RQF 3–5 roles, subject to workforce planning.
- Sponsorship Cost Restrictions: Employers cannot pass sponsorship or administrative costs to workers; the Immigration Skills Charge rises by 32%.
- Extended Settlement Period: ILR qualifying period doubled to 10 years.
- Care Worker Recruitment Rules: From April 2025, care providers must prioritize UK-based workers needing sponsorship.
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Mandatory for non-European visitors from January 8, 2025, but not for Skilled Worker Visa holders.
These changes aim to reduce net migration and prioritize domestic recruitment, impacting Pakistani applicants seeking Tier 2 visa jobs UK.
Our Comprehensive Immigration Services
Wayena Zafar Immigration Law Firm offers services beyond the UK Tier 2 visa:
- UK Visas: Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) and Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visas.
- USA H1B Visa: For professionals targeting the United States.
- Canada PR Investment and Study Visas: Permanent residency and study pathways in Canada and Georgia.
- Work Permits: For Serbia and Albania.
- Citizenship and Residency Programs: Permanent residency in Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Kitts and Nevis.
- Study Visas: For Canada, Georgia, and the USA (full annual fee payment upfront).
Our team ensures tailored support, keeping you compliant with the latest requirements.
Why Choose Wayena Zafar?
- Expertise: Deep knowledge of UK Tier 2 visa requirements and global immigration laws.
- Client-Centric Approach: Customized solutions for Pakistani applicants.
- End-to-End Support: From job offers to visa approvals and 2025 compliance.
Get Started Today
Ready to pursue your UK dream with a Tier 2 Visa UK? Contact Wayena Zafar Immigration Law Firm in Lahore for expert assistance with your UK Tier 2 visa application. Our team is updated on the 2025 reforms to ensure your success. Visit our office or call us to start your journey with confidence.