Outlined below is general information about the Sponsored Skilled Workers category (Tier 2). After November 2008, anyone with permission to stay in the United Kingdom who intends to extend their stay will need to apply under the points-based system.  

GENERAL

To be eligible to apply to come to the United Kingdom under Tier 2 - skilled worker you need to have: a job offer; certificate of sponsorship from one of the Border and Immigration Authority's licensed sponsors; and scored enough points to apply.

Points assessment

• You will need to score a pass mark of 70 points from the three sets of criteria. These are: attributes; English language skills; and maintenance.

MINISTERS OF RELIGION

To be eligible to apply to come to the United Kingdom under the ministers of religion sub-category within the Tier 2 - skilled worker, you will need to obtain entry clearance and you will need to score enough points to apply. Applications for entry clearance must be made from outside the United Kingdom at the British diplomatic post of your home country.

Points assessment

• You will need to score a pass mark of 70 points from the three sets of criteria. These are sponsorship, maintenance and English language skills.
  

SPORTS PEOPLE

To be eligible to apply to come to the United Kingdom under the sports people sub-category within Tier 2, you will need to obtain entry clearance and you will need to score enough points to apply. You can score points by being sponsored by a club (or equivalent), who are licensed by the UK Border Agency, to issue certificates of sponsorship under this category.

Points assessment

• You will need to score a pass mark of 70 points from the three sets of criteria. These are sponsorship, maintenance and English language skills.