Advertisements
Are you a qualified teacher looking to start a career in the UK? This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Tier 2 visa sponsorship process for teaching jobs in the United Kingdom.
You’ll learn about eligibility criteria, the application process, and essential tips to help you secure Tier 2 visa sponsorship In the United Kingdom.
READ ALSO: Teaching In The UK with Foreign Qualification
Understanding Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship For Teachers
Tier 2 visa sponsorship is a program that allows skilled workers from outside the UK, including teachers, to live and work in the country.
For teachers, this means they can apply for jobs in primary and secondary schools that are willing to sponsor them.
One of the key parts of Tier 2 sponsorship is the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This document is provided by the sponsoring school and includes details about the job, like the title and salary.
Teachers need this certificate when they apply for the Tier 2 visa. Schools that want to sponsor teachers must be registered with the UK Home Office and have a valid sponsorship license.
This ensures the school is genuine and can support the teacher’s application. For teachers, getting Tier 2 sponsorship is important.
After working for a certain time, teachers may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which can lead to permanent residency.
However, the process starts when a teacher is offered a job at a sponsoring school. The school issues the CoS, and the teacher applies for the Tier 2 visa. This involves providing documents like proof of qualifications and English language skills.
READ ALSO: Top 10 Nursing Recruitment Agencies In The UK (2024)
Eligibility Criteria For Tier 2 Visa Teaching Jobs
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):
You need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK school to apply for a Tier 2 visa. This certificate shows that a school wants to hire you and has met the rules needed to sponsor a teacher from another country, which includes details like the job title, salary, and information about the school.
Salary Requirements:
To get a Tier 2 visa, you must earn at least £26,200 per year or the “going rate” for the teaching job, whichever is higher. This makes sure that teachers are paid fairly and can support themselves in the UK.
English Language Proficiency:
You must prove you can speak, read, write, and understand English, which is often done by passing an English test like the IELTS or TOEFL.
Advertisements
You also qualify if you have a degree taught in English or come from a country where English is the main language.
Financial Requirements:
You need to show you have enough savings to support yourself when you arrive in the UK until you start getting paid.
Qualifications and Experience:
You should have a recognized teaching qualification, such as a Bachelor’s degree in Education or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Having teaching experience, especially in the UK, can make your application stronger.
READ ALSO: Top 10 Best Job Websites In The UK (2024)
How To Find Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship Teaching Jobs?
Here are some steps that you can implement to find tier 2 visa sponsorship teaching jobs In the UK:
Step 1: Research Licensed Sponsors
The first step is to identify schools that are licensed to sponsor Tier 2 visas. The UK government has a list of registered sponsors on its official website.
Look for schools that specifically mention they are willing to sponsor international teachers, just to make sure you are applying to schools that can legally support your visa application.
Step 2: Use Job Boards And Websites
There are several job boards and websites for teaching jobs in the UK.
Popular ones include:
Step 3: Network with Other Educators
Networking can greatly help your job search. Join online forums, social media groups, and teaching organizations in the UK.
Websites like LinkedIn are useful for connecting with educators and school administrators. These connections can provide job leads and information about schools that are hiring.
Step 4: Work with Recruitment Agencies
Consider working with recruitment agencies that specialize in placing international teachers in UK schools. Agencies like Teach Away and Reed Education can help match you with schools needing teachers who require visa sponsorship. They also offer support like interview preparation and application advice.
READ ALSO: Health Care Assistant Jobs In The UK With Visa Sponsorship For Foreigners
The Application Process For Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship
Here is the process for applying for a Tier 2 visa sponsorship as a teacher in the UK:
Step 1: Receive Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
As we’ve said, you need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the school that wants to hire you. This document proves that the school is ready to employ you and is allowed to sponsor you. So, the school will give you a unique reference number, which you will need for your visa application.
Advertisements
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
The next process is to gather all necessary documents. These include your passport, your CoS reference number, proof of your qualifications (like degrees or teaching certificates), evidence of English language proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL scores), and financial documents to show you can support yourself in the UK.
Step 3: Complete The Online Application
Fill out the online visa application form on the UK government website. Make sure all information is accurate to avoid any delays.
Step 4: Pay The Application Fees
Pay the visa application fee, which is around £625. You may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Step 5: Book And Attend Your Visa Appointment
Schedule an appointment at a visa application center to submit your application and biometric data (fingerprints and photos).
After your appointment, your application will be reviewed, which usually takes about 8 weeks. If approved, you can then move to the UK to start teaching.
Advertisements