The section will explain whether you would eligible to apply under this category. You should apply if you are over 16 years old, not a national of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and wish to enter/remain in the UK under the Tier 2.

You should read the Immigration Rules to ensure that you are allowed to move into the category from the United Kingdom. There may be occasion where you may need to apply from outside the United Kingdom in the form of an entry clearance.

When the Home Office refers to sponsored students, this means the fees and livings costs are covered. You may have been sponsored by a government or international scholarship agency in the last 12 months in any of the following categories:

·         student or Tier 4;

·         student nurse;

·         student re-sitting exams;

·         student writing up a thesis; or

·         postgraduate doctor or dentist.

If you are being sponsored now or your sponsorship ended in the 12 months before you apply, you must send the Home Office a letter from your sponsor, giving their permission for you to stay in or come back to the United Kingdom. If your sponsor does not give their permission, Home Offie will refuse your application.

The letter must be original, on official letter headed paper of the sponsor's organisation with the official stamp of the organisation, and written by an authorised official.

You do not have to apply under the points-based system if:

a)       you are an EEA or Swiss national; 

b)       you are a British overseas territories citizen, unless you are from one of the sovereign base areas in Cyprus; 

c)       you are a Commonwealth citizen with permission to enter or stay in the United Kingdom because at least one of your grandparents was born here; 

d)       your spouse or civil partner, unmarried or same-sex partner, or (if you are under 18) one of your parents has permission to stay in the United Kingdom under the highly skilled worker category of the points-based system (although you should apply as a dependant); or 

e)       you have no conditions or time limit attached to your stay.

If you are a national of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia or Slovenia you will need to register under the Worker Registration Scheme when you take work in the United Kingdom, unless you are exempt.

If you are a national of Bulgaria or Romania you must not work until we have given you permission, unless you are exempt.