The duration of the work permit is dependent on the length of time requested by the sponsoring company, and is also at the discretion of the Home Office.
The position for which the work permit is required must meet National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 and above.
This would be in the form of either a Leave to Remain application (if eligible to switch in the United Kingdom) to the United Kingdom Home Office, or an application for entry clearance (if overseas) to the nearest British High Commission/Embassy in the country of the worker's legal residence.
The permit holder and their partner must demonstrate that they intend to live together in the United Kingdom and that a marriage or civil partnership subsists.
The partner of a work permit dependant visa holder will eligible to seek and take employment in the United Kingdom.
Tier 2 also replaced the existing provisions for ministers of religion, airport-based operational ground staff, overseas qualified nurse or midwife, student union sabbatical posts, seafarers, named researchers, Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES), Jewish agency employees, and overseas representatives (news media).