Varying Tier 2 general (change of employment) application to ILR

[mpatni]

Hello,

My tier 2 general visa application (change of sponsor/employment) is pending. I applied it on 17th November 2020. I got an email confirming the biometric from my previous application will be reused. Although still waiting to get a link for IDV app.

I have started working for my new employer from 1st December 2020 (under the temporary concession scheme in response to covid-19).

On 27th January 2021, I will complete 5 years in the UK and will become eligible for getting an ILR. My question is, whether do I need to wait for a decision on my pending tier 2 visa application or can I vary this application to ILR?

I have read several threads here and found that a tier 2 extension application can be varied to an ILR. But could not find any post on varying a change of employment application.

Looking forward to getting suggestions from the experts.

[CULLINAN]

There is NO IDV app since 21st Sep 2020 except tier 4. All others must book an appointment. Not sure why you are waiting since November. You had 45 working days to submit biometrics after date of application.

[mpatni]

There is NO IDV app since 21st Sep 2020 except tier 4. All others must book an appointment. Not sure why you are waiting since November. You had 45 working days to submit biometrics after date of application.

Thank you so much for your reply. I submitted a tier 2 extension application on 14th June 2020 and received my BRP on 16th November 2020. For this application, I submitted my biometrics using IDV app. On 17th Novemer 2020, I submitted a new application (change of employement) and was under an impression that I can again use IDV app for biometrics. The pandemic is still not over yet, we are in still in the lockdown and all the appointments are full. I can't undersand why they have taken off the IDV app option.

Anyway, I have paid 135 GBP and got an appointment at an enhanced service centre for 23rd Feb 2021. As you have mentioned, I had 45 days to submit biometrics. Now, since I have missed the deadline, do you think my application stands void? Or can I still attend the biometric appointment on 23rd Feb?

Coming to my origial question (if my application is still valid), can I vary it to an ILR? I am not sure if I can vary a Tier-2 change of employement application to an ILR? Although I have started working for my new employer as per the covid concession scheme. Any suggestions on this will be greatly appreciated.

[CULLINAN]

You can only vary a valid application. For an application to be valid you have to submit biometrics first.

I will leave the other question for someone else to answer who has more knowledge on the subject matter.

[mpatni]

You can only vary a valid application. For an application to be valid you have to submit biometrics first.

I will leave the other question for someone else to answer who has more knowledge on the subject matter.

Thank you for your response. Let's see what others think about it.