Changing Tier 2 Visa Category from India

Hi,

Need help in planning things further. I am currently in UK on a Tier-2 ICT Visa (Cos end date 21/08/11, Visa end date 04/09/11) and have been offered a job by a UK employer. My new CoS (for Tier-2 General) starts from 22/08, visa stamping date TBD and have to join my new employer latest by 19/09/2011.

I am looking to put down my papers effective 01/07/11 however my company requires 3 months of notice period else I have to pay the bond amount (it's inevitable anyway). I am thinking of serving 1.5 months in the UK and rest 15 days back in India to cover 2 months and pay 1 month of bond amount.

I am looking for some guidence on how should I plan my travel to ensure a/ I pay minimum bond amount b/ My continuity remains intact (have been in UK since September 2008).

Please advise on below:

1/ What would be the best date for me to take appointment in Visa Office, Delhi. I think I can't take appointment prior to 22/08 as logically the new visa will be available after the new CoS start date. I might be wrong.
2/ How much time does it take from visa appointment to visa/passport receipt. Also, what with be my visa start date, is it date of appointment?
3/ When should I travel back to UK after my visa is received. I have to be back latest by 17/18 September.
4/ Can I take the appointment during the time I am serving my notice period at offshore i.e. can I get a new visa while I am still serving notice for the old organization.

Essentially, I am looking to ensure that I pay minimum bond amount to my current organization, spend maximum time at offshore with my parents and still ensure my continuity for a PR.

I would really appreciate any help that fellow members could offer. Any other information besides this would be great. Oh, I have to get visa for my spouse as well.

Cheerio friends.

Maverick_81 wrote:Hi,

Need help in planning things further. I am currently in UK on a Tier-2 ICT Visa (Cos end date 21/08/11, Visa end date 04/09/11) and have been offered a job by a UK employer. My new CoS (for Tier-2 General) starts from 22/08, visa stamping date TBD and have to join my new employer latest by 19/09/2011.

I am looking to put down my papers effective 01/07/11 however my company requires 3 months of notice period else I have to pay the bond amount (it's inevitable anyway). I am thinking of serving 1.5 months in the UK and rest 15 days back in India to cover 2 months and pay 1 month of bond amount.

I am looking for some guidence on how should I plan my travel to ensure a/ I pay minimum bond amount b/ My continuity remains intact (have been in UK since September 2008).

Please advise on below:

1/ What would be the best date for me to take appointment in Visa Office, Delhi. I think I can't take appointment prior to 22/08 as logically the new visa will be available after the new CoS start date. I might be wrong.
2/ How much time does it take from visa appointment to visa/passport receipt. Also, what with be my visa start date, is it date of appointment?
3/ When should I travel back to UK after my visa is received. I have to be back latest by 17/18 September.
4/ Can I take the appointment during the time I am serving my notice period at offshore i.e. can I get a new visa while I am still serving notice for the old organization.

Essentially, I am looking to ensure that I pay minimum bond amount to my current organization, spend maximum time at offshore with my parents and still ensure my continuity for a PR.

I would really appreciate any help that fellow members could offer. Any other information besides this would be great. Oh, I have to get visa for my spouse as well.

Cheerio friends.

Maverick, there are couple of things you might consider

- I think if you re-enter the UK in a Tier 2 general category then your clock for PR will be reset. Please check this.

- Currently there is a consultation out from the UKBA where the proposal is that anyone who entered/s UK from April 2011 in Tier 2 general will not be able to apply for settlement. check links below for more info

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... -proposals

http://immigrationboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=79834

- If these new proposals get implemented then Tier 2 generals will not be able to apply for settlement

- Now as you are on tier 2 ICT since Sept 2008 and if you keep extending your ICT until you get your PR then you will not be affected, but if you change to tier 2 general now then you may get affected.

Again, please check with Seniors from this forum, UKBA or Immigration consultant.