Switch from EEA Family Permit to Tier 2 Visa

[barthes111]

Hi

Hope you're all well. I really appreciate you taking time to help with my queries.

I'm on a EEA Family Permit (my partner is Lithuanian) expiring on 10 December 2018 but we have decided to go separate ways. My current employer has agreed to sponsor me the Tier 2 visa

I would like to find out:
1. If I can switch from EEA Family Permit to Tier 2 visa?
2. Do I have to go back to my home country (Malaysia) to apply for Tier 2 visa?
3. Do I have to get divorce first before applying for Tier 2 visa?
4. If I'm applying for Tier 2 visa from Malaysia, do I have to submit my application before 10 December 2018 so that I wouldn't be viewed as overstayer in the UK? ie. can I leave the UK say, on 3 December 2018 but submit my application on 15 December 2018?

Thank you in advance.

[CR001]

1. No you cannot switch within the UK.

2. Yes.

3. No.

4. No. Applying from outside the UK is irrelevant to "overstaying" as you are not in the UK with no valid status. You can apply at any time outside the UK.