Immigrationboards.com

Hi ,

I am struck to decide with my situation and need your expertise to suggest on this .
Scenario:
I am currently working on Tier2 ICT(about to finish 5 years by mid of 2022) and i have to go back if i don't find any other visa .
Now i got job offer from an international organization who are ready to provide Exempt vignette for 3 years .
My query is whether this time on Exempt Vignette (3 years) count for 10 years route ILR(combining current ICT visa duration(4.5 years) + exempt vignette(3 years) + some other visa(dependent/skilled worker etc)?

Also whether i can switch to other visa(like dependent /skilled worker) when i am working on Exempt Vignette(during this 3 years period) ?

Thanks in advance .

An exemption from immigration control, including where an exemption ceases to apply if it is immediately followed by a grant of leave to enter or remain, does count as lawful residence - immigration rule 276A(b)(iii).

Hi Manci,

Thank you for reply.

Is it possible switching to other visa during Vignette exempt with in UK?

It is not possible to switch to other visas inside the UK from exempt vignette because it is not on the list of visas that can make a switch inside the UK (definitely the case for Tier 2, but worth double checking for other visas).

It is also not possible to switch to exempt vignette from inside the UK (but can be done if Foreign Office is pushed hard enough by your prospective employer).

Exempt vignettes do count towards 10 year ILR route and are easily extendable (unless you leave your employment with an international organisation).

mancI and TheBlade are correct. Time spent under the exempt category may be included under Long residence.

Switching from exempt into some categories is possible under the rules.

Thank you vinny and TheBlade for your valuable reply .

Hi

I have a query currently i am on Tier2 ICT and going to switch to Exempt Vignette (new job in an international organization)
My last working day with ICT visa is 30th May 2022 and i got an Exempt Vignette starting from June10th 2022.
As i have no status from 1st June to 9th June and If i travel back to my home country on 30th and come back after 10th June and join new company ,does this count under continuity as i have 5 days break with no valid UK visa and stayed out of UK ?

Thanks in advance .

TheBlade wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 12, 2022 9:49 am

It is not possible to switch to other visas inside the UK from exempt vignette because it is not on the list of visas that can make a switch inside the UK (definitely the case for Tier 2, but worth double checking for other visas).

It is also not possible to switch to exempt vignette from inside the UK (but can be done if Foreign Office is pushed hard enough by your prospective employer).

Exempt vignettes do count towards 10 year ILR route and are easily extendable (unless you leave your employment with an international organisation).

It is possible to switch to an exempt vignette from inside the UK. I switched mine from Tier 4 to an exempt vignette through my employer.

Hi Walexwal,

Thanks for the reply.
How long it took for you to get the exempt vignette visa after applying with UKVI?

walexwal wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 19, 2022 7:27 pm

TheBlade wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 12, 2022 9:49 am

It is not possible to switch to other visas inside the UK from exempt vignette because it is not on the list of visas that can make a switch inside the UK (definitely the case for Tier 2, but worth double checking for other visas).

It is also not possible to switch to exempt vignette from inside the UK (but can be done if Foreign Office is pushed hard enough by your prospective employer).

Exempt vignettes do count towards 10 year ILR route and are easily extendable (unless you leave your employment with an international organisation).

It is possible to switch to an exempt vignette from inside the UK. I switched mine from Tier 4 to an exempt vignette through my employer.

Hi walexwal,

What is the process to switch to exempt Vignette within UK through employer,I am not able to do this online.i need your guidance please.