Tier 2 (General) -ILR

[sbrit]

Hi,
I have a typical case with my Tier-2(General) visa.I hope someone can surely help me.
I came to UK on Oct 2010 with Tier 2 (General) visa which was valid for 2 years and my employer extended for another three years in 2012 .Now my visa expires on Nov 2015.Can I apply for ILR and when can I apply ?

I have been out of the UK from mid June 2013 until mid Jan 2014.Am I still eligible for ILR ?
I am from India and working for a company there and got deputed to customer site in UK from 2010.Then moved back to India from June 2013 until Jan 2014 .Then came back to the same job.This happened for a business reason.
If I am not eligible for ILR how can I extend my visa now ?
Can I switch to another employer who can sponsor me ?

Please help my queries...

Thanks in advance ..

[manci]

you can extend your leave (no 6 year cap), you can switch in the UK to work for another sponsor and you will be eligible to apply for ILR around Oct 2015 (because your 7 months absence will be split into two periods each of which is less than 180 days)

[sbrit]

Hi Manci,

Thanks for your reply and I have few more queries hope you can help me on that as well ?

My 7 months employment was abroad - Do this pose a problem ?

Can I apply for ILR myself or does the employer has to apply ? and what are the supporting docs needed for application please ?

Also if I switch my employer now will they give three year visa or two year visa ?

Am I eligible for ILR even if I switch my employer now ?

Thanks.

[manci]

Hi Manci,

Thanks for your reply and I have few more queries hope you can help me on that as well ?

My 7 months employment was abroad - Do this pose a problem ?
if your sponsor sent you abroad for a work assignment - no

Can I apply for ILR myself or does the employer has to apply ? and what are the supporting docs needed for application please ?
only you can apply but whoever is the sponsor at the time of your application has to certify in writing that they need you for continued employment and that you are being paid an appropriate salary. They also have to certify your absences.
for the actual rules and supporting documents read 245HF and 245HF-SD
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... _final.pdf

Also if I switch my employer now will they give three year visa or two year visa ?
you can get up to 5 years leave corresponding to the period of engagement stated in the CoS

Am I eligible for ILR even if I switch my employer now ?
yes


Thanks.

[sbrit]

Hi Manci,

Thanks for your responses.

Just want to be clear on my first question .

my sponsor sent me abroad for work during that period .So there is no problem and I am eligible for ILR and can apply in Oct 2015.

Is my understanding correct ?

Thanks

[manci]

Hi Manci,

Thanks for your responses.

Just want to be clear on my first question .

my sponsor sent me abroad for work during that period .So there is no problem and I am eligible for ILR and can apply in Oct 2015.

Is my understanding correct ?
yes. You may also like to read this:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... eriods.pdf

Thanks