Tier 2 Visa (changing employer and ILR)

[smars]

Hi all,

I got first tier 2 visa in 2011 for 3 years and then extension in 2014 for another 3 years (current visa) both of these visa are from the same employer. I will be qualified for ILR in 2016.

Now I have job offer from another employer who is willing to sponsor my visa. However, I am confused about how changing employer may impact my eligibility for ILR.

I have few questions

1) Can I change employer as I already had one extension and if so then for how long I can get visa for as I read which states that Tier 2 visa can extended maximum 6 years?

2) Will it impact on my eligibility for ILR?

3) If I change employer do I need to complete 5 years again for ILR?

Many thanks in advance

[moonlight55]

Hi all,

I got first tier 2 visa in 2011 for 3 years and then extension in 2014 for another 3 years (current visa) both of these visa are from the same employer. I will be qualified for ILR in 2016.
Assuming you mean Tier 2 General.

Now I have job offer from another employer who is willing to sponsor my visa. However, I am confused about how changing employer may impact my eligibility for ILR.

I have few questions

1) Can I change employer as I already had one extension and if so then for how long I can get visa for as I read which states that Tier 2 visa can extended maximum 6 years?
Yes, you can. You can get the visa for a duration such that the total of all your Tier 2 general is 6 yrs max.

2) Will it impact on my eligibility for ILR?
It will not affect your ILR eligibility and you'll be eligible after 5 continuous years in UK as earlier.

3) If I change employer do I need to complete 5 years again for ILR?
No. Read above.

Many thanks in advance

[smars]

Hi all,

I got first tier 2 visa in 2011 for 3 years and then extension in 2014 for another 3 years (current visa) both of these visa are from the same employer. I will be qualified for ILR in 2016.
Assuming you mean Tier 2 General.

Now I have job offer from another employer who is willing to sponsor my visa. However, I am confused about how changing employer may impact my eligibility for ILR.

I have few questions

1) Can I change employer as I already had one extension and if so then for how long I can get visa for as I read which states that Tier 2 visa can extended maximum 6 years?
Yes, you can. You can get the visa for a duration such that the total of all your Tier 2 general is 6 yrs max.

2) Will it impact on my eligibility for ILR?
It will not affect your ILR eligibility and you'll be eligible after 5 continuous years in UK as earlier.

3) If I change employer do I need to complete 5 years again for ILR?
No. Read above.

Many thanks in advance

Thanks for your response and very helpful.

quick clarification: will it impact on ILR or 5 year period if the job code is different then my current one? Also is there a link or guideline which you may share with me please? I would like to show it to my new potential employer

[moonlight55]

No, it will not as long as the 5 year continuity is maintained. Your sponsor should be aware of all the rules (I hope they are!). You can find all the details in the sponsor guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... _11-14.pdf

[iworker]

not that it will have any impact as OP will qualify next year for ILR, but since his first tier 2 was in 2011, he does not have the restriction of 6 years max tier 2.

[smars]

not that it will have any impact as OP will qualify next year for ILR, but since his first tier 2 was in 2011, he does not have the restriction of 6 years max tier 2.

thanks much appreciated

[smars]

not that it will have any impact as OP will qualify next year for ILR, but since his first tier 2 was in 2011, he does not have the restriction of 6 years max tier 2.

thank you very helpful.