Tier 2 General Redundancy: options?

[riding-high111]

Hi All,

I have Tier 2 General visa since Sep '12. My company has recently started a redundancy process, which I am a part of. If I don't survive (quite likely), the last working day as per the notice period will be around Jun. 30 '16.

Our intention is to at least stay in the UK till our ILR eligibility in Sep '17. From reading the historic and quite useful threads on this forum, I have gathered the following regarding my options. Could you please confirm and guide with respect to the queries:

1. Get another job. Since my job is not in the SOL, I am guessing the new employer has to do the RLMT, even if the new job is quite similar to my previous role? I understand that the new employer also has to apply for a new unrestricted CoS.

2. Apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa. I notice that I will have to show atleast £200k in funds? The £50k funds option doesnt apply? Also, will my 3.5/4 years in Tier 2 count towards my 5 years stay for ILR purposes, or will the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa trigger the 5 year cycle from scratch?

3. Tier 4 study visa? If I get into a 1 year full-time Masters course in the UK say starting Sep '16 till Jul. '17, will this 1 year add up to my previous 4 years under the Tier 2? If I get a similar job after graduating in Jul '17, will my ILR meter start 4 years onwards or completely from scratch again?

4. Is there any other option to switch from Tier 2 General visa, other than the above? Again, the intent is to atleast reach ILR eligibility.

Any help would be much appreciated.

[CR001]

1. Yes, you need to find a new approved sponsor. RLMT will be required before CoS can be issued.

2. Not sure if you can combine the time.

3. Tier 4 student does not lead to ILR and time as student cannot be used it to add to your previous Tier 2 G years. If you apply for Tier 2 G after 1 year on Tier 4, your ILR clock will start again and you will need a new 5 year period on the new Tier 2 G. Applying for Tier 4 will break your continuous period for ILR under 5 years residence. Tier 4 can ONLY be used for ILR based on 10 years long residence.

4. A new sponsor for Tier 2 G will be the best option.

[riding-high111]

CR001, many thanks for your confirmations. Does anybody else have any other views on whether I have any other option if I do not find another Tier 2 sponsored job?