Changing Employers from Tier 2 to Tier 2

[katielusk]

Hi,

I have a lot of questions and have found mixed answers on google.

I am currently on a TIER 2 VISA working as a school teacher in the UK. ( I am from America )
In America I studied to become a teacher and that is what my education is in. For my VISA to come here I had to pass a labour market test because it was not a shortage field. I have had a verbal job offer from an Engineering company here in the UK. They person who is in charge of hiring said if I was able to transfer my VISA then they would gladly hire me. Before I start digging into all of it I have a few important questions.

1. If I switch jobs and transfer my TIER 2 visa to a TIER 2 visa with another company, will I have to leave the country and re-enter on my new visa?


2. Paying for my TIER 2 Visa was very pricey. Will I have to pay the same amount again? (if so I won't leave this job)


3. Would the company have to advertise the job for 28 days before I was allowed to start the VISA process?


4. How long does a TIER 2 Visa transfer usually take? Like could I be switched and working at the new company in 2 weeks, 2 months?


Thanks so much! Anything else you think I might need to know would be greatly appreciated.

[CR001]

1. You can apply to change employers within the UK.

2. You have to pay the visa application fee with each application you make. Visa fees go up on 6th April. You cannot 'transfer' your current visa to another employer. You also have to pay the immigration health surcharge of £200 per year (3 year visa = £600) and this has to be paid before you submit your application.

3. Yes, they will have to complete the full and proper RLMT process before offering to you and issuing you a CoS. Are they an approved sponsor on the list?

4. It is not a 'transfer' it is a new visa. You can only work for the new employer once RLMT is complete and you have been issued with your new visa. You can apply in person for a same day decision, but this costs current, £400 on top of the visa fee and immigration health surcharge.