From Tier 2 (General) to FLR ?

[BM44]

Hello,
I need some advice please.
I have been working in financial services in London for past 4 years and 4 months and have just been made redundant as my company is trying to cut costs. I had only 8 months to go until ILR. Also, I think my options are quite limited as I am married with a child. My wife is my dependent, and we did not have time to put the child on my visa yet.
My main question is, is it possible to switch to another category (like FLR? - or which other category?), so that I am in a position to hit the end of the year without having my visa curtailed?
Thank you in advance to the experts.

[CR001]

FLR can't be used towards your 5 years residence for ILR.

You 5 years in Tier 2 General to qualify for ILR.

Suggest you find another sponsor asap.

[BM44]

Thank you CR001 for your reply.
I'm actively looking for another sponsor at the moment, and I hope I will be able to find one ASAP.
But as a plan B, is there any other category where I can switch?
Thank you.

[CR001]

Could your wife get a sponsor at all for Tier 2 General?

[BM44]

Thanks a lot for your reply CR001

That could be an option indeed. She is my dependent on my current visa, but she is working. I guess her company can provide her with a Tier 2 General visa (need to double check though). If that was possible, what could be my options?

I really would like to be able to apply for ILR at the end of this year (5-year route Tier 2).
I guess becoming her dependent would cancel my 5-year route and I would then be on the 10-year route?

Many thanks in advance for your views.

[iworker]

yes it will reset your clock and u can either apply ilr on 10 years, or 5 years being her dependent.
for her to get a visa, she needs restricted cos and apply from home country. you can however switch within uk.
there is no other option for u besides gettting a new sponsor.

[BM44]

Even if she is already working, she needs to apply from home country? I have heard that when you are already working for your company, they can make a Tier 2 application for you in the UK, and Labour Market Test is not needed. Can you please clarify?
Thanks.

[iworker]

you have heard wrong.
rlmt needed, with restricted cos, and applying from home country,
if still in doubt, read the above 2 lines again.

[BM44]

Thank you.
Just one last question please, is this a new rule? Or has it always been like this?

[CR001]

Or has it always been like this?

This one.

This rules DOES NOT apply to change of sponsor of main Tier 2 G applicants.