Help! TWES to HSMP to WP?

[minx333999]

Hi,

I am currently on a TWES which my company applied for me. I was ignorant about the different types of work permits till this year, the 2nd year into my 3 year TWES permit.

I am unsure to why my company has applied for a TWES for me when my peers are studying towards their accountancy exams under normal work permits.

I understand that I am expected to leave UK for at least 2 years before I can apply/transfer to a full work permit. I do not want to stop working in the UK for such a long time, nor do I want an extension of the TWES since it does not count towards my PR.

Would the best thing be to apply for a HSMP permit myself, then hope my employer can apply for a full work permit after that?

My history:

Student visa: 5 years
Current TWES: 2 years (out of 3)

Please help!! I am worried I will have to leave the country for 2 years!!

Thank you

[PaperPusher]

HSMP is now tier 1, and you can most more questions in that section if you like.

If you are eligible to apply for Tier 1, I cannot see why you would want to switch back to Tier 2/WP!

PP

[minx333999]

So essentially, if I qualify for the new Tier 1 rules, it would be best to apply for that myself rather than relying on an employer?

All the material I have obtained online which relate to TWES which quotes that: "when your TWES permit finishes, before being issued with any further work permits: 12 months, if your TWES permit was for up to 12 months; 24 months, if your TWES permit was for more than 12 months".

Does this no longer apply with the new rules i.e. Tier 1?

Sorry! I'm rather confused to what is the new/old rules.

[minx333999]

Also;

"Unlike our work permits (soon to be replaced by sponsored skilled workers - tier 2), you do not need a job offer to apply under the highly skilled worker category. When you apply you are awarded points based on your qualifications, previous earnings, United Kingdom experience, age, English language skills, and available maintenance (funds).

You can apply under the highly skilled worker category now if you are:

in the United Kingdom with permission to stay (known as 'leave to remain') in an immigration category that allows you to switch into the highly skilled worker category; "

Does anyone know if I can apply for tier 1 whilst being on a TWES?

THANK YOU!