Work permit to HSMP Urgent Questions.

[harishkumar]

I am curently on a work permit valid until 2013. I have an appointment next month to apply for Tier 1 in person. I qualify for the program as I am gathering >110 points.

A couple of questions.
1. For how long is the tier 1 valid? is it <4years?
2. What happens when the validity expires? Do I need to reapply and prove that I was working as a highly skilled worker( and how do I prove that? )
3. On my current work permit, I believe I become eligible for permanent residency after staying 5years in the UK. does this still apply on a Tier1? does the time I have already spent in the Uk on my WP still add to the Tier1?
4. Does my wife automatically get a dependant status, or does she need to apply with me.

Please if someone can reply as early as possible, would be much appreciated.
Thanks

[harishkumar]

I am curently on a work permit valid until 2013. I have an appointment next month to apply for Tier 1 in person. I qualify for the program as I am gathering >110 points.

A couple of questions.
1. For how long is the tier 1 valid? is it <4years?
2. What happens when the validity expires? Do I need to reapply and prove that I was working as a highly skilled worker( and how do I prove that? )
3. On my current work permit, I believe I become eligible for permanent residency after staying 5years in the UK. does this still apply on a Tier1? does the time I have already spent in the Uk on my WP still add to the Tier1?
4. Does my wife automatically get a dependant status, or does she need to apply with me.

Please if someone can reply as early as possible, would be much appreciated.
Thanks

Also would I need to go back to india to get the visa stamped? or can they do it right here?

[ChetanOjha]

You can get all info from http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/worki ... lications/

1. 3 years.
2. You have to apply for extension similar to any other visa category.
3. Time you spent on WP will considered along with the Tier 1(General) visa for your PR/ILR. WP period will not go in vein.
4. Your wife need to apply for dependent with you(main applicant).
5. You will need to send passports(you and your wife's) along with your application. You will receive passport back with visa stamped on it.You don;t need to go to India to get visa stamped since you are already in UK.

I am curently on a work permit valid until 2013. I have an appointment next month to apply for Tier 1 in person. I qualify for the program as I am gathering >110 points.

A couple of questions.
1. For how long is the tier 1 valid? is it <4years?
2. What happens when the validity expires? Do I need to reapply and prove that I was working as a highly skilled worker( and how do I prove that? )
3. On my current work permit, I believe I become eligible for permanent residency after staying 5years in the UK. does this still apply on a Tier1? does the time I have already spent in the Uk on my WP still add to the Tier1?
4. Does my wife automatically get a dependant status, or does she need to apply with me.

Please if someone can reply as early as possible, would be much appreciated.
Thanks