4 year work permit expiring in April 2012. What to do next?

[bsadigli]

Dear All,

I have a work permit that was issued in April 2008 and it is valid until April 2012.

This work permit visa states that I'm allowed to work only for the company that sponsors me.

I was wondering:

1) As far as I understand my type of work permits are no longer issued after November 2008. After my work permit expires in April 2012 can I get a one year extension of my work permit (so in total I would have 5 years which would allowe me to get Indefinite Leave to Remain)?
Or what should I do at the end of those 4 years?

2) How many days in a year do you have to be in UK so that at the end of 5 years you can get your ILR? I travel a lot for the company that sponsors my visa, hence my question.

3) My visa is in my old passport, should I get it on a new passport? Or it has no difference whatsoever?

Thank you

[geriatrix]

1. Extension can be under Tier 2.
2. 180 days in 5 years with no single absence more than 90 days is the norm people follow. There is no updated information on this from UKBA. Work related absences can be discounted when supported by letter from employer.
3. Carry both passports hen your travel. No problem.

If probationary citizenship rules are introduced, then you'll be applying for probationary citizenship as ILR will cease to exist.


regards

[bsadigli]

Thanks for quick reply sushmehta.

1. So the business travel can be discounted per employer's letter? Is this for sure?

2. Where can I get more information about probationary citizenship?

3. Given that I can also quality for point based system, does it make sense for me to switch to point based system and change my visa, even though I do not foresee change in my employment?

Thank you

[geriatrix]

1. So the business travel can be discounted per employer's letter? Is this for sure?

Yes. Template here.

2. Where can I get more information about probationary citizenship?

Search the forum for links to archives, where the information is now available.

3. Given that I can also quality for point based system, does it make sense for me to switch to point based system and change my visa, even though I do not foresee change in my employment?

If you are in secure employment and do not wish to change employer, I don't see any advantage in changing to PBS right now / near future, given the current rules.



regards

[bsadigli]

Dear sushmehta,

Thanks for your reply.

How does the UK government check as to how many months out of a year one was in UK? Does it check the stamps in passport?

Thanks,

[mt_dilber]

i dont know why are u panic, ur visa expires in 2012............just chill....there may be new Govt, or new Law...