Switch from Tier 1 (General) Dependant visa to Tier 2

[hasmukh95]

Dear sushdmehta and friends,

I am a doctor currently in the UK on Tier 1 (General) Dependant visa since May 2010 (expiring Mar 2012). To work as a doctor in training I have to switch to Tier 2 visa. I have a few querries and would be grateful for your advice.

1) Can I switch to Tier 2 visa {from Tier 1 General - Dependant} by applying from within the UK? or will I have to go to my home country (India) and apply from there?

2) My employing NHS trust has provided me with a sponsorship certificate with a number. I wonder if the certificate of sponsorship remains the same irrespective of whether I apply for Tier 2 visa from within the UK or from outside the UK.

3) My husband is due for ILR in December. I wonder if I get Tier 2 visa, can I apply for spouse visa once he gets ILR.

Thanks

[geriatrix]

1. No and Yes.
2. Your employer needs to assign you a "restricted" CoS to enable you to apply for entry clearance. If you have been assigned an "unrestricted" CoS and you use it to apply for entry clearance then your application may be refused and UKBA may initiate some disciplinary action against the Tier 2 sponsor.
3. Yes.

[hasmukh95]

Dear sushdmehta,

Thank you very much for your response. I sincerely appreciate your commitment and good will. Thanks once again.