Tier 2 Visa - Change of sponsor question

[wattson12]

Hi All,

Apologies if this has been asked before but I havent been able to see the answer in this forum and google searches mostly brings up visa agencies.

I am in the UK on a Tier 2 visa and was unclear about the process about switching to another sponsor. As an Australian citizen I was required to apply for the Tier 2 visa from outside of the UK but what happens if I want to change sponsors now that I am in the UK?

My understanding is my new employer obtains a certificate of sponsorship (with the usual checks, market test etc), but I'm not sure after that. Am I effectively applying for a new Tier 2 visa then, or is there a "switching sponsors" application I need to make? And can I do all of this from inside the UK?

Thanks for any help,
Sam

[Lucapooka]

Yes, you are effectively applying for new Tier 2 leave, albeit from inside the UK so does not fall within the annual numerical limits. It does, however, need to pass through the resident labour market test.

[manci]

My understanding is my new employer obtains a certificate of sponsorship (with the usual checks, market test etc), but I'm not sure after that.

Remember also that your new sponsor will have to assign a CoS to you before you can apply for a new leave.

[myuklife]

you should be ok applying from within UK

All the best