Tier 2 Isle of Man to UK Mainland

[ccb303]

I currently have a CoS issued by the Isle of Man, and a Tier 2 General visa from the UKBA based on the Isle of Man CoS. Both of these were issued in early 2013.

My employer is currently looking at the best way to transfer me to the mainland office. Several questions:

1. I assume my employer will need to issue a new CoS, as the regimes are different between IOM and the UK
2. Will my Tier 2 General visa still be valid, or do I need to reapply for this also
3. If the goal is to settle in the UK long term, would it make more sense to apply via a Tier 2 ICT, or via a Tier 2 General, as it appears that the ICT can be extended up to a total stay of no more than 5 years, whereas the Tier 2 general can be extended for up to 6 years (thereby allowing application for settlement after 5)

Many thanks!

[manci]

look at this page:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas ... outsideuk/
click on the bottom line.

It is not entirely clear how this applies to your situation but the following quote from the webpage seems relevant:

We will treat your current permission to stay (on the IoM - my note) as if it had been given by the UK authorities

This would suggest that you don't need a new CoS but I am not sure. Either you or your employer should call the HO employer helpline and seek clarification (0300 123 4699). Make a note of the date/time of the call and the advisor's name. All calls are recorded but the caller doesn't have to give his or her name. Whatever they say ask for a reference to the Immigration Rules or some other official guidance.

[ccb303]

thanks manci -- that is super helpful. it's a pretty unusual situation, from what i can tell.