Tier 4 to Tier 2 (General) - URGENT

[krishmani132]

Hi all,

I'm currently in Tier 4 student visa and secured an employment who is ready to sponsor for Tier 2 General visa (shortage occupation list). I have few questions in the switching process.

1) Will my Certificate of sponsorship be restricted on unrestricted, as the UKV&I states that Tier 4 to Tier 2 requires unrestricted Cos only. Any similar experience here ?

2) Assuming the Cos is unrestricted, I've heard this is given by the employer immediately. Is this true ?

3) I was asked for a start date for my offer letter (choose between Jan 1 or Feb 1 2015). I'm planning to opt for premium service centre same day service in Dec 1st week. If my start date is Feb 1 and assuming I get my visa approved in Dec 1st week, what will my visa status be from (dec 1st week till my start date Feb 1st).

4) During this period, I'm planning to apply for Tier 2 dependent visa for my wife, currently in India. Assuming she gets the visa approved in time (around Dec end), can she travel to UK in Jan or should she wait till Jan 15, as UKV&I states one cannot start to UK no more than 14 days before start date, (in this case my employment start date Feb 1). Does this 14 day rule apply to dependants as well, when main visa holder (myself) is in UK under Tier 2 visa.

5) My wife previously was in UK, can she show the bank statements of UK bank for maintenance proof when she is applying in India.

I would be really grateful if someone could help me with these queries.

Thanks,
KK