Tier 5 (Youth Mobility) switch to Tier 2 (General) Visa

[JSP100]

I'm a Barbadian/Canadian employed with a Tier 5 (Youth Mobility) visa expiring on March 26th 2017. I want to switch to a Tier 2 Visa (General) and my current employer is willing to sponsor me. They have started the residency labour market test by advertising the job but now must apply for a sponsorship license. What are my options to stay and work while this process occurs ? Is there a grace period where I can stay on after the visa expires ? Can I leave and re-enter volunteering for the company then receive back pay for volunteered time ? How long can this entire process take ?

[vinny]

You cannot work after your leave expires.

If you overstay for more than 90 days, then you may be banned from entering the UK for at least one year.

You cannot switch to Tier 2(General) from Tier 5 (Youth Mobility) in the UK.

[CR001]

Can I leave and re-enter volunteering for the company then receive back pay for volunteered time ?

You cannot work, in any capacity whether paid/unpaid/volunteer, if you are admitted to the UK as a visitor, which is what you would be.

Go home, wait for the process to be completed and then apply for Tier 2 General. No other way to do it.

[JSP100]

Thanks for the clarification. Much appreciated.

[vinny]

If you overstay for more than 90 days, then you may be banned from entering the UK for at least one year.

Overstay grace period for entry clearances reduced from 90 to 30 days.

[Frontier Mole]

Just as a word of caution - don't bank on returning as your circumstances often lead to a refusal to grant a licence. It is not a done deal.