Tier 2 General > Tier 5 > Tier 2

[Jolz369]

I have a few questions about Tier 2/5 visas and am hoping you can help. Appreciate there are quite a few posts here already and am hoping someone can provide some guidance/point me to the correct post.

About me:
* I am a New Zealand citizen and was residing in Australia prior to moving to the UK
* I am on a Tier 2 General visa. I worked for the same company in Australia and they relocated me to the UK
* Been in the UK for 2.5 years
* I am still under 30 and therefore eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme (Tier 5)
* I have a European girlfriend

I love living in the UK but am really not enjoying the work I'm currently doing and there is no opportunity for growth in my current company. I am struggling to find a suitable permanent job/company that is willing to take over the sponsorship.

I am thinking about switching to the Tier 5 visa and then start the job hunt afresh and seek contract roles. I would like to stay in the UK as long as possible.

Questions:
1) Can I apply for the Tier 5 while I temporarily reside in Europe somewhere or do I HAVE to go back to Australia (or does it HAVE to be from New Zealand) and apply from there? I have heard of people switching their visas while they were not physically in their "home" countries.
2) I believe switching to the Tier 5 will mean my "years residing in the UK" count gets reset to 0? Is this correct? I am aware that if I stay for a full 5 years I can then apply for an ILR - but I will not be able to survive in my current job/company.
3) If I end up finding a job that I really enjoy and can see myself working in that company for the long-term; can I then switch from my Tier 5 to Tier 2 again?
4) Is there a cool down period between Tier 2 to Tier 5 and also Tier 5 to Tier 2?

I am also exploring partnership options with my girlfriend (eea-route-applications/tier-2-general-t ... 33624.html)
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[CR001]

1. You must apply in a country where you have legal residence, i.e. not a visitor.

2. Correct, for ILR based on 5 years residence. However you might be aware that Tier 5 YMS visa DOES NOT lead to ILR.

3. Yes, from home country. You cannot do this application for Tier 2 within the UK. Your 5 years towards ILR will again be reset to zero.

4. No and No.