Equiry on process for switching from Tier 2 (ICT) to Tier 2 (General)

[bharatkishore]

Hi,

I currently hold a Tier-2 ICT visa, came to UK as Established Staff under the rules existing before 6 April 2011. I intend to switch to a Tier-2 General visa with a new employers and I am interested in understanding the process involved. For one, I understand CoS will be required from the new employer.

My current visa has 2 years on it.
- Will the switch involve a fresh issue of the Visa? (in country)
- What are the kinds of costs involved in the process?
- There are three dependents, will they need to go through the same switching process?
- At what point will the switch happen? End of employment with my current employer or can that happen after I am onboarded with the new employer. What are the risks involved in the switch?

Thank you.

[CR001]

My current visa has 2 years on it.

Irrelevant.

- Will the switch involve a fresh issue of the Visa? (in country)

Yes.

- What are the kinds of costs involved in the process?

https://www.gov.uk/tier-2-general

- There are three dependents, will they need to go through the same switching process?

uk-tier-2-employer-sponsored-visas/when ... 98586.html

- At what point will the switch happen? End of employment with my current employer or can that happen after I am onboarded with the new employer.

You need to apply for a new visa. You will only be allowed to work for your new sponsor once you have a new visa.

What are the risks involved in the switch?

As with any visa, if you don't meet the requirements if will be refused. Do not resign from your current job until you have your new visa.

uk-tier-2-employer-sponsored-visas/swit ... 88997.html

uk-tier-2-employer-sponsored-visas/faqs ... 98916.html

[bharatkishore]

Hi CR001, Thanks for your response. much relieved to know it not as cumbersome as I thought it'd be (dependents etc). And for the references.

What is unclear to me is, how does the visa processing work? I need to provide a 3 month notice from current employment. Will the new employer have to issue a CoS valid from an anticipated time in future when my notice period would end?

Thank you