Switching From Spouse Visa to Tier 2 General Visa

[mikeyRob]

Hi,

I came here on a spouse visa but want to switch to tier 2 visa, My occupation is in the list of shortage of occupations which means that my employer will not have to advertise the job (as per my knowledge). However, in order to switch to tier 2 work visa from spouse visa i am not sure if that's possible without leaving the country and applying from home country. Could any one please clarify it.

I would like to know if being a spouse of a Birtish citizen, i can apply to switch to Tier 2 visa whilst in UK.

I am not sure in which Tier or category my current spouse visa comes in ? So, that's why don't know if i can switch within the country.

Please help. Thanks.

[CR001]

Apply from home country. No special treatment simply because you are married to a British person.

Also note that switching will reset your clock for ILR to zero and a new 5 year residence requirement.

Why would you want to switch to such a restrictive visa such as Tier 2??

[mikeyRob]

Hi,

Thanks a lot for the reply. I am aware of the clock reset , just wanted to clarify if applying from within the country is an option for me whilst on spouse visa or not . Seems like it's not as per your response.

Like i mentioned before it isn't clear under which Tier does spouse visa comes in or if it's a Tier visa or not ? That puzzled me .

Anyway, Thanks again .

[Casa]

A Spouse Settlement visa isn't under the Points Based (Tier) System and therefore doesn't have the same restrictions that you're intending to put yourself under.