Switch Tier 2 dependant to Tier 2 general

[Shelly1234]

Hi,

I'm looking to switch from a Tier 2 Dependant visa to be on a Tier 2 General visa and am wondering if I still need to leave the UK and go back to my home country to do this? Also can you send me any links to forums on this if it's already been asked. Also at what point in the process do I need to return to my home country? Is there a priority service for Australia as I couldn't find any information on this.

Appreciate if anyone who's done this before could comment.

Thanks!

[tanyxxa]

I had similar question some time ago and as I found out that in case of switching from dependant to general you definitely can't stay in the UK and it means you need to apply from your country.
Also the time you've already lived in UK before switching will not be counted if you want to apply for ILR.