Switching from Tier 2 to Tier 1

[tieroneholder]

Hi

I am here on a Tier One Visa which is valid till 2012. My wife is here on a work permit which is valid till Dec 2010. We are expecting our baby due in Nov 2010. As she will be on maternity leave, it is unlikely her employer will extend her work permit visa beyond Dec. So can she switch to a Tier One dependent from here itself as she will be unable to fly out ? Also if she has to leave for India in Dec 2010, will she be able to travel with the baby ? How long does it take to get all the documentation for the baby so that we can fly and get the dependent visas from India ?

Thanks for your help in advance

Tierone holder

[geriatrix]

1. Your wife will need to apply for Tier 1 dependent EC from home country.
2. Your UK-born-child will not require a visa to travel from the UK but will need one to return. For the child, you may either apply for leave to remain from within the UK or apply for EC from home country. Given the time constraints, I guess the only option for you will be to apply for your child's visa from home country.

This said, you'll need to figure how to arrange for your child's passport quickly, given that you're expecting the child in November and your wife's leave is expiring in December (before which she will have to leave UK).


regards

[tieroneholder]

Thanks for your reply. We will have about 7 weeks time. which I guess should be enough time for the indian passport ? How long does the visa generally take ? Thanks again for your response.

[geriatrix]

In country - can be anywhere from 4 weeks + (to eternity). Only UKBA can tell!
Outside UK - check guide to visa processing times.


regards