Switching Tier 1 to Tier 2

[DEMO]

Hi,

I have been reading articles here but no one came up with what my situation.I'll give you some brief details.

I'm on PSW visa expiring august 2012. I've been contracted with big organization through recruitment agency more than 17months and now its expired and looking for new job If I get new perm job offer and accept it. will I have to leave this country and apply from back home as 5 months left on my visa from today. will it be tier 2 ? or can I apply for HSMP visa back home.

Cheers,
Harry

[venkatpraneeth]

HI,


HSMP category is now closed

HSMP visa can only be extended i.e if someone was already on HSMP before the category was closed. No fresh applications can be made.

If you accept a perm job now your employer needs to sponsor a visa for you under Tier 2 general category. So you will be switching from Tier 1 PSW to Tier 2 general. You dont need to leave U.K if your employer agrees to sponsor a visa for you before your visa expires

Read the guidelines on ukba website for switching from Tier 1 PSW to Tier 2 general.

[DEMO]

Thanks for your reply.

I know HSMP closed but thought may be you can apply from back home...

I heard you have to work for 6 months for any company then you can apply for tier 2 but dont think I have 6 months left on my visa now. its only 5 months. Will I still be eligible for it from the UK.

[manci]

As venkatpraneeth said, you can switch from Tier 1 PSW to Tier 2 General while you are in the UK but you need to find an employer who is willing to offer you a job and sponsor you.

There are various conditions to satisfy, e.g.minimum salary, but if the prospective employer is a Tier2 licensed sponsor he should know about these.

The full Tier 2 policy guidance is here:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... dance2.pdf