Switching from tier-2 general to tier-2 dependent visa

[kjain]

Dear community,

I have been working in UK on a tier-2 general visa since last 2 years. My query is regarding switching to a tier-2 dependent (spouse) visa with my husband still on his tier-2 general visa.

Can you please help me with the following queries regarding it:
1. Can there be any problems in doing this switch; will I have to go back to India to apply for the tier-2 dependent visa, or can I apply for it from within UK?

2. Can I undertake permanent AND contract jobs after getting the tier-2 dependent visa?

3. After 3 more years, if I want to apply for ILR (since I will have worked for a total of 5 years) will my already 2 years of work on tier-2 general visa count towards the total 5 years requirement?

4. If in future, for some reason, I want to switch back to a tier-2 general visa, is that easy to do (of course after finding a sponsor company) or are there any problems in that? For example, can I do that from within UK or will I have to go back to India for doing that? Also, will my total years of work keep counting towards getting an ILR with these switches?

Thanks much to this wonderful community for the help!

Regards,

[CR001]

1. You can switch within the UK. See Switching to PBS Dependent (click)

2. Yes

3. No, you will need 5 years residence as a PBS Dependent. You cannot add the 2 years as Tier 2 G to make up the 5 year requirement.

4. Yes, but you can only do it AFTER you have held PBS Dependent for at least 12 months. You will have to apply for Tier 2 General from home country. Clock towards ILR will be reset again to zero. Total years in different visa categories can only be combined for ILR based on 10 years long residence (as the rules stand now).

[kjain]

Thanks much CR001!

One more question please: If I switch to tier-2 dependent, and in next few years if my husband gets ILR, will I also be eligible to get an ILR?

[CR001]

You need 5 years residence as a PBS Dependent before you will qualify for ILR. If your husband gets ILR, you can continue on the PBS Dependent visa and extend it if needed till you reach 5 years residence.

[kjain]

Thank you CR001 for the prompt response!