Work Permit Query

[decentguy_uk]

Hi

I have been living in UK from last 7 years (4 years on student visa and 3 years on work permit). My work permit is for 5 years thus it will expire in next 2 years time

My questions are:
1. Can I apply for permanent residency NOW instead of 2009 (2009 is when my 5 years of work permit finishes) ?
2. Can a work permit holder do contracting instead of doing a permanent employment? Although I am happy with my current employment, I just want to know if I can branch out in contracting.


If my questions are not clear, please do ask.

[VictoriaS]

No to both questions I'm afraid.

If you want to contract, you need to switch to the HSMP.

Victoria

[teekay_tk]

in my view the answer to both your questins is no.

i think in workpermit you cannot work for any one else other than the empoyer stated on your workpermit
and

you can apply for indefenite leave to remain only after your 5 year period is over and you are still needed by your comany i.e in 2009

regards

TK