Tier 2 ICT to Tier 2 General Visa

[testtyw]

Hello All,

I know there has been quite a few post about the question similar to mine but I like to get clarified with my current situation. I came to UK on Jan,2018 on Tier 2 ICT dependent visa for two years. I have been working in a Band 4 job in NHS and I'd like to know, if it is really possible to switch to Tier 2 General visa. Only in immigration board I find people posting it is possible whereas my org says it is not and I should have on Tier 4 dependent visa in order to switch over. And I should get minimum 30k per annum in order to process COS. However the NHS job site has an advert currently active with Tier-2 sponsorship included for the same role and the same band pay. I'm so much confused here as I don't know how to approach my HR to ask for COS. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks,
Bhuvana

[CR001]

You cannot 'switch' within the UK. You must apply from home country. What posts/topics on immigration boards is it stating you can switch in the UK??

https://www.gov.uk/tier-2-general/switch-to-this-visa

Switch to this visa
You can apply to change (‘switch’) from another visa to a Tier 2 (General) visa.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility
You must already be in the UK under any of the following visas or schemes:

Tier 1 visa
Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa
Tier 2 (Minister of religion) visa
Tier 2 (Intra company Transfer) visa under the Immigration Rules in place before 6 April 2010 and you’re applying to change sponsor
Tier 4 visa - if you have an eligible qualification or you’ve done at least 12 months of a PhD
You can also switch to a Tier 2 (General) visa if you’re:

a dependent partner of someone with a Tier 4 visa
a representative of an overseas business
You must leave the UK and make your Tier 2 (General) application from abroad if you’re not in any of these categories.

What is the SOC for the job and the job title??

[testtyw]

Hello,

Thanks for your quick reply.
I didn't inquire to switch within UK as I'm aware that it has to be done only from home country
I wanted to know if switching from tier 2 ICT to Tier 2 general is possible provided the given circumstances in my previous post.
I work for NHS as IT Analyst and they agreed pay scale of 20,000 per annum.
Please let me know of any clarifications.

Kind Regards,
Bhuvana

[CR001]

'Switch' means applying within the UK, hence why I stated what I did.

An application outside the UK is not a 'switch'. It is a new entry clearance application.

from tier 2 ICT to Tier 2 general is possible provided the given circumstances in my previous post.

Not for main ICT visa holders no. You stated you are an ICT dependent and that is what I based on my reply on.

I cannot comment on the salary, which is why I have asked for the SOC if you know it.

Your sponsor will also have to complete the full and proper RLMT process before you can be offered the job.

[testtyw]

Sorry, I'm not sure what SOC means?

[CR001]

SOC = Standard Occupation Classification

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration ... illed-work

[testtyw]

Hello,

Thanks for the clarification.
My job comes under - 3131 IT operations technicians

Regards,
Bhuvana

[CR001]

Your job must be on the RQF Level 6 list to get sponsorship as far as I understand.

[testtyw]

ok, thank you. So I won't be getting COS and won't be able to apply for Tier 2 General visa I suppose.

[CR001]

Your sponsor must select the SOC which is appropriate for the job and the RLMT that must be done.