switching from Workpermit to Tier-2

rgutis13 · Post by **rgutis13** » Sat Jul 02, 2011 1:09 am

I'm currently on workpermit. My visa is to expiry in Feb 2012 making 5 years in the UK. I might be switching jobs soon with the same employer. I assume my employer would need to file for Tier-2. I'd appreciate if someone could help clarify the following:

1) can I continue to work while the application is being processed or I'd need to wait until it's processed?

2) would I need to send my pasport along with the application for Tier-2? if yes, can I apply for Tier-2 in person? How long does the processing time usually take? The reason I'm asking: because of the trips to come I can't afford to be without pasport for long period of time.

3) by switching to Tier-2, does it mean that my current visa becomes invalid and a new visa would need to be issued?

4) considering the fact that I've been on workpermit almost 5 years, what is the max period of time for which Tier-2 visa can be issued? can it be issued for another 5 years (if employer requests this)?

Many thanks for your help in advance!!!

Post by **vinny** » Sat Jul 02, 2011 1:41 am

1. I believe that you may continue to work under your current work permit conditions (ie doing your current job). Your status will not change until you're granted new status.
2. Yes. In-person application possible.
3. Yes. New leave to remain applies.
4. 245HE

May be easier to switch jobs after grant of ILR on your current work permit.

rgutis13 · Post by **rgutis13** » Sat Jul 02, 2011 5:07 pm

Thank you Vinny!

1) If I'm to apply in person for my Tier 2, would the visa be issued on the same day or it usually takes some time?

2) If later in #1, how long does it usually take?

3) If PEO doesn't issue any visas, can I apply for the visa abroad with the documents I receive from PEO for my Tier 2?

4) If I can apply abroad, would it anyhow affect my continues period for my ILR? (Note: I'm here at the moment on Workpermit with the coming possibility of switching the jobs. 5 years is going to be in Feb '12)

Many thanks for your help!!!

Post by **geriatrix** » Sat Jul 02, 2011 5:58 pm

1. In-person application is not a guarantee of same day service. If the caseworker cannot make a decision for some reason (e.g. - verification required), then the application will be deferred.
2. Timeline similar to postal applications.
3. PEO doesn't "give/issue" any documents, so what do you mean by "with the documents I receive from PEO for my Tier 2"? Also, you cannot use unrestricted CoS for entry clearance application. Your employer will need to assign a "restricted" CoS to enable you apply for entry clearance from outside UK.

rgutis13 · Post by **rgutis13** » Sat Jul 02, 2011 6:36 pm

Thank you Sushdmehta!

I'm trying to understand how best I could get Tier 2 visa stamp in my pasport. My issue is: because of the trips to come I can't afford to be without pasport for long period of time.

If I apply at PEO, do I get a visa stamp over there? If not, what is the procedure of obtaining the visa in the UK and how long does it take?

Many thanks for your help!!

Post by **geriatrix** » Sat Jul 02, 2011 8:04 pm

rgutis13 wrote:If I apply at PEO, do I get a visa stamp over there?

If your application is approved on the same day then you'll receive your passport back and the BRP will be sent to you by secured post within 7-10 days.

rgutis13 wrote:If not, what is the procedure of obtaining the visa in the UK and how long does it take?

See Applying from inside the UK and waiting times.

rgutis13 · Post by **rgutis13** » Sat Jul 02, 2011 8:24 pm

Thank you Sushdmehta.

If I understand it correctly, once the BRP gets issued, I'd not need to apply for Tier 2 visa to be stamped into my pasport because BRP is sort of a replacement for visa stamp. Can you confirm please that my understanding is correct.

Thank you so much!!!

Post by **Greenie** » Sat Jul 02, 2011 8:41 pm

rgutis13 wrote:Thank you Sushdmehta.

If I understand it correctly, once the BRP gets issued, I'd not need to apply for Tier 2 visa to be stamped into my pasport because BRP is sort of a replacement for visa stamp. Can you confirm please that my understanding is correct.

Thank you so much!!!

Yes.

rgutis13 · Post by **rgutis13** » Tue Jul 12, 2011 6:14 pm

to my question:

>>> 1) can I continue to work while the application is being processed or I'd need to wait until it's processed?

you answered: "1. I believe that you may continue to work under your current work permit conditions (ie doing your current job). Your status will not change until you're granted new status."

Please note that I might be switching jobs with the same employer. At the moment, I'm on a workpermit and it looks like need to switch to Tier-2. My new manager would like me to start ASAP.

Following your answer shown above, does it mean that:
1) in order to start with the new job, I first would need to wait until the new status is granted?
Or
2) I can start with the new job as soon as the application has been filed?

Could you clarify on this please. Thank you for your help!

rgutis13 · Post by **rgutis13** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 2:41 pm

Could you help answer my previous question please. It's very important.

Many thanks for your help!

rgutis13 · Post by **rgutis13** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 7:01 pm

Could you advise please on the above question? Thank you so much!

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switching from Workpermit to Tier-2

switching from Workpermit to Tier-2