tier 1 (general) still open?

[sonic22hedgehog]

I am currently in teir 2 (general) visa in UK.
Can I apply for tier 1(general) visa ,since I am in the UK?

OR, is it closed for new applicants?

The UKBA says that its closed for people applying from outside UK.

BUT is it open for people applyinf from inside?

thanks

[sts96508]

tier 2 holders can apply for Tier1 from inside UK

[sonic22hedgehog]

thanks,

is there a minimum time period you should stay under tier 2, before applying for tier 1?

[sts96508]

no.

best way to start off is by reading the Tier1 guidance and searching this forum before you ask questions:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... idance.pdf

[sonic22hedgehog]

thanks

that document says the following..

Switching into the
Tier 1 (General)
route
Switching is permitted by applicants who have, or were last granted, leave
as :
• a Highly Skilled Migrant;
• a Self-Employed Lawyer;
• a Writer, Composer or Artist;

tier 2 (general) isnt in the list

[sudeepss]

TIER 1 has been closed for new applicants and Switching from april 2011. Only current people on Tier 1 and hsmp are allowed to extend their existing visa.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas ... igibility/

Clearly mentions the eligibility.

[sonic22hedgehog]

Are you in an eligible immigration category?

You can apply to extend your stay in the UK under Tier 1 (General) if you are already in the UK with permission to stay (known as 'leave to remain') in one of the following immigration categories:
highly skilled migrant
writer, composer or artist
self-employed lawyer
Tier 1 (General)
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), if you are eligible to switch into Tier 1 (General).

If you are not in one of the categories above, you cannot apply to Tier 1 (General).

i guess it clearly states that tier 2 general cannot apply for tier 1 general, although they are within the UK now.