switching from Tier-2 to Tier-1 while in the UK

thok · Post by **thok** » Fri Apr 09, 2010 12:13 pm

Is it possible to switch from Tier-2 to Tier-1 VISA while one is in UK with a Indian Passport?
Kindly let me know at the earliest. It's urgent!

Thanks

Arjun_123 · Post by **Arjun_123** » Fri Apr 09, 2010 2:07 pm

Yes. You can if you meet all the requirements according to the new rules which are in place from 6th april 2010, if you are already aware of..

Wait for senior members to confirm.

thok · Post by **thok** » Fri Apr 09, 2010 2:19 pm

ya i saw the new rules.

actually as per the prev rules, I was not eligible for Tier-1 (but now I am), so I tried for Tier-2. I am about to submit the Tier-2 application. So was just thinking whether to apply Tier-1 now or take Tier-2 first and then switch to Tier-1 later.

While switching to Tier-1, can it be done from Uk itself, or does it require coming back to India and then apply?

tvn_ramesh · Post by **tvn_ramesh** » Fri Apr 09, 2010 4:22 pm

what is ur current Visa status?

If you are currently eligble for Tier1(G) Visa and have enough time on ur current visa even if tier1(G) gets rejected.. then you shd go for tier1 as with tier1 you can work for any employer and can change jobs without any problems.. incase of tier2 you have to work with the employer who sponser's you. and cant change jobs..

thok · Post by **thok** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 10:25 am

let's say status is Tier-2 (G) and living in UK.

1.) Can I apply for Tier-1 (G) from UK itself while my Tier-2 (G) is valid?

2.) And if I apply and in case my Tier-1 application gets rejected (due to some reason), then will my Tier-2 VISA still be valid or that also will get rejected?

arsenal49 · Post by **arsenal49** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 8:11 pm

Nothing will happen to your current leave to remain under tier 2 , if your application, be it for tier 1, tier 4 etc., gets rejected.

regards

thok · Post by **thok** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 7:46 am

thanks arsenal49!

Can someone also tell whether one (Indian Passport holder) would be able to apply from UK for Tier-1 (G) while living with Tier-2(G) visa?

regards

tier1_aspirant_del · Post by **tier1_aspirant_del** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 8:13 am

Yes. You can do that. The procedure will be normal Tier 1 process but you have to post it to UKBA. Search the forum and you will numerous threads with even the time mentioned for the visa.

If you get Tier 1 then you have to inform your current employer for the status change and Tier 2 wont be valid anymore after it. If Tier 1 gets rejected then you can continue to work as today without any problem.

ms_singh · Post by **ms_singh** » Sat Apr 17, 2010 5:58 pm

I have a few queries . Currently I am on WP valid upto Jan 15,2013. I am planning to apply for Tier 1 Visa within UK.

1) Do I need to go for Biometric ID card application along with the Tier 1 application ?

2) What will happen to my WP visa if Tier 1 visa is granted ? I mean will Home Office stam the WP visa as invalid ?

3) If Tier 1 visa application is not successful then will my WP visa be left as it is on the passport by Home Office ?

arsenal49 · Post by **arsenal49** » Sat Apr 17, 2010 8:11 pm

ms_singh wrote:I have a few queries . Currently I am on WP valid upto Jan 15,2013. I am planning to apply for Tier 1 Visa within UK.

1) Do I need to go for Biometric ID card application along with the Tier 1 application ?

biometric is not required for tier 1 app

2) What will happen to my WP visa if Tier 1 visa is granted ? I mean will Home Office stam the WP visa as invalid ?
well, it will not be valid visa anymore. they may or maynot stamp it but if you are travelling and they scan your tier 2 visa, it will come up as invalid visa. so you need to make sure you tell immigration people that you are travelling on tier 1 visa.

3) If Tier 1 visa application is not successful then will my WP visa be left as it is on the passport by Home Office ?
they cant cancel your tier 2 visa if your tier 1 app is rejected

regards

thok · Post by **thok** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 11:45 am

btw what is biometric ID card? is it same as biometric details (fingerprints and digital photo) taken at the VISA application center or something else?

other que is, can Tier-1 application be submitted by post within UK or is it necessary to submit in person at visa application center?

arsenal49 · Post by **arsenal49** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 8:04 pm

thok... we are all happy to answer your query but it is very apparent that you havent looked at tier 1 application form and guidance notes because most certainly, you will not be asking these simple questions!!

most people ask questions in this forum when they cant understand the wording or they have unique circumstances on which they require advice.

besides, rather than postng your question here, you can click on the website and have all your questions answered thus saving time!

biometric card is same as icfn card and you will get this card along with a stamp on passport.

and yes you can apply via post for tier 1 visa.

regards

ishafqat · Post by **ishafqat** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 8:48 am

I am currently in the UK on Tier2 visa. I want to convert it to Tier1 in October 2011. Will it be possible considering UKBA has anounced that they will only accept Tier1 application from within the UK till 5th April 2011? What will be my options after April 2011?

nikhil bajaj · Post by **nikhil bajaj** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 8:42 pm

Hi, Even I have the exact query as mentioned above. Can someone reply to it ?

Post by **PaperPusher** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 9:03 pm

You cannot switch from Tier 2 to Tier 1 General.

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

wasabiiro · Post by **wasabiiro** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 11:37 pm

It was definitely possible to switch from Tier 2 to Tier 1 in early 2011. My friend did that. But I'm not sure if this is possible now.

This is what UKBA web site says:
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)

I do not understand why they mention "highly skilled migrant" as a category separate from Tier 1 (General) and HSMP. Who are those highly skilled migrants if not Tier 1 holders?

Post by **Greenie** » Tue Apr 03, 2012 7:01 am

It has not been possible to switch from tier 2 to tier 1 general since tier 1 general closed to new applicants in march 2011. Its not clear why they mention hsmp

However the rules are clear.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/polic ... es/part6a/

245CA f)

psw2009 · Post by **psw2009** » Wed Apr 04, 2012 1:24 pm

Hi,

I have got Tier 2 general in Aug-2011 can i switch to Tier 1 General

According to below on page 7 it seems i can switch
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... idance.pdf

Your comments please

Post by **Greenie** » Wed Apr 04, 2012 2:32 pm

psw2009 wrote:Hi,

I have got Tier 2 general in Aug-2011 can i switch to Tier 1 General

According to below on page 7 it seems i can switch
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... idance.pdf

Your comments please

No you cannot switch into Tier 1 general from Tier 2. Tier 1 general is closed to new applicants unless they are in a predecessor category.

where on page 7 do you believe it says you can switch? It is only possible to apply for leave under tier 1 general if you have leave in one of the following categories, as quoted above

writer, composer or artist
self-employed lawyer
Tier 1 (General)
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP

Immigrationboards.com: Immigration, work visa and work permit discussion board

switching from Tier-2 to Tier-1 while in the UK

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