I have applied for UK visa tier 2 about 3 years ago and soon I have to extend it. I've heard, that when I was applying for it, the law was: after 3 years visa holder would not be tied to company anymore - so I'd be able to freely move between companies that sponsor visas (without reapplying for visa each time). What do you know about this? Thanks in advance,
Thank you for your Tier 2 General visa enquiry of which I have been asked to reply to.
I am afraid you have not been informed of the correct information regarding your right to switch sponsors when you hold a Tier 2 General visa. If you would like to switch employers from your current provider, you will need to follow the same procedure as you had when initially applying, although you will be able to switch from inside the UK rather than apply for entry clearance from your country of origin.
The process for switching sponsor can be summarised as follows:
So in conclusion, you being the holder of a Tier 2 visa allows for you to apply from inside of the UK for your switch, but it does not allow you to switch employers without following the above protocol. However, once you have worked on a Tier 2 General visa for 5 years and meet the indefinite leave to remain requirements, you can apply for settled status and will no longer be the subject to immigration control.
If you want to speak to one of our immigration solicitors, regarding sponsor licence, tier 2 general visa or switching sponsors, you are welcome to give us a call per the telephone number on the site.
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