Switching from tier 2 to tier 2 dependent

[OPL1978]

We are potentially wanting to employee a guy, his wife has a tier 2 visa he being the dependent. He is just in the process of finishing his PhD here in the UK. Is it possible for his wife to become the dependent and he hold the tier 2 visa? If so is that an easy process? Can they both work and have tier 2 visas? Can he start work on a tier 4 student visa and transfer to tier 2 easily? Any help much appreciated as tier system very complicated and new to it.

[CR001]

Are you an approved HO sponsor with a valid licence??

Is it possible for his wife to become the dependent and he hold the tier 2 visa?

Yes, provided he gets a Tier 2 General visa.

If so is that an easy process?

If you are a sponsor, read the guidance notes.

Can they both work and have tier 2 visas?

Yes, there is no rule that one must be a dependent on the other. They can both hold their own tier 2 general if they wish to.

Can he start work on a tier 4 student visa and transfer to tier 2 easily?

Read the guidance notes.