Can company expense switch from Tier2 dependent to Tier 2(general)?

[dmaxno]

Hi,
I am wondering if my Tier2 visa expenses (visa fee and airfare) would be refundable in my case?
I arrived in Tier2 dependent and soon after I started working for my current company. The original visa was for a 2-year job, so after a few months my company decided to sponsor me in order to retain me. To be able to change my visa, I had to leave the UK and apply in my home country (UKVI rules). I traveled for the express purpose of changing my visa so I could work here.
My company is willing to explore if they can refund my expense when I changed visas as a company expense. The closest relevant legislation is this: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/200 ... rmed-in-uk.

Now, I am not sure if I qualify for refund (in these or other sections). I am inclined to think my qualifying arrival would be when I first came to the country (in Tier2 dependent visa) even if I didn't have a job until 6 weeks later.
I am also inclined to think that because the expense was for the express purpose of getting a visa, it counts even if my travel started from the UK.

I would greatly appreciate any input on this regard.

Thanks

[CR001]

This is not an immigration matter. You need to resolve this with your employer and potentially HMRC.

Not sure who you are expecting to refund your visa fee, but again, this is an issue to resolve with your employer if it is them.

[dmaxno]

MY apologies, I am trying to understand if this counts as an expense for my company, I thought this was an appropriate forum.

[CR001]

You need to speak to your finance department. This is outside of the immigration rules and matters. It is entirely up to an employer if they want to reimburse you, nothing to do with tier 2 rules.