Query: General Tier 2 Visa

[sagar_sawant]

Hi All,
I have general tier 2 visa which will end on 2020. I have following queries
1)In case i need to switch my job will the new employer just need to provide sponsorship or need to reapply for entire visa application?
2)If i switch my job will it cause any issue while extension after 5 yrs?
3)Is there any cooling period for general tier 2 visa's while applying for extension?
4)How to find my current SOC code under which my visa is filed?

I am new to UK and would appreciate if any one can help.

Thank you in advance

Regards
Sagar

[Djsuccess]

hello,

1. You will need to make fresh visa application every time you change jobs. This might not be straight forward as Resident Labour Market Test might be required if your job is not on Shortage occupation List.

2. You can only stay in the UK under tier 2 for a maximum of 6 years. Every time you change your job and apply for a new visa, you will need to apply for 6 years minus the number of years you have already spent on tier 2.

3. From recent questions posted here, your current visa will remain valid even if your visa application for a new job is rejected as long as the new job is in the same SOC as your current job. Try as much as possible to change jobs within the same SOC if you have to change jobs, it's easier.

4. you can find SOC here. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... 4_V0_6.pdf

[sagar_sawant]

Hi
Thank you for the reply. Does that mean on general tier 2 which is currently have for 5 yrs then on that i am eligible to get extension for just 1yr and the i need to go back to India and start the process again. Is there any cooling off period i am not on ICT.

Regards
Sagar

[CR001]

You can only stay in the UK for a maximum of 6 years on Tier 2 General.

If you change employers, you can do this without leaving the UK. No cooling off period applies.

If you apply from home country, then the 12 month cooling off period will apply to you.

[sagar_sawant]

Hi
That clears many doubt :)One last question is after 6 yrs can i apply for ILR as won't get extension on Tier 2.

I appreciate for everyone being soo help ful here. I will try to contribute too.

Regards
Sagar

[CR001]

You can apply for ILR after 5 years of residence in the UK provided you meet the standard requirements.

[sagar_sawant]

That clarifies my queries.
Just a last question where can i find SOC on which my current visa is applied?

[iworker]

only your employer can tell you what your soc code is.
If you applying for extension with same employer, it will need to be in the same soc code. if it is different, then rlmt will need to be done.
if you are applying to a new employer, your current soc code does not have any importance or significance.

[dragon098]

Sagar,

just google SOC code 2015 and you should get pdf result.

Trying googling it will help you find answers.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... l_2015.pdf

[sagar_sawant]

Thank you all and really appreciate the help.

This is one of the best forum's.