Tier2(General) to Tier1 (General), to be on not be?

[Brown11]

Hi Guys,

Could anybody please advise? All the reasonable advices and opinions would be very helpful.

So, I've got: Tier2 General
I want: To manage to switch to Tier 1 General!

The issue is that I've got lots of concerns even though the intention of the Home Office is to let all T1G to be extended (I just don't know what to do):

1. It's still not clear how many times they will allow T1G holders to extend their visa? What if for some reason one have to extend more than once? Till you get ILR?

2. If I get my T1G now, will I still be able to extend in 2 years...It's hard to imagine transitional arrangements being in place for 5 years! What if T1G will be replaced with a new category, and I won't be able to switch, e.g. I do not have master or PhD...?

3. It seems to be nearly impossible to get your T2G after the 6Apr2011 . And honestly I am confident in my job and don't want to change it yet, and the only reason I aim to get T1G is to gain some confidence that things will be still OK if something happens at work.
According to new rules, still not clear how difficult it may be to switch back to T2G if some reason I am not able to extend T1G (e.g. the above example in p2. above about PhD)

Guys, I am just trying to understand if it's worth switching, and what is more risky!

[geriatrix]

1. Under current rules, as many times as you wish. To apply for settlement is a choice, not a compulsion! However, no can say what the rules may be in the future - if someone can tell you otherwise, he's speculating!

2. Anyone who applies until 05-Apr-11 and is approved, will be able to apply for extension to complete 5 years. As above, unless rules are changed, further extensions (i.e.- more than 1) will also be allowed.

3. With the govt. proposing "unrestricted" CoS allocation for in-country applicants and changes relating to ineligibility to apply for settlement / extend stay beyond 5 years not affecting current Tier 2 (ICT) migrants, why do you think that "to get Tier 2 after 06-Apr will be nearly impossible"? Well, if you're hinting about your employer sending you back home as and when they desire, and to renter UK you may be subject to "restricted" CoS allocation or the new Tier 2 (ICT) rules, then yes ... I would say .. . join the Tier 1 (General) bandwagon before it's too late.


regards

[Brown11]

Thanks for your very detailed respond, sushdmehta!

You are actually right I think. I have read the PDF they issued yesterday and it does say that I will be able to switch back if required for some reason.

Tier 2 categories not affected by the limit:
...
those admitted in another category of stay and
applying to switch in-country into the Tier 2
(general) category
...

Well, I am trying to jump in than.