Which Route is easier?

[LeonTan]

Dear Immigration,

I am an international from malaysia working as a pharmacist in the UK, and was previously on Tier 2 visa.

Is it easier to get another Tier 2 accepted if you

1) apply before the tier 2 expired, or
2) (assuming you finished the job) exit the UK, let your current tier 2 expires, wait for 1 year cool off period, then apply another tier 2 visa again from malaysia, or
3) (assuming you finished the job) exit the UK, let you current tier 2 expires, return to the UK within ONE year as a tourist, applying a new tier 2 visa in the UK, with a new job contract commencing on or after ONE year cool down period.

PLease suggest any route if you can

Thank you
Ryan

[CR001]

You cannot apply within the UK for a tier 2 as a visitor.

Option one is generally the easiest. But in all cases, you have to meet the requirements

[LeonTan]

So after your visa tier 2 had expired, you had to re-apply a tier 2 again outside UK, and not inside the UK as a visitor??

Correct

[CR001]

If you enter the UK as a visitor, you cannot apply for Tier 2 within the UK. So yes you will have to leave and apply from home country with an RCoS and meet all the requirements and RLMT.

And obviously, the 12 months cooling off period applies from the date you leave the UK on your last tier 2 general visa.