Transferring from Tier 4 to Tier 2 General

Although possible, transferring from a Tier 4 Student Visa to Tier 2 General (formerly UK Work Permit) is very difficult. Not because the transfer is especially complicated but because (1) the prospective sponsor must conduct a Resident Labour Market Test AND (2) ‘switching’ is only allowed once the individual has graduated from their course of study.

In order to apply for or assign a Certificate of Sponsorship a Tier 2 Licensed employer must first conduct a Resident Labour Market Test (unless an exemption applies). To do this the employer must show beyond any doubt that there are not any settled workers who are available to do the job.

Students generally lack professional experience therefore much of what has been learned is theoretical. In the majority of cases the employer will not be able to validate the RLMT as there will be settled workers with experience who can do the job. The only exceptions tend to be where an individual has graduated from a niche or ‘cutting edge’ course of study where skills are not already available in the resident workforce, OR where a student is a mature student or postgraduate student with valuable professional skills developed before their studies.

Tier 2 General Employment

Are you a highly skilled IT, Engineering, Medical or Financial Services Professional? Do you need a Tier 2 General visa for the UK? If so Commonwealth Contractors may be able to help! We partner with Tier 2 Licensed employers and consultancies who may be prepared, where required, to sponsor an individual under Tier 2 General.

To find out more call now on 0330 390 9021 or Submit your Details and we will get right back to you!

Transferring to Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa

It used to be that the best way to move from Tier 4 Student to Tier 2 General was to do it in two stages;

• Stage 1 – Move from Tier 4 Student to Tier 1 Post Study Work
• Stage 2 – Switch from Tier 1 Post Study Work to Tier 2 General

This allowed people to be employed by a Tier 2 sponsor in a qualifying role for 6+ months before they needed to be sponsored, thus avoiding the need to complete a ‘Resident Labour Market Test’ (which involves advertising the role to give locals the chance to apply). Unfortunately, the Tier 1 post study work closing to new applicants from 5th April 2012 has ended this option for new graduates.

Find out More

To find out more about our solutions call now on 0330 390 9021 or Submit your details now and we will get right back to you!