Can I combine my initial stay of Tier 1 General and subsequent stay under a Tier 2 certificate of sponsorship to reach five years in total to qualify for Indefinite leave to remain?
Yes it is now permitted to combine time spent in the UK under Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the Points-Based System in any combination to complete 5 years for the purpose of applying for indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Of course it is also necessary to successfully complete a Life in the UK test before applying for indefinite leave. Question: I am a Tier 4 student and have recently done PGD from Westminster University. Now I have got a Job offer from a UK based employer who is willing and able to issue a certificate of sponsorship to me. Can I remain here during the process of switching my status? I do not want to go back to obtain the visa from my home country. Please advise if there are ways to switch while remaining in the UK. Answer: Yes it is possible to switch from Tier 4 student to Tier 2 status, but there are a number of points-based criteria to be aware of – you need to have 70 points to qualify, based on qualifications, prospective earnings, maintenance funds and English languag
