What Happens If You Lose Your Job On A Tier 2 Visa?

If you lose your job while you are on a Tier 2 visa in the United Kingdom, your right to remain in the country may be affected. Here's what you should know:

1. Your leave to remain is tied to your job: As a Tier 2 visa holder, your right to remain in the UK is dependent on your continued employment with the sponsoring company. If you lose your job, your employer is required to inform the UK Home Office, and your visa will be curtailed or shortened.

2. You have a grace period: You have a 60 days grace period to find another job or leave the UK. Once you are out of employment, you have 60 days to find a new job and a new sponsor, or to leave the country. If you are unable to find a new job and a new sponsor within the grace period, your visa will be curtailed, and you will have to leave the country.

3. Job-seeking is allowed: In the 60 days grace period, it's allowed for you to look for a new job, it's important to be actively seeking for a job and also to keep records of this activity, like emails and interview invitations.

4. You can switch employers: If you find a new employer that is willing to sponsor you for a Tier 2 visa, you can apply to switch employers. The new employer will have to make an application to the UK Home Office on your behalf. It's important to note that the new employer will need to conduct a Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) to confirm that there isn't a suitable candidate for the job in the UK.

5. You can apply for another type of visa: If you can't find a new job or a new sponsor, you can apply for another type of visa, depending on your circumstances, such as a visitor visa or a student visa. However, it's important to note that a new application will be subject to new rules and requirements, and you may not be eligible for certain types of visas.

How soon can I extend my Tier 2 visa?

If you are a Tier 2 visa holder in the United Kingdom and you wish to extend your stay, you will need to make an application to the UK Home Office before your current visa expires. The process and timeline for extending a Tier 2 visa can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of visa you hold and your personal circumstances.

1. Application process: To extend your Tier 2 visa, you will need to complete an application form, provide the necessary supporting documents, and pay the relevant application fee. You will also need to provide a current Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by your employer. It's important to note that the sponsorship certificate should be valid at the time of application.

2. Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT): Depending on the job and the industry, the employer might need to conduct the RLMT. This test is to prove that there isn't a suitable candidate from the resident labour market to fill the position you are applying for.

3. Processing time: The processing time for Tier 2 visa extension applications can vary. However, the Home Office aims to process most applications within 8 weeks. However, due to the high volume of applications, it's possible that it may take longer.

4. Validity of the extension: The length of time for which your visa can be extended will depend on your current visa and the terms of your sponsorship. Tier 2 (General) visa holders can extend their visa for a maximum of five years, after that you will need to leave the UK for a period of at least 12 months before they can reapply again.

5. Expiry of the visa: It's important to apply before your current visa expires, if you apply while your visa is still valid, you will be able to continue working while you wait for the decision on your application. If you apply after your visa has expired, you will not be able to work until a decision has been made on your application.

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