The Home Office allows some categories to move into the Tier 2 General. The following categories who are allowed to switch into this category are as follows:

§                     highly skilled worker (tier 1);

§                     sponsored skilled worker (tier 2);

§                     student;

§                     student nurse,

§                     student re-sitting an examination;

§                     person writing up a thesis;

§                     overseas qualified nurse or midwife;

§                     postgraduate doctor or dentist,

§                     student union sabbatical officer;

§                     qualifying work permit holder;

§                     Highly Skilled Migrant;

§                     a participant in the International Graduate Scheme (formerly known as the Science and Engineering      Graduate Scheme);

§                     a representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation;

§                     a participant in Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme;

§                     minister of religion, missionary or member of a religious order;

§                     member of the operational ground staff of an overseas-owned airline;

§                     innovator;

§                     a Jewish agency employee.

If you are not in any of these categories, you must leave the United Kingdom and apply as a new application at your local entry clearance post.

The Home Office allows those who have been on a post study work category to accumulate 30 points. This includes those who have been on the Fresh Talent Programme or the International Graduate Scheme.

You must have worked in the job you have now for your current sponsor for at least six months before you apply. You must also continue to work for your sponsor in the job you have now. If you have not worked for your potential sponsor for at least six months before you apply, your sponsor will have to meet the resident labour market test unless the job in on the shortage occupation list. You will not be able to claim points for switching from a post-study category, but can claim points if your sponsor has met the resident labour market test.