So if I lose my job...

As serious as something can be for 3 months!   ;)It is pretty serious though, but immigration or not, I'm not getting hitched after only 3 months...

Hey when you know, you know... 

Hey when you know, you know... 

I suppose that's true...

but I sit in the "not know" camp  :\\\'(

If you qualify, go for Tier 1, definitely.  In this economic climate it has to be the best idea.  I have three clients on my books who were made redundant within a month of starting their new jobs, having got new work permits and burned bridges with their old places.  Also, Tier 2 is an ars* of an application.  Having had a work permit is not a guarantee of being able to get a tier 2, and your pool of potential employers is a lot smaller because of the sponsor registration process.


Vicky

Thanks Vicky, seems like the best thing to do! I'm going to check it out, for sure.

If you qualify, go for Tier 1, definitely.  In this economic climate it has to be the best idea. 

I agree wholeheartedly. Being on HSMP has given me a tremendous peace of mind since there have been several rounds of redundancies in the last few months where I work. I would have been a mess mentally if I was on a work permit/ T2

Ok, a few questions then-

My current visa is for 5 years, 1 year down! So if I switch to tier 1, than its only valid for 3 years then right, instead of the 4, I (in theory) have left?

When you apply for an extension, do you have to prove you meet the points again?

I'm running to the bank this afternoon, being christmas and trying to pay off some debt for year end and doubled up on some bills so I wouldn't have January debt, I have exactly £1.02 above the minimum maintence funds required at all times right now.  I wouldn't be worried in the slightest normally about my bills since I get paid in a week's time, but now I was like, gaaaaah! I was like, hey dearest boyfriend, can you lend me 50 quid so I can keep my bank balance afloat and have enough for lots of drinks tonight?
    

When you apply for an extension, do you have to prove you meet the points again?

Yes, but the extension points take into account things like your age being three years older if age is one of your points requirements, and you don't have to reprove your qualifications if you did so in your initial Tier 1 application.

Thanks