Hi Deverett, you are right. Time is not my friend right now, especially with restructuring in the company. It's good that the restructuring in your company dragged on for 3 months, at least that gave you some time to sort out your visa.
Yes, unfortunately my current employer is not following the right and fair process for this restructuring. 1)He issued restructuring to 1 team only, when everyone in the company should be issued a letter 2) Everyone in the company should be in the consultation meeting 3) I was not properly informed of the restructuring affecting me - I was brief by my current employer and his lawyer after their consultation meeting and indrectly forcing me to resign next monday. The entire restructuring/redundancy is a sham - I know that because my employer wants to cut costs and reduce people who ae not performing and has specifically told me who he wanted to get rid of.
All I can do now is to drag this out as much as possible and get my talent work visa submitted.
I called immigration, and the lady on the phone was extremely helpful and reassuring. I was advised that after I have resigned provideded that my talent work visa is being processed, my ESV is still valid, which means I can legally be in the country. I will not be issued an interim visa (as JandM as advised, thank you!). My work visa(ESV) will just be a visa that allows me to remain in the country. I will not be allowed to work for either company.
As for my partner, INZ advised that I will have to apply again as my ESV was for 3 years, talent work visa is for 30months. However, I can either 1) Apply together with my talent work visa or 2) Apply for partnership after I have been granted my talent work visa.
My partner will not be affected as he will be applying for the same type of visa - partner of a worker
It was a relief to know that I do not have to leave the country after I resigned as long as my talent work visa is being processed. I would be on visitor conditions.
Hopefully this information can also help others. I would of course, advised that calling up INZ to clarify would always be a good idea. Lady fom INZ was extremely helpful and gave me various suggestions and a clear explanation. I am very thankful to her as well.