Changing university: Do I have to leave the UK?

Hello people,

I can't thank everyone enough for all the suggestions. My Tier 4 application was successful and right now I'm working on my PhD. Unfortunately, my supervisor has moved to another university. He is now trying to transfer me over to his new university as my PhD work is based on his work. He is saying that I should be able to join his university from Feb 2017.

My questions:
1. Will I need to apply for another Tier 4 visa now? My course will be identical with no difference apart from doing the same thing under the same person at a different university.
2. Will I have to leave the UK and go back home and apply from there for this? Or can I stay here and apply for the new visa?

P.S. My current visa ends in 2020

I believe that you may change your Tier 4 sponsor in the UK.

vinny wrote:I believe that you may change your Tier 4 sponsor in the UK.

Yes, although that Page on the UKCISA website needs updating re the 6 April 2016 study condition. Only those who do not need to show Academic Progression (including OP, because he is completing a PhD) can now apply in the UK.

sah10406 wrote:

vinny wrote:I believe that you may change your Tier 4 sponsor in the UK.

Yes, although that Page on the UKCISA website needs updating re the 6 April 2016 study condition. Only those who do not need to show Academic Progression (including OP, because he is completing a PhD) can now apply in the UK.

Say I'll join the new sponsor from 01 Feb 2017. When is the earliest I get to apply? 90 days before the course start date?

It'd be really great if I can indeed apply from the UK. It's a lot of hassle to leave and come back.

MSKF wrote:When is the earliest I get to apply?

When the new sponsor issues the CAS, which will be a maximum 3 months before the start of the course.

In your case you are continuing the same course with the same professor and only need a change of University. So you can request for CAS from the New University which is generally issued 90 days before the course. You need to submit that CAS and can get the Tier 4 visa changed.

y-axisoverseas wrote:In your case you are continuing the same course with the same professor and only need a change of University. So you can request for CAS from the New University which is generally issued 90 days before the course. You need to submit that CAS and can get the Tier 4 visa changed.

Where did you get that rule from? Can you please link me to some place where I can get more details on that issue? That sounds a lot simpler than having to make a fresh application.