APPLYING FOR STUDENT VISA, BUT I ALREADY SPENT 4.5 YEARS

Hi I have been in the UK for a few years. I spent 1 year on a certificate level course and then 4 years on a degree. Every time I applied though I snet my application about 5 days before the visa expiry date. Most of my leave granted on the 5 visas was granted 2 or 3 months after I sent it in and I did not always get a full year sometimes only nine months. So all the student visas for my degree looks like 4.5 years. My question is, if I apply for a masters degree starting in Jan 12 will I still be able to study or will they turn my visa application down?

Has the 5 year cap been implemented already because I have asked a few legal advisors and they are all under the impression that although it has been detailed it has not come into effect yet, is that correct?

**ps I have read that they recently said that the 3 year cap below degree level has taken effect, but nothing about they 5 year degree level.

can't switch to a psw, I have one.

The cap rules would start from April 2012. You should be fine.

Thanks for your response, its much appreciated.