Switch Tier 2 to Tier 4: time period from decision to start date

vonka wrote: ↑

Sat May 25, 2019 5:52 pm

Hi all,

I am on a Tier 2 and want to switch to a Tier 4.

I would not like to inform my current employer until I have my Tier 4 approved as it may put my current situation at risk should anything fail with the Tier 4 visa.

So I am planning to apply through the priority service, which takes 5 days and would then allow me to both:
1. give notice only after my Tier 4 is granted
2. still have a reasonable period of time to finish things off at work.

So if the course starts on 1 October, I'd apply for swith to Tier 4 on early July, have it sorted in 5 days and be able to give notice around 10 July.

My question is, how would that work?

1. Would my tier 2 still be valid until the tier 4 comes into place? that is, would I be able to still work under my tier 2 from the moment I get my decision and until my Tier 4 replaces the current Tier 2?

2. Would I be able to leave the UK and come back under my tier 2 within that period of time (from the decision date until the start date of the course)?

Every piece of information is much appreciated