Switching Visas While In the UK

For context: My course is less than 6 months and I can apply for a short-term study visa on arrival in the UK.

I plan to apply for a T4 visa while still in my home country but travel to the UK before I get the results on my application as the course starts before I'm supposed to get my results, worst and best case scenario included. I will, of course, be applying for a STSV visa to enter the UK.

I want a T4 visa because I plan on going on a course higher than this level after and don't plan on leaving the UK while applying. I've tried finding answers to the question I have but I think my phrasing may be off so if you know of similar cases, please direct me there or give your best advice.

Thanks in advance.

You can't switch to Tier 4 within the UK. You have to go back home and apply from there.

You need a CAS from the school, show maintenance funds, proof en English language... and demonstrate that you are a genuine student.

Thanks for the reply!

I think we may have the word "switching" confused. I don't mean the the UKVI's definition of switching, rather I mean entering the UK with one visa and remaining with another.

I will be applying from my home country BUT I will be leaving before my application is ultimately done and will be entering the UK with a STSV. I plan to be waiting to hear on my visa results in the UK. Additionally, I am aware of all the requirements I have to fulfil.

Zerubbabel wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 04, 2020 3:23 pm

You can't switch to Tier 4 within the UK. You have to go back home and apply from there.

You need a CAS from the school, show maintenance funds, proof en English language... and demonstrate that you are a genuine student.

Thanks for the reply!

I think we may have the word "switching" confused. I don't mean the the UKVI's definition of switching, rather I mean entering the UK with one visa and remaining with another.

I will be applying from my home country BUT I will be leaving before my application is ultimately done and will be entering the UK with a STSV. I plan to be waiting to hear on my visa results in the UK. Additionally, I am aware of all the requirements I have to fulfil.

You still need to return to the country you applied, assuming you have the option to keep your passport, to have the tier 4 visa issued and stamped on your on your passport.

You then have to enter the UK from the valid from date on the 30 day visa vignette for tier 4 to get it stamped as you need to present the passport etc when collecting your brp card.

Note also that trying to enter the UK with a visitor visa while an application for another visa is pending, could be problematic as the IO will see you have a pending application.