Switching to T1 GE

[cactiscactus]

Hello people! Newbie here!

I am currently in the UK. I am planning to submit my application on 24/01/2019 to switch from Tier 4 to Tier 1 GE, however, my current visa expires on 31/01/2019. It says the visa could take 8 week to process. I am therefore wondering if I submit my application before the expire date, can I stay in UK till a decision is reached or doing so count as overstay?

Anyone have same situation before? Looking forward to hear from you people!

[CR001]

Thought you were applying for a spouse visa in December last year??

immigration-for-family-members/shall-i- ... l#p1714787

If you apply for any visa BEFORE your current visa expires, you are allowed to stay while HO processes your application and are protected under section 3C of the immigration rules meaning your existing tier 4 visa conditions continue until a decision is made.

[cactiscactus]

Thought you were applying for a spouse visa in December last year??

immigration-for-family-members/shall-i- ... l#p1714787

If you apply for any visa BEFORE your current visa expires, you are allowed to stay while HO processes your application and are protected under section 3C of the immigration rules meaning your existing tier 4 visa conditions continue until a decision is made.

Hello CR001! Many thanks for the response! Yeah, I was planning to apply for the spouse visa, but my money is not yet up for 6 months, that means I need to be separate with my partner for several months . At the same time, I heard our school has a startup lab, so I gave it a go. My plan after spouse visa is also to set up a business, so I think go for GE first and then switch will be a good idea.