Unusual Circumstances - Tier 4 student to Tier 2

[Shanmyster]

This may be a bit a long shot, but I was hoping you could provide some clarification over my unique circumstances.

I completed my undergraduate degree in India and an currently on a Tier 4 student visa while studying at my MSc at UCL. I have received a job offer from a big 4 accounting firm that will commence in early October. While I no longer have classes, my final dissertation is due on September 1st. As this is the case, I will not be receiving my final results in November 2016.

As it is a requirement to "complete" my course, will this mean I will not be able to transfer my Tier 4 Visa to a Tier 2 visa using KPMGs unrestricted Certificate of Sponsorship? Please note that my CAS letter states my official end date is September 28th.

Thank you so much in advance for reading this and any thoughts would be much appreciated.

[Shanmyster]

Please also note that my Tier visa is valid until January 27th 2017

[Frontier Mole]

I am assuming your joining their graduate trainee program?

[Shanmyster]

Hi there, yes that's correct. I'll be joining their 3 year graduate programme. Do you have any advice on this situation? Thank you so much

[Frontier Mole]

There is an exemption on the RLMT in that if they follow the milk round criteria you don't actual have to have passed your degree, strange as that might seem. It equates to you getting the same RLMT exemption as if you had passed the degree and had the qualification in hand.

Milkround
28.35 A ‘milkround’ is an annual recruitment programme where employers from a range of sectors visit universities to give presentations and/or interview students, usually as part of university careers fairs. If you use a milkround to recruit new graduates or interns you must visit a minimum of 3 UK universities, or all UK universities which provide the relevant course, whichever is the lower number.

The paragraphs that follow the above explain it further but if it is a big 4 firm I am reasonably confident it will meet the requirements.

[Shanmyster]

Thanks for the quick response - really appreciate this.

Assuming the employers follow the Milkround, and they submit my Tier 2 visa application on my behalf, does this mean they will need to provide me a Restricted or Unrestricted Certificate of Sponsorship?


Also, I noticed that one of the paragraphs after the above states:

28.37 You must keep evidence to prove that no suitable settled workers were available to fill the vacancy

Doesn't this mean I wouldn't be exempt from the RLMT?

Thanks,
S

[Frontier Mole]

I doubt they will apply on your behalf... You will have to apply for your visa, they just give you the COS reference.

They will issue an unrestricted COS because it is an in country application.

The milk round system basically Hoovers up graduates regardless of immigration status. So if your suitable you get the offer. Rest assured with the big 4 they will take everyone that meets their pretty high standards... You will have not displaced a Settled Worker / graduate.