Do initial applicants HAVE TO apply from outside UK??

[deliteful]

Hi,

I'm currently in the UK and want to apply for a Tier 1 (General) Visa, as an initial applicant. Does this mean I have to make my application OUTSIDE of the UK?

Just to give you the full picture - I'm on a working holiday visa, and know I can't extend my stay to Tier 1, and have just quit my job so can't get a Work Permit. So my plan is to cancel my WHV and apply as an initial entry to the Tier 1 visa (for which I'm eligible).

Ideally, I'd like to apply from the UK and NOT have to go home (to Australia), but my suspicion is that you can only apply from within the UK if you're extending your stay. Is this right?

I've just been trawling through the govt. websites and am a bit confused, so any help out there is much appreciated!!

Cheers!

[vinny]

We have now closed the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme to applications from people who are already in the United Kingdom, so it is no longer possible to stay in this country by switching into this category. The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme has been replaced by Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system. It is not possible to switch into this category if you are here as a working holidaymaker.

[deliteful]

Hi Vinny,

Thanks for the reply. Actually I already know that I can't extend my stay to a Tier 1. More what I want to know is do I have to apply for a Tier 1 visa out of the country?

I get the impression you can only apply in the UK if you're extending your stay, which I'm not doing. And have to be out of the country if you want to apply as an "initial applicant". Is this a correct assumption?

[geriatrix]

From within UK, one can both switch and extend existing leave to remain - provided the laws allow you do do so.

But since you are in UK on WHV, you cannot switch to Tier 1 from within UK and you must apply from outside UK (your home country).

regards

[deliteful]

That clarifies things. Thanks very much!