switching status

[xiaor]

My employer is applying for a work permit for me, it is either in the process right now or starting soon. However, I might need to leave the US (I am a US citizen) before the work permit is ready. My question is whether I can enter the UK as visitor (which I don't need a visa as an American citizen), wait for my work permit, then switch to a proper visa, one that allows me to stay >6 months, in the UK.

thanks
-una

[Kayalami]

What is your present visa status in the UK?

[xiaor]

I am still in the US. But if I go to the UK now, I will on visitor status, taking advantage of the visa waiver for US citizens.

thanks
-una

[Kayalami]

1. You may not switch from visitor visa status to WP visa status incountry.

2. Your planned route to an incountry WP visa application if received would as a minimum get refused and at worst you being rightly considered to have misrepresented material facts to gain leave to enter. Such is an offence under the immigration acts and regulations thereof making you an illegal entrant liable for removal from the UK.

3. Wait for your WP in the US and apply for WP EC or return to the US for such when WP issued.

[xiaor]

Just as I thought. Thanks so much.

-una