Tier 4 switch to Tier 2

[zebraboy]

Hi,

I'm offered a job, and is going to switch from my current Tier 4 (General) to Tier 2 (General).

The problem is that my start date will be 3 weeks after my current visa expires.
If my tier 2 visa's start date is exactly the same as the date on CoS, there will be a problem for me.

If I get the tier 2 visa before my current visa expires, will there be a gap before the two visas？If so, I must leave UK during the gap.

Or, I can apply my tier 2 just before my current visa expires, I may get my tier 2 after my official start date. Is that OK? If so, should I start working until my visa is received? Or I can start on the same day without outcome of application?

Many thanks.

[arsenal49]

Just make a valid application before the expiry of your student visa.

your status will be 'legal' while you have an outstanding application with ukba, thanks to section 3c. search this forum for more info on it.

you cant work, on this position, until ukba approves your application but you can stay in uk....

having said that , you can do a paid-for 'temporary' work for the same company if its not been more than 4 months since you finished your course because you are bound by student visa work limitations while you have an outstanding app with ukba

[zebraboy]

Thanks.

If I get my tier 2 visa before the CoS start date, I can still stay in the UK, but cannot start working before that day. Is my understanding correct?

[geriatrix]

Yes.