Please, Urgent Help! Unique Case.

[Smartkid]

Hi everyone,
I just want to know my options.
Came in on a student visa in sept 2000. Had a student status up until june 2005 when I then switched to SEGS.
I have a UK Bachelors and Masters degree. My Segs however is due to expire pretty soon.
During my SEGS, I had a pretty good job which looked promising and heading towards a WP, but it was a temprorary contract through an agency. I've applied for a permanent position but thing is due to internal circumstances, recruitment has been put on hold within the company so I can't be taken on as of yet.
My SEGS is running out fast, and I'm just 5 points short of HSMP Please what are my options?

Thanks

[magsi23]

I think WP would be your best option, i know its easier said then done, however its the easier option. since you have UK qualification and expereince you should qualify under WP, there is small requirment for you to find an employer ofcourse who is willing to sponsor you, you should keep on hunting for the new employer rather than waiting for the current one so vacancy becomes available.

Cheers

[Smartkid]

Thanks for the quick reply.

Good news and Bad news:

Bad News: My visa expires in a couple of weeks.

Good News: Got an unofficial call just last friday that I got the Job

Question: My visa expires in 2 weeks, dunno how soon I can start this job or how soon I can get the WP sorted. Still waiting for the official call as well.

Is there a way HO can give me temp extension for like 1 month while WP gets sorted. Really don't wanna overstay.

What are my options please?

[Jeff Albright]

Is there a way HO can give me temp extension for like 1 month while WP gets sorted. Really don't wanna overstay.

There is an option for you to submit FLR(IED) now while your in-country WP is being processed. Your FLR(IED) will be held until you have your WP approved. Once it is done, you will get your approval under FLR(IED). You only do it if you are sure your employer will submit WP application within the next few days.

If your employer cannot submit WP before the expiry date of your visa, they will have to make a WP application for you as an "out of country" applicant. You will have to return to your country before the expiry date of your visa, your employer will need to send you the original WP approval, which you will take to British Embassy to apply for the visa under WP together with your passport and the completed VAF1.

[Smartkid]

Hi Jeff,

As the news is still unofficial, I can only wait for the official call to come through to advise me of next steps. I don't even know when I can start or anything.

This FLR form, what would I need to provide to HO to apply for it? and would they actually give me an extension on my current visa because you also mentioned in your reply that the employer would have to submit the application before my current leave (SEGS) runs out.

[Jeff Albright]

If you want your SEGS extended, your employer has to start working on your WP today and send it tomorrow.

In the meantime, you fill in FLR(IED) and send it with all the documents required there as per the guidance.

If you come close to the end of your SEGS (say a few days), you ask your employer to submit a WP application specifying that you are out of the UK. Then you leave on or before the expiry date of your SEGS and wait in your country for the WP to be approved.

SEGS was given to you on condition that you will either switch to WP, HSMP during your stay or leave the country at the end of it.

I hope it is clear now.