Post Study Work visa to Tier 1 General

[Ari Kate]

Im in desperate need of help:

Ive started filling in my Tier 1 application form as it hit me that i might not be eligible for it as Im currently working in UK on Post Study work visa, (expires in the end of december 2012), so I was looking to apply for Tier 1 General visa (for which I thought i qualified on the points based system).
but now im looking at this on the uk border agency website:

Are you in an eligible immigration category?

You can apply to extend your stay in the UK under Tier 1 (General) if you are already in the UK with permission to stay (known as 'leave to remain') in one of the following immigration categories:

highly skilled migrant
writer, composer or artist
self-employed lawyer
Tier 1 (General)
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), if you are eligible to switch into Tier 1 (General).

(and PSW visa that im on isnt mentioned anywhere?)

so can i apply for Tier 1 General being on PSW visa now?
I found many places that state that there is a new rule and I cant do that? but on some websites it says that only the rules that you entered the UK under will apply to you, when renewing visa...
I am really realy confused???? could someone please explain what my options are????

Thank you in advance.

p.s. Ive been in UK since april 2004 (8 years 6 months)

[askhan]

what I understand from above that you are applying Tier 1 General visa (new application) to switch your status from PSW.

From april 2011, UKBA has announced that the Tier (1) G is closed from inside and outside both application.

Tier 1 (General) will not reopen for new applications overseas. If you have already obtained a Tier 1 (General) visa, your dependants can still apply.

Tier 1 (General) will remain open to applicants who are already in the UK until 5 April 2011. There will be transitional arrangements for some in-country applicants beyond 6 April 2011, and we will announce details of these in due course.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... -t1-closed


I hope the above will answer your question.

[Ari Kate]

Thank you Ash,
Im literally in pieces now... I was aiming towards this since the first day i got my PSW visa, that i managed to miss the new rule when it came out...