Tier 5 ending. Apply within UK for post-dated visitor visa?

[Cambion]

Hello,

From looking through the board, I noticed that there are several people in a similar situation as I am, but I was hoping to clarify one important aspect.

I am currently on a 24-month Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange visa. It is set to expire 1 June 2013. I have a job lined up in back in the US (where I am from) that starts 1 Aug. If possible, I would like to stick around and not work and tour a bit in the UK from 1 June to 1 Aug.

I know I could leave the country for the continent right before 1 June and attempt returning afterwards on a General Visitor visa. Even if this will probably work, I'm hesitant as I've heard it isn't guaranteed.

My question is: can I apply for a General Visitor visa while in the UK, but not as a "switch" the visa would be dated for after 1 June. If this application is reject I can make other plans. Or would I need to go back to the US or to somewhere in Europe to make the application?

Thank you very much for your advice.

[geriatrix]

44(iii)

[Lucapooka]

I don't understand your question. How can you apply for leave as a visitor from inside the UK but not consider this as switching? It's not possible to switch to visitor. You would need to leave the UK and apply for a visit visa. If you are from a country the does not appear on the visa national list, you may attempt to re-enter and get your visa at the UK frontier. This would be somewhat risky and a discretionary award by the admitting officer.

[Cambion]

I don't understand your question. How can you apply for leave as a visitor from inside the UK but not consider this as switching? It's not possible to switch to visitor. You would need to leave the UK and apply for a visit visa. If you are from a country the does not appear on the visa national list, you may attempt to re-enter and get your visa at the UK frontier. This would be somewhat risky and a discretionary award by the admitting officer.

Thanks for the response. Maybe what I'm asking doesn't make sense. I was wondering if it's possible to apply for a General Visitor visa that's post-dated, i.e. set to begin after the Tier 5 officially ends. I would not be granted any leave to remain in the UK, but a separate entry visa. Though, I suspect this isn't a thing. Just thought I'd ask.

In this case, can I apply for the General Visitor visa from the US before my Tier 5 ends, and schedule the General Visitor visa to begin afterwards. With a plan like:

Take trip to US on May 15. Try to obtain General Visitor visa scheduled to begin June 2. If this is refused, I can still come back into the UK on the Tier 5 and remain until June 1, pack my things and leave.

Thanks for the help.

[Lucapooka]

Well if you are a US citizen you don't need to apply for a visa; you could simply leave the UK and re-enter. You would need to have a very good story for admitting officer, who may permit your entry or refuse it at his discretion.