Switching from Tier 4 to Tier 2 - some questions

[georg8460]

Hi all,

I spent some time searching in all threads but could not find any answers for my queries. I've just submitted my PhD thesis, currently have a Tier 4 visa and I will apply soon to switch into a Tier 2 General. I would be *extremely* grateful if you could help me with the following questions:


- I intend to apply in person and I luckily found a slot in November. Is it required to submit the application form online or can I use the printed version and submit it when attending the appointment?

- As I am still waiting for my PhD viva, I believe that the only evidence I should send regarding my qualifications is a letter from the University stating that I've completed at least 12 months of study. Am I right?


- I think that's the tricky one: while the duration of my Tier 4 visa, I stayed around 10 days per month visiting my girlfriend in other country. My PhD supervisor was completely fine about it and I continued studying for my PhD while abroad. Do you think I can have any problem because of it? At first I wasn't concerned about it, but paragraph 87 of T2 guidance states that one of the requirements to switch from Tier 4 to Tier 2 is

"your period of study and/or research towards your award was undertaken whilst you
had entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain in the UK and you were not
subject to a restriction preventing you from undertaking a course of study and/or
research".


I also couldn't find anywhere on UKBA website something which says I can't stay out of UK for certain number of days while on Tier 4.


Thank you very much in advance,

georg

[georg8460]

Sorry for chasing you about this post, but I've been looking for answers for these questions and couldn't find them. I would be very grateful if someone could answer any of these questions. Many thanks in advance

[manci]

Hi all,

I spent some time searching in all threads but could not find any answers for my queries. I've just submitted my PhD thesis, currently have a Tier 4 visa and I will apply soon to switch into a Tier 2 General. I would be *extremely* grateful if you could help me with the following questions:


- I intend to apply in person and I luckily found a slot in November. Is it required to submit the application form online or can I use the printed version and submit it when attending the appointment? the printed form can be submitted when you attend the PEO -
As I am still waiting for my PhD viva, I believe that the only evidence I should send regarding my qualifications is a letter from the University stating that I've completed at least 12 months of study. Am I right? yes

- I think that's the tricky one: while the duration of my Tier 4 visa, I stayed around 10 days per month visiting my girlfriend in other country. My PhD supervisor was completely fine about it and I continued studying for my PhD while abroad. Do you think I can have any problem because of it? No At first I wasn't concerned about it, but paragraph 87 of T2 guidance states that one of the requirements to switch from Tier 4 to Tier 2 is

"your period of study and/or research towards your award was undertaken whilst you
had entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain in the UK and you were not
subject to a restriction preventing you from undertaking a course of study and/or
research". from what wrote you complied with this para

I also couldn't find anywhere on UKBA website something which says I can't stay out of UK for certain number of days while on Tier 4. there is no such requirement
Thank you very much in advance,

georg

[georg8460]

Many thanks for your reply manci!!

Just one last question: do you think it could help to send some evidence that it is very likely that I'll be awarded a PhD after the viva? I mean, publications are a strong evidence for this. Do you think it is worth including a letter from my supervisor telling that I've already got papers accepted based on my research towards the PhD?

[manci]

can't do any harm but UKBA just go by the rules. Make sure that the confirmation you submit that you studied at least 12 months towards a PhD is an original document on the official headed paper of the uni stating your name, the subject of your studies and its expected duration.

[georg8460]

Many thanks again Manci! When you mention "subject of your studies", do you mean "title of the qualification" ? This is one of the items required in the letter based on paragraph 97. My letter just mentions "Doctor of Philosophy", is that enough?

Just one last question which answer I couldn't find: Question L6 of the Tier 2 application form asks whether I am being sponsored (as a Tier 4 Student) by a government of a international scholarship agency. Since I am sponsored by a UK university, can I consider that I am being sponsored by the UK government?

[Greenie]

No it should mention the subject area of your studies not just the title of your qualification.

No this refers to a financial sponsor.

[georg8460]

Many thanks for your prompt reply Greenie! According to the paragraph 18, I understand that the letter must contain the following info:

• your name
• the course title/award; and
• the course duration; and
• date of course completion and pass unless you are studying a PhD course

"Subject area of your studies" is then associated with "course title" ?

Still on the sponsoring issue, if the scholarship from the UK university covered living costs, I can consider that it was my financial sponsor, right? I understand that I need an additional letter from them because of paragraph 19 of the guidance:

"19. You may have been sponsored in your studies by Her Majesty’s Government, your home
government, the British Council or any international company, university or Independent
School. For the purpose of this section of the guidance ’sponsored’ means wholly
supported by an award which covers both fees and living costs. If you have had such
sponsorship within the past 12 months, you must provide us with the Government or
international scholarship agency’s unconditional consent in writing, giving you their
permission to remain in or re-enter the UK"

Many thanks again,
georg

[geriatrix]

Hi there,

I'll apply for Tier 2 Visa tomorrow at PEO Croydon and I wonder if someone could check if I am missing any doc, as I couldn't find someone to double check it.

Switching from Tier 4 to Tier 2, I am finishing my PhD.

- passport
- application form
- 2 photos with name written on their back
- letter from the University stating when I started my PhD, date of thesis submission and thesis viva (also thesis title)
- letter from the Tier 4 Sponsor giving me permission to remain in the UK
- Police certificate
- IELTS test
- letter from sponsor informing about the CoS and maintenance.


MANY thanks in advance

georg

[georg8460]

Please, can anyone verify if I am missing something in my document list? Many thanks in advance.