Help on changing university

[esvath]

Hi.

I am a first year Ph.d student in UK. Just last week my first supervisor told me that he will move to mainland Europe per August 2013. He suggested that I move to my second supervisor's university.

My second supervisor confirmed today that his university will gladly accept me. So, no issue there.

I have several questions to ask:

1. Do I need to apply for new visa if I change my university?
2. Is there any possibility that my application will be rejected by UKBA?
3. What will happen if (God forbid) UKBA rejected my application for new visa? Will I still be able to study in my current university?
4. Do my family need to apply new dependent visa too?

Thank you for your advice.

Regards.

[sheraz7]

As you said that you are a PHD student in a university and your supervisor is leaving. Then certainly a new supervisor must have been arranged by your university for carrying out the same job. If so, why are you changing university only for that reason?

[esvath]

In my current university, there is no supervisor who have expertise on my theme. I literally went to this university to study under my first supervisor (who are going to move).

I think the best option for me is move to my second supervisor's university, because he is an expert in what I am doing.

So, any advice on my concerns?

Regards.

[Deviser]

Hi.

I am a first year Ph.d student in UK. Just last week my first supervisor told me that he will move to mainland Europe per August 2013. He suggested that I move to my second supervisor's university.

My second supervisor confirmed today that his university will gladly accept me. So, no issue there.

I have several questions to ask:

1. Do I need to apply for new visa if I change my university?
2. Is there any possibility that my application will be rejected by UKBA?
3. What will happen if (God forbid) UKBA rejected my application for new visa? Will I still be able to study in my current university?
4. Do my family need to apply new dependent visa too?

Thank you for your advice.

Regards.

1. Do I need to apply for new visa if I change my university?
   YES
2. Is there any possibility that my application will be rejected by UKBA?
   YES
3. What will happen if (God forbid) UKBA rejected my application for new visa? Will I still be able to study in my current university?
   NO
4. Do my family need to apply new dependent visa too?

YES

[esvath]

Thanks for the answer, Deviser.

What will happen if (God forbid) UKBA rejected my application for new visa? Will I still be able to study in my current university?
NO

Actually this point is my main concern. I don't want to end up without institution. Is there any way out, so that I can try to move to the new university, but when it fails, I will still be able to study?

[Deviser]

Thanks for the answer, Deviser.

What will happen if (God forbid) UKBA rejected my application for new visa? Will I still be able to study in my current university?
NO

Actually this point is my main concern. I don't want to end up without institution. Is there any way out, so that I can try to move to the new university, but when it fails, I will still be able to study?

Visa matters are so complicated now. Its better to stay with same university and manage the studies there even if you needed to change your PhD theme. Rest is upto you.

[sheraz7]

In my current university, there is no supervisor who have expertise on my theme. I literally went to this university to study under my first supervisor (who are going to move).

I think the best option for me is move to my second supervisor's university, because he is an expert in what I am doing.

So, any advice on my concerns?

Regards.

The university where you are studying PHD is really a UK based public university?

[esvath]

The university where you are studying PHD is really a UK based public university?

Yes, it is a respectable top 20 university in UK. So is the one that I am planning move into.

[sheraz7]

If you have such a solid plan to move new university and apply new visa then i will say you all the best. Goodluck.

[esvath]

Thank you all for the replies. I need to think more, whether to apply to the new university or stay.

Best regards.

[Greenie]

I disagree with some of the responses above. It is not unusual for a PhD student to have to change university in these circumstances. In answer to your questions

1. Yes
2. There is always a possibility of refusal but you should be fine as long as you meet the requirements and provide evidence of this
3. Yes as long as you don't withdraw from your studies at your current university. Consider applying in person.
4. Not necessarily. Will your course end date change?

Speak to the international student advisor at your current or prospective university for advice.

[esvath]

Many thanks for your answer.

3. Yes as long as you don't withdraw from your studies at your current university. Consider applying in person.

So my current Tier 4 visa is not automatically cancelled when I apply for the new visa?

4. Not necessarily. Will your course end date change?

No, I will enroll as second year student in the new university. So the end date will still the same. Do you think they don't have to apply for dependant visas?

Speak to the international student advisor at your current or prospective university for advice.

Yeah, I will. Thanks again!

Best regards.

[Greenie]

Your visa is not autoancelled but you will need to remain studying at your original institution until your visa is approved for you to change.

Your dependents leave is not tied to your institution so in my opinion they don't need to make a new application.