Tier 2 from Tier 4 Eligibility

[yxn]

Hi all,

I am currently preparing to apply for a Tier 2 (General) visa, switching from a Tier 4 (General) visa (valid 2017-2018). My current Tier 4 visa is for Postgraduate Diploma, which is not eligible according to the Tier 2 Policy Guidance document. However I do hold a UK recognised Bachelors degree obtained under a previous Tier 4 visa (valid 2013-2016). Will this qualify me for the Tier 2 visa?

Thank you.

[UKLL]

Did you study the postgraduate diploma right after your first degree? i.e. you applied for your current Tier 4 from inside the UK before your last Tier 4 expired?

[yxn]

No, I applied for my current Tier 4 visa from outside of the UK. There is about a 1-year gap between the previous visa and the current visa. Would this disqualify me?

[UKLL]

No, I applied for my current Tier 4 visa from outside of the UK. There is about a 1-year gap between the previous visa and the current visa. Would this disqualify me?

I am afraid so, if you had studied right after your first degree then you would have been eligible as "during a continuous period of leave". Since you have one year gap in between, you won't be meeting the requirement unfortunately

[yxn]

Thank you.
I do have the option to extend my current PG Dip into a Masters. I assume that would then qualify me for the transfer to Tier 2?

[UKLL]

Thank you.
I do have the option to extend my current PG Dip into a Masters. I assume that would then qualify me for the transfer to Tier 2?

Yes as long as you have a degree in the end