SWITCHING FROM TIER 4 TO TIER 2 VISA (DOCTORAL LEVEL) & NEW ENTRANTS

[linhlinh]

Hi everyone,

I started my Doctorate of Business and Administration (DBA), which is equivalent to PhD level, in Jan 2018. I presume that I cannot apply for Tier 2 visa until I have completed at least 12 months of the current programme that I am studying? I've got both of my Bachelor and Master degree in the UK. Anyone can shed a light on this?

Also, I will be looking for graduate jobs so am I still categorised as "New entrant" if I am above 26 at time of application? I have never held any Tier 2 visa before.

Thanks in advance for all your replies.

[CR001]

No, you are not a new entrant if you are over 26.

[Akorotaeva]

I think you can, provided you complete at least 12 months of your PhD. See below, noting the "or" before the under-26 requirement.

The applicant is considered to be a “new entrant” due to one of the following: 
(i) he is exempt from the Resident Labour Market Test due to the post-study work provisions in paragraph 78B above, 
(ii) his Sponsor satisfied the Resident Labour Market Test under the provisions for “new graduate jobs or internships” in the first row of Table 11B above, or 
(iii) he was under the age of 26 on the date the application was made 
and, in all cases, the applicant is not applying for a grant of leave that would extend his total stay in Tier 2 and/or as a Work Permit Holder beyond 3 years and 1 month.

[UKLL]

If you are switching from Tier 4 to Tier 2, then yes new entrant. I applied first time when I was 28

[linhlinh]

Thank you all for your replies!

[linhlinh]

Hi! I would like to ask whether I need to complete at least 12 months of the DBA programme as specified above prior to switching to Tier 2 visa if I have already achieved my Bachelor and Master degree in the UK. Thanks a lot!

[Andee]

Hello,

I would like to ask does the DBA course also allow you to switch to Tier2 after you have studied 12 months? I only saw the PhD course can do that from Home Office website, but it didn't mention other doctorate courses.

Thank you very much.