Can I travel before Sopra Steria appointment?

[sheenee]

Hi! Thanks all for your help.
I’m switching from a Tier 4 to a Tier 2 visa and my current visa expires on the 6th of September. There is about a 3-4 week waiting time where I am for the biometrics appointment which is why I decided to apply online today.
Basically I have got a family trip to Slovenia from 25-29 July, and I didn’t think I would be able to wait until after to submit my online application as I might be leaving it too late.
I now have a biometric appointment on 5th August. Can I still go to Slovenia?
I’ve read the immigration rules on gov.uk and it explicitly says once proof of identity has been returned to you, you cannot travel and your application will be withdrawn if you do. However, nothing is mentioned about BEFORE I show my proof of identity.
Does anyone have any ideas? Thank you!

[sheenee]

If anyone is still concerned, I rang Home Office today and they said the moment you submit an application (even if it’s just the online submission), you cannot leave the country. But I’m still in the progress of checking with some friends who are in immigration law.

[Casa]

If anyone is still concerned, I rang Home Office today and they said the moment you submit an application (even if it’s just the online submission), you cannot leave the country. But I’m still in the progress of checking with some friends who are in immigration law.

On this rare occasion the outsourced agency staff have given the correct advice on the 'Home Office' helpline.

If you travel outside of the UK after the online submission, your visa application will be considered as withdrawn.