WorkPermit to Tier1 without Passport / Special Circumstances

Hi all,

for the last 2.5 years I've been working in the UK under work permit. Due to recently announced changes in Tier1 (masters) I would like to switch my WP to Tier1 while I still can as I've got bachelors degree. That would give me 3 years and I shouldn't have problems with ILR.

However, the problem is following:
I work as a consultant, and I currently travel abroad 100% of the time Mon-Fri. Furthermore, I don't want my employer to know I'm switching to another visa.

I cannot be without my passport for weeks, and "need passport for work" is not listed as a reason for not enclosing the current passport when submitting application for Tier1.

Have you got an idea how I could avoid sending my current passport? I could potentially personally present my passport on a certain day, or I could leave it for a week in the worst case, but not longer.

I can send my UK driving license and my old expired passport with WorkPermit in it in case that helps.

Any suggestions?

Thank you for your answers!

If you leave the UK, your outstanding application with the Home Office is considered withdrawn as far as I am aware.

If you think you won't get caught, remember you get checked on the way back in.

Thanks PaperPusher, I had no idea such rule exist.

I feel completely helpless in this case, I'm in between my employer, new rules for Tier1 and the inability to surrender my passport for few weeks. It seems it is impossible for me to get Tier1 in these circumstances.

I sent an email to BA explaining the situation and asking for advice. Let's see what's going to happen.

Did u recv a reply from the UK BA?

Hi docavril,

no, I have not received an answer from BA, I'm still waiting. Fingers crossed, but I doubt they will make an exception...

Cheers

Blue,

The link below could be a good news for you..

http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/siteco ... sopendoors

I am not 100% sure how it works.. but you can look for more details on this.. PIA (Same Day service)...

Issue is it starts from 6th April....but they taking appointments for these categories from 2 March 2009.....

Not sure if they will take your application under existing rules or new Masters one.. if you book the appointment now for 6th April.....

apologies for any confusion...

Hi nksg,

thanks for the information. You're right, the question is which date they are taking as the date of application. The date when you make an appointment, or the date of appointment.

I need to check that... Anyway, I might even try to send application with driving license and a letter explaining the situation and that I can present my passport later in one of their offices...

If you do that so that you can be out of the UK, be prepared for your application to be refused.

Is it really a problem if your employer finds out that you are applying for Tier 1? It does not necessarily mean that you are looking to leave their company, but instead making things easier for them and you...

Aaarrrgh, again that. There is really no way around it... this situation is so frustrating, you move to the country with many expectations, lots of plans, you sacrifise a lot and just when you're nearly there they change immigration rules...

blue78 wrote:Aaarrrgh, again that. There is really no way around it... this situation is so frustrating, you move to the country with many expectations, lots of plans, you sacrifise a lot and just when you're nearly there they change immigration rules...

I can empathise with your sentiments, but is it really so bad that your employer finds out about your Tier 1 application?

Remember they do not own you even though they sponsored a work permit for you. If they cause trouble for you because you are on Tier 1, see a solicitor & tell them that you are going to.

Employers in the UK as branches of Indian firms seem to have a terrible attitude to their employees. Is this the situation in your case?