Switching Tier 4 sponsor?

[MSKF]

Hi,

I've been granted my Tier 4 leave until 2021 to do my PhD at my current university. The professor I wanted to do my PhD under has moved to a different university right when I started my PhD 6 months ago. I am about to get an offer letter from the university he moved to for the same research. I have to make a new Tier 4 application. My questions are:

1. Could they refuse for any obvious reason I'm missing?
2. Do I have to withdraw from my current university to apply for this new visa?
3. Should they refuse my visa, do I get to keep doing my PhD at my present university?

Thanks

[sah10406]

1. Could they refuse for any obvious reason I'm missing?

No, as long as uit's obvious to the caseworker that it is the same course and that you meet all the Tier 4 requirements including maintenance.

2. Do I have to withdraw from my current university to apply for this new visa?

No, but as soon as you get the new one you are the responsibility of the new university, so you might want to speak to both sides about when they expect you to withdraw/join.

3. Should they refuse my visa, do I get to keep doing my PhD at my present university?

Yes, but obviously if there is a ground for refusal, don't apply.

[MSKF]

I can't think of any grounds for refusal. I have the money and I am a genuine student. I completed 6 months of my PhD at the present university and applied at the other university because the subject expert of my PhD has moved there. My PhD work is a a subset of his work. I was even supposed to work under him. Because he moved, I am trying to switch unis.

Thanks for the response.