Entry Clearance - Can I Apply within the UK

[klmacko]

If I have my HSMP visa, and come to the UK on a visit to get a job, can I apply for the EC from the UK? or do I have to go back to my original coutry to apply and wait for approval?

[geriatrix]

I hope you mean - If I have a HSMP approval .... (and not HSMP visa, as you claim above, because then why would you need an EC at all?).

EC is an out-country application, so cannot be made from within UK. Moreover, on a visitor visa you cannot make an application to switch from within UK.

regards

[paulp]

You cannot apply for Entry Clearance in-country as you're already in the country. The equivalent you can get in the UK is Leave to Remain but you won't be able to switch from visitor visa to LR on HSMP.

[klmacko]

OK thanks! That's what I thought but I wanted to verify that if I go to the UK with a HSMP approval to find a job, I would still have to come back to get the EC.