Can I switch from Tier 4 to tier 2 visa after GDL?

[PoopyScoopyScooby]

Hi all,

I have completed a GDL last week, and my employer said the visa conversion process would begin next week. But looking at the guidance it seems I have to have completed a Bachelors or Masters degree, and I have just finished a GDL.

Will I be able to switch my visa after the GDL as well? Online sources I've found say I can but nothing on the UKVI or gov.uk website suggests so.

Would anyone know if GDL allows for visa conversion?

Many thanks,

Poopu

[CR001]

I am going to assume that GDL means Graduate Diploma in Law??

Only certain GD's qualify, specifically a Graduate Diploma in Education, otherwise my understanding is that it has to be a Degree certificate.

https://www.gov.uk/tier-2-general/switch-to-this-visa

Eligibility
You must already be in the UK under any of the following visas or schemes:

Tier 1 visa
Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa
Tier 2 (Minister of religion) visa
Tier 2 (Intra company Transfer) visa under the Immigration Rules in place before 6 April 2010 and you’re applying to change sponsor
Tier 4 visa - if you have an eligible qualification, will complete your course in 3 months, or you’ve done at least 12 months of a PhD
Start-up visa
Innovator visa
You can also switch to a Tier 2 (General) visa if you’re:

a dependent partner of someone with a Tier 4 visa
a representative of an overseas business
You must leave the UK and make your Tier 2 (General) application from abroad if you’re not in any of these categories.

Eligible qualifications for Tier 4 visa
You must have been sponsored by a licensed tier 4 sponsor to get one of the following qualifications:

a UK bachelor’s degree
a UK master’s degree
a postgraduate certificate in education
a professional graduate diploma of education

[PoopyScoopyScooby]

Hi CR001,

Thanks a lot for responding.

Yes GDL means Graduate Diploma in Law. I also have a UK BSc from last year, would that qualify me in some way? Could that also be factored into this visa conversion application?

Just FYI, law firms often hire international students who have done either a GDL or LPC, but I do not know how exactly those qualify given the guidance.

I am going to assume that GDL means Graduate Diploma in Law??

Only certain GD's qualify, specifically a Graduate Diploma in Education, otherwise my understanding is that it has to be a Degree certificate.

https://www.gov.uk/tier-2-general/switch-to-this-visa

Eligibility
You must already be in the UK under any of the following visas or schemes:

Tier 1 visa
Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa
Tier 2 (Minister of religion) visa
Tier 2 (Intra company Transfer) visa under the Immigration Rules in place before 6 April 2010 and you’re applying to change sponsor
Tier 4 visa - if you have an eligible qualification, will complete your course in 3 months, or you’ve done at least 12 months of a PhD
Start-up visa
Innovator visa
You can also switch to a Tier 2 (General) visa if you’re:

a dependent partner of someone with a Tier 4 visa
a representative of an overseas business
You must leave the UK and make your Tier 2 (General) application from abroad if you’re not in any of these categories.

Eligible qualifications for Tier 4 visa
You must have been sponsored by a licensed tier 4 sponsor to get one of the following qualifications:

a UK bachelor’s degree
a UK master’s degree
a postgraduate certificate in education
a professional graduate diploma of education