How long before I enter UK on Tier-1?

[anubhav78]

Hi gurus,

Just heard from soemone in the UK.
They say that I need to enter the UK within the first six months of my Tier-1 stamping.
I was under the impression that after the stamping I could enter anytime in the next 3 yrs.

It would be great if you could point me to any official guidance which mentions the same.

Thanks
Anubhav

[Vanadil]

The person is correct. You must enter the UK within 6 motnhs of obtaining your Vsia or else it will become invalid.

[suds19]

There is no such restrcition. You can enter anytime within visa validity.
But make sure you have good reason for the immigration officer to be convinced about your delay.

[anubhav78]

Thanks Suds19/Vanadil,

I am still enquiring and I got the same reply as Suds19.
Just wondering, wondering what reasons can I give for my late entry.
I'm an IT professional and its evident that the job market is not conducive right now..
Just need a instinctive feeling from you guys.. Would this recession be a nice reason to convince the immigration officer?

Thanks again to both of you..
Anubhav

[Vanadil]

Sorry perhaps I was too hasty in my response.

please see http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewto ... 899#186899

If you do not enter the UK within 6 motnhs from the start date of the Visa, you do need to provide evidence why you did not enter. I'm not sure in all honesty if the recession would be a valid reason on its own but I should think it would help in an argument. Best to read some guidelines on what does qualify as a reason.

[anubhav78]

That was really helpful Vanadil..

I guess it would affect my ILR application..
Otherwise I dont see anywhere specifically mentioning that I cannot enter after 6 months...
Of course it is preferred but not mandatory..

Thanks,
Anubhav

[push]

That was really helpful Vanadil..

I guess it would affect my ILR application..
Otherwise I dont see anywhere specifically mentioning that I cannot enter after 6 months...
Of course it is preferred but not mandatory..

Thanks,
Anubhav

Yes. See my earlier post in this regard. Should be somewhat helpful.

[sanram]

Hey fellas,

Sort me out!!

I lost my job just before christmas, i was initially on company's work permit for 2 yrs, then switched to HSMP which is due to renewal in oct 2009.

Now i qualify for all points of tier 1, can i apply now as a ''switching application'' into tier 1 from hsmp?...coz in the immigration eligibility it says, hsmp holders can switch and can extend??...so i persume both conditions r valid isnt it?

can i use initial grant switching application coz im applying 10 months earlier than my hsmp expires?

please help.

[push]

Hey fellas,

I lost my job just before christmas, i was initially on company's work permit for 2 yrs, then switched to HSMP which is due to renewal in oct 2009.

Now i qualify for all points of tier 1, can i apply now as a ''switching application'' into tier 1 from hsmp?...coz in the immigration eligibility it says, hsmp holders can switch and can extend??...so i persume both conditions r valid isnt it?

can i use initial grant switching application coz im applying 10 months earlier than my hsmp expires?

please help.

The guidance notes do not say anything about how much in advance of expiry of current leave can someone apply for Tier-1. ppl have been saying that if someone applies before 4-6 weeks of leave expiry they have to support it with some proof. I am of the opinion that one can apply for Tier-1 anytime he wants. However it will be a good idea to get a confirmation from HO. You might want to send them an email