Activation of Tier 1 Visa required ?

[LearningCurve]

Hello folks,

I am posting this query on behalf of a friend,

He got his Tier 1 visa in December 08', and hasn't travelled into the UK yet on that visa.

He is now planning to travel in about a weeks time, for a long term assignment.

He now has information from a source that he will not be allowed entry into the country as he has not activated his visa by travelling into the country yet or within some stipulated time period.

He did write to the VFS office in this regard and they wrote back saying there is no such rule and that he may travel into the country for as long his visa is valid.

However his source says, the VFS office knows nothing, this rule has been introduced as part of the new PBS rules and that he wouldn't be allowed to enter.

Is this really the case ? Folks who travelled recently ie., 6+ months after obtaining the visa, pls share your experience with the immigration officer at the entry port. Was this a problem ?

Any help, suggestions, information in this matter is much appreciated.

Thanks,
LC

[aruni4470]

Hello folks,

I am posting this query on behalf of a friend,

He got his Tier 1 visa in December 08', and hasn't travelled into the UK yet on that visa.

He is now planning to travel in about a weeks time, for a long term assignment.

He now has information from a source that he will not be allowed entry into the country as he has not activated his visa by travelling into the country yet or within some stipulated time period.

He did write to the VFS office in this regard and they wrote back saying there is no such rule and that he may travel into the country for as long his visa is valid.

However his source says, the VFS office knows nothing, this rule has been introduced as part of the new PBS rules and that he wouldn't be allowed to enter.

Is this really the case ? Folks who travelled recently ie., 6+ months after obtaining the visa, pls share your experience with the immigration officer at the entry port. Was this a problem ?

Any help, suggestions, information in this matter is much appreciated.

Thanks,
LC

I would ask that particular 'Source' to show some documentary evidence.
Here is the link to the SOP of the new rules and does not state anything about this rule.

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov. ... -of-policy

Also see this http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/faqs/5167621/2969423

Surely he might be asked questions at the immigration for his late arrival into the country. But there is no rule (atleast that I know of) that one should enter the country within 6 months or something like that and would be denied entry into the country.

[LearningCurve]

Oh and I searched the forum before posting that query and found this,

http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewto ... b4230b5cf0

Quote:
Please note that you are also required to activate your Tier One visa by passing through Immigration once it is valid.
UnQuote:

It clearly looks like your Tier 1 visa is activated once you pass through immigration, before your visa expires !

[gd_Shepherd]

You can enter the UK till your visa is valid. You need to be aware that at a time entry on One Visa is permitted as I see you have mentioned something related to long term assignment. If it is Tier-2 Visa, he can enter on Tier-2 and enjoy the stay. In case he needs to be Tier-1, he needs to re-enter UK.

P.S: Trust Trustworthy sources like Tier-1 Guidance or response from UKBA.

Shepherd

[LearningCurve]

Thanks Arun and Shepard.

He is on Tier 1 and is entering for the 1st time on the Tier 1.

His source is his current company immigration cell, who are saying this and aren't providing any documentary evidence as such, but are refusing his travel on this basis.

Although the management are trying their best to get him to the UK, the immigration cell is saying that he would be denied entry anyway because his Tier 1 visa isn't activated yet and that this is based on the new rules.

Any folks who travelled in the last 1 month who could throw some light on this ?

[gd_Shepherd]

Is he going for the assignment with this Visa . Is it some cost cutting move? If he is being processed with any other visa, no need to worry as it will not matter.

Shepherd

[LearningCurve]

Yes he is and no it's not a cost cutting move. A work permit can't be processed for him coz he's not yet 12 months old with the company.

[gd_Shepherd]

I should admit, quite a benevolent company , given that he is not bound to any particular employer whilst on Tier-1

Good Luck to your pal

Shepherd

[LearningCurve]

Ok guys, here's an update.

He got in and is in the UK now. He travelled almost after 18 months of getting his Visa.

There is NO activation of visa within stipulated time blah.

Only question, officer asked him was reason for delay. He gave his reasons and got in.

Thanks a lot guys once again, for the information and support.