Switching Tier 4 to Tier 2 (General)

[MaximusNostramus]

Folks I have a query.

My current Tier 4 student visa is due to expire in July 2013. Now, my employer wishes to sponsor me a work permit aka Tier 2 General for which it is a requirement that a student must duly finish their studies before they can apply to switch their immigration category.

After discussing with a solicitor I have been informed that the process of application can actually start after a student has submitted their last piece of work.

Question 1: Can I start applying to switch over after my dissertation submission? I can get a letter from the university stating I have submitted my last coursework and I also have a official transcript from my university of all the modules. Has anyone of you done this??

Question 2: If I do the above, UKBA says that 'if a student finishes their course early they will have only 60 days to remain in the UK'. If this is the case then how long does it take for Tier 2 general inside uk applications to process. Clearly I don't want to be illegally staying over.

I will greatly appreciate your thoughts and advise.

Thank you

[geriatrix]

1. Read the 2 policy guidance to start with.
2. Browse through this topic and see processing times.

[MaximusNostramus]

Dear Mr. Moderator,

Thank you for taking time to reply. Policy guidance does state clearly that certificate, letter or transcript from university is just as valid.

Thank you for clarification. This means I can start the process.

[Greenie]

You need to have completed and passed the course to apply.

[k9]

Please, I am also interested in this topic as I am in the same situation as Maximus. But I need someone to confirm if as Greenie said, you have to wait till the results of the dissertation is out or you can apply once you have submitted your dissertation.

[Greenie]

You need to have completed and passed the course.

245HD(d)