Its my first post... I have been reading many threads on this forum and it has been very useful! Thank you to all who have been posting
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
I just have a question that I haven't been able to find an answer to so far...
I am currently on the Tier 1 Post Study Work visa (granted last August 2008) so it is valid for 2 years until August 2010. From my understanding, the PSW visa is to be used as a bridging visa between student and the full Tier 1, as written on the UKBA website:(http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/worki ... poststudy/)
So it looks like it is encouraged for PSW holders to apply for a switch to Tier 1 as soon as they are able to, presumably when the earnings requirement is reached. Having started work last July 08, I have now (almost) been in work for 12 months and earn more than the earnings requirement, and so have been looking to switch to the Tier 1 General.The category provides a bridge to highly skilled or skilled work. If you are granted permission to stay as a post-study worker, we expect that you will switch into another tier of the points-based system as soon as you are able to
My question is... provided that I get approved for the Tier 1 General, will I get 3 years added on to August 2010 (the date of my PSW expiry), or will it be from 3 years from the date of approval? I have heard that the official line is the latter case, but lots of people have gotten the former when applying 4-6 months before expiry for HSMP->Tier1 switch.
Does anyone have any personal experience, anecdotal evidence, or something confirmed from the HO as to whether the 3 years will be added to the end or not?