Can I study Masters on Tier1 or Tier1-Dependent visa?

[pb80]

Hi,

I have got an admission offer from a top UK university for a post-graduate (Masters) taught course, which starts in Oct'2010. I'm currently in the UK on HSMP visa, which expires next year in Jun'2011 (some 2-3 months before the course ends). My husband has a Tier-1 visa too.

My question is - can I do my post-graduate studies on Tier 1 visa and when it expires, on Tier-1 Dependent? I understand the rules have changed a bit (like a CAS certificate is issued by the University), hence the question. Also, for Student Visa (Tier-4), I would have to return to my home country, which would be a little difficult for me. So, wanted to explore other options - like studying on Tier1 or Tier1-dependent.

Any help would be highly appreciated.

Thanks,
PB

[geriatrix]

1. Yes. But do check with UKBA directly.
2. CAS is only required when applying for Tier 4. To change to Tier 4, you'll need to return to home country to apply for Tier 4 EC there.


regards

[pb80]

Thank you, that was really useful! I have another question though.

I saw this page - http://intsupport.glam.ac.uk/non-tier-4/ - which says - "You should be aware that immigration officials you encounter, for example, if you leave the UK and re-enter at any point during your stay might want to see evidence that you are undertaking employment in the UK and therefore fulfilling the remit for which the visa was issued. If you are not able to do so and can only provide evidence that you are studying, they may consider that your circumstances have changed since you applied for a visa in a work category. This could result in them cancelling or curtailing that visa on the basis that you should be in the UK with a Tier 4 student visa."

Now this sounds like trouble. Do you think this could be a problem even if I'm `Tier-1 dependent' and not Tier-1 holder?

I'll check with the Home Office as well.

[geriatrix]

Tier 1 dependent, not a problem.
Tier 1, you may face the situation as above.

Unfortunately, there is nothing in the immigration rules that would tell you one way or the other. Hence, best to check with UKBA.


regards

[pb80]

Thank you very much for your help!!

[mhkhan]

Dear All,
I followed this topic and hence I wanted to share with what I learnt from UKBA officer in London over the phone today. He told me that part-time study is permitted on Tier 1 (G) provided you continue being economically active. Their definition of part-time study is less than 20 hours a week of formal study.

This helps me as I am a lecturer on Tier 1 visa and am interested in doing a part-time Phd.

thanks,



[quote="pb80"]Thank you very much for your help!![/quote]

[geriatrix]

pb80, did you / husband apply for HSMP before Nov. 06?


regards

[pb80]

I applied for and got my HSMP in 2008, while my husband got his Tier 1 in 2009.

Regards,

[ukswus]

Thank you, that was really useful! I have another question though.

I saw this page - http://intsupport.glam.ac.uk/non-tier-4/ - which says - "You should be aware that immigration officials you encounter, for example, if you leave the UK and re-enter at any point during your stay might want to see evidence that you are undertaking employment in the UK and therefore fulfilling the remit for which the visa was issued. If you are not able to do so and can only provide evidence that you are studying, they may consider that your circumstances have changed since you applied for a visa in a work category. This could result in them cancelling or curtailing that visa on the basis that you should be in the UK with a Tier 4 student visa."

Now this sounds like trouble. Do you think this could be a problem even if I'm `Tier-1 dependent' and not Tier-1 holder?

I'll check with the Home Office as well.

Tier 1 dependent is definitely not a problem.

My wife has a Tier 1 General dependent visa and also studies for a Master's at the Uni of London. She re-entered UK on numerous occasions in the last year, and never had a problem with immigrations officers.